Overnight buses make your Japan trip more reasonable!
Want to travel around Japan on a budget? Then take advantage of overnight buses for long-distance trips! Japan has many famous destinations like Hokkaido, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. While many people choose to travel by plane or bullet train, these options can be quite expensive. Of course, they are great choices, but the costs can add up quickly. In this guide, we’ll dive into how you can save money on transportation and make your trip more affordable.
Advantage of Overnight Buses
Affordable
Overnight buses are significantly cheaper for long-distance travel compared to other options. For example, traveling from Tokyo to Osaka by bullet train costs around 10,000 yen, and by plane, it’s about 7,000 yen. However, with an overnight bus, you can find tickets for as low as 3,000 yen, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Stopovers Along the Way
During long bus rides, there are stops at service areas. Although the time is limited, you can experience unique Japanese service areas, which often offer local snacks and souvenirs, adding a small adventure to your trip.
Convenient Arrival Locations
This is a major advantage compared to flying. Planes usually land at Kansai International Airport, and getting from the airport to Osaka Station can cost around 1,000 yen. In contrast, overnight buses often take you directly to major train stations, saving you money and effort.
Disadvantages of Overnight Buses
Long Travel Time
The extended travel time can be challenging. For example, while the bullet train takes about 2 hours to travel from Tokyo to Osaka, an overnight bus can take around 6 hours or more. Traffic conditions may also cause delays, further extending the journey.
Limited English Support
While overnight buses usually have a system where two or three drivers take turns to ensure safety, some drivers may not speak much English. To communicate effectively, it’s a good idea to use tools like Google Translate for assistance.
How to Book Overnight Buses
There are plenty of ways to book overnight buses. While you can use various platforms, I recommend using websites that Japanese people commonly use. These sites often provide the most reliable and up-to-date information. Of course, you can also use English-language websites to make reservations, which might be more convenient for international travelers. Many articles cover English-friendly booking platforms, so feel free to check those for additional guidance!
How to Buy Tickets On-Site
If you decide to get your ticket on the day of travel, this method is for you! Buying tickets in person before boarding the bus is safe and convenient, with English guidance often available. However, keep in mind that tickets might sell out, especially during peak seasons. For this reason, I recommend booking online whenever possible to secure your seat in advance.
Buying Tickets at Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku)
Shinjuku Station can be overwhelming, even for locals. As one of the most complex stations in the world, navigating it can be tricky. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find your way to Busta Shinjuku and purchase your bus tickets
Exit from the South Gate (Minami-guchi): Look for signs pointing to the “South Exit” or “Busta Shinjuku.” Avoid exiting randomly or taking stairs to street level without checking; it’s easy to get lost. Walk along the platform until you find the South Exit.
Enter Busta Shinjuku: Once at the South Exit, follow the signs to “Busta Shinjuku.” You’ll find an escalator on the right—take it to go up.
Go to the Top Floor: The bus terminal is located on the top floor. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see amenities like convenience stores and restrooms.
Find the Ticket Machines: Look for the ticket vending machines in the terminal. These machines are user-friendly, and you can purchase your ticket there. Some machines even have English instructions, making it easier for international travelers.
By following these steps, you’ll be all set to board your bus without hassle!
The Circle is the escalator to get to the bus terminal
How to Buy Tickets Online
When buying tickets online, the best option is to book directly on the official website of the bus company if you have a preferred provider. However, I usually recommend using comparison sites to find the best options. One such platform is Rakuten Travel, a travel service provided by Rakuten Inc. that allows you to compare and book highway buses easily. Here’s how to book through Rakuten Travel:
Be careful not to click the “English” button on Rakuten Travel’s website. Doing so will redirect you to the international version of the site, which doesn’t support highway bus reservations. To avoid this issue, it’s best to use Google’s auto-translate feature to navigate the Japanese version of the website.
Select the Highway Bus Section: Look for the “Highway Bus” option in the navigation menu or search for buses directly from the main page.
Enter Travel Details: Input your departure and arrival locations, travel date, and the number of passengers. Click the search button to see available buses.
Compare Options: The site will display a list of buses with different companies, prices, departure times, and amenities. Compare them to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Choose and Book: After selecting a bus, follow the booking instructions. You’ll need to fill in your details (name, email, etc.) and make a payment online.
Receive Confirmation: Once your booking is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Make sure to keep this email handy, as it will have your ticket or booking details.
Using Rakuten Travel simplifies the process by allowing you to explore multiple options in one place, ensuring you get the best deal for your trip.
