Highway Bus (Coach) Companies and Major Routes in Japan
Transportation
07.11.2024
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, consider highway buses (coach) as an option for getting around. Compared to trains or flights, highway buses are generally cheaper, and many companies offer a wide selection of routes along with comfortable onboard amenities. In this guide, we’ll introduce some top highway bus companies and popular routes that are especially convenient for international travellers.
Why Choose Highway Buses for Travelling Around Japan? First and foremost, they’re often much more affordable than trains or flights, which is particularly helpful for those on a budget.
It’s not just the price—many express buses in Japan are equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets so you can charge your smartphone or laptop while travelling. There are even luxury bus services that feature private seats and comfortable lounge areas, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences. Additionally, many companies have started providing English-language support.
The convenience is worth noting too. Unlike regular trains, highway buses guarantee you a seat, and unlike flights, you don’t need to travel all the way to an airport. With door-to-door travel, you might even reach your destination faster than by train or plane.
In addition to routes between major cities, highway buses offer direct trips to popular attractions, which is especially convenient for tourists. For those looking to maximise their sightseeing time, overnight buses are also widely available, allowing you to sleep during the journey and wake up at your destination.
Highway Bus Companies in Japan
JR Bus Group
photo from JR Kanto
The JR Bus Group, part of the Japan Rail (JR) network, includes regional companies like JR Bus Kanto, West Japan JR Bus, and JR Hokkaido Bus. They provide extensive coverage across Japan with a strong focus on reliability and safety.
With terminals located at major JR train stations, it’s convenient for tourists unfamiliar with Japan’s geography. Note that JR highway bus routes are not covered by the JR Pass.
Popular among international tourists, WILLER EXPRESS offers an English-friendly booking site. This company covers routes from North to South and provides a variety of seating options, such as spacious 3-seat rows and capsule-style seats, to accommodate different budgets and travel preferences.
VIP Liner is well known for its comfortable lounge services, featuring amenities like free drinks and massage chairs. Its routes mainly cover the Kanto, Kansai, and Hokuriku regions, with particularly popular overnight buses connecting Tokyo and Osaka. Although VIP Liner’s prices are slightly higher than other companies, they offer excellent comfort for those willing to pay a bit more.
Sakura Kanko Bus is a great choice for budget travellers. This company offers affordable fares without compromising on essentials like Wi-Fi and power outlets on most routes. Sakura Kanko Bus provides many overnight routes, covering from north to south .
Orion Bus connects major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Though they are known for their low cost buses with basic service, they also offer better seating options with excellent value for money. Orion Bus also provides discounted travel packages that include hotel stays or tickets to attractions, ideal for tourists looking to make the most of their trip.
Japan’s highway bus system offers convenient direct routes to numerous tourist destinations, making it an excellent option for international travellers. Here are some of the most popular routes, along with approximate travel times and fare ranges:
Tokyo – Kyoto/Osaka (Kansai Area) Route
This is the most popular route in Japan, linking Tokyo with Kyoto and Osaka. Many companies operate both daytime and overnight services, with a variety of seat types and schedules available.
Some buses even connect Tokyo directly to USJ in Osaka, as well as offering direct routes from cities in the Kansai area to Disneyland in Tokyo. Travel time for this route is approximately 7-9 hours, with fares ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 yen one way.
Tokyo – Mount Fuji/Kawaguchiko Route
This route is particularly popular among international visitors. Direct buses depart from central Tokyo like Shinjuku or Tokyo Station and head to Kawaguchiko, a base for Mount Fuji sightseeing, or the Mount Fuji 5th Station. Bus schedules vary by season, so it’s best to check in advance. The journey takes about 2-2.5 hours, with fares ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 yen one way.
Osaka – Hiroshima/Fukuoka Route
There are also several highway bus routes linking western Japan’s major cities, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. The Osaka to Hiroshima trip takes around 4-5 hours, with fares between 3,000 and 5,000 yen, while the Osaka to Fukuoka route takes 8-10 hours, costing around 4,000 to 8,000 yen one way.
Tokyo – Kanto Koshin and Tohoku Regions Route
The northern Kanto and Tohoku regions are rich with natural attractions, especially during the winter for ski tourists or onsen. For example, Tokyo to Hakuba ski resort takes around 4.5-5.5 hours, with fares between 4,000 and 6,000 yen. Tokyo to Sendai, which is the biggest city in the Tohoku region, takes 5-6 hours, with fares between 2,500 and 5,500 yen one way.
As you have learnt, highway buses in Japan provide a convenient and comfortable way to travel across the country. With affordable fares, onboard amenities, and direct routes to top tourist destinations, they’re an excellent choice for visitors looking to explore Japan. For your next trip, consider taking a highway bus to enjoy your journey across Japan’s many beautiful regions!
