Most large cities have a local public bus network to complement trains, subway or trams. Check out how to uses them at Local Buses.

Highway Buses

Highway buses are a cheap alternative to trains for long and medium distance travel in Japan. There’s an extensive network of daytime and overnight highway bus lines. See your options at Highway Buses.

Night Buses

If you’re on a tight budget, a time-efficient yakō basu (夜行バス) or night bus make an intriguing option that also save on a night’s accommodation costs for those on a budget.

Night Buses@JNTO

Operators & passes

Make reservations on various bus lines all over the country at Japan Bus Lines or Japan Expressway Bus Net.

Willer Express is a discount bus operator with a wide network. It is one of the few operators which has an online reservation system in English. Willer also sells the Japan Bus Pass, a cheap bus pass which can be used on overnight and daytime long distance buses on the network of Willer Express on 3, 5 or 7 days of your choice within two months from purchase.

Alpico Group is great for hikers wanting to go to Kamikōchi and the North Alps from Tōkyō, Kyōto or Osaka - running overnight buses that arrive at various trailheads in the morning.