Highway Buses & Night Buses

Japan's highway buses can be excellent: clean, reliable, and often much cheaper than trains.

When to Use Highway Buses

• You're traveling on a budget
• Your route is awkward by rail
• You prefer direct city-center to city-center travel

Night Buses

Night buses can save one night's accommodation and free up a day, but comfort varies.

Pros

• Lower cost than shinkansen
• Many direct routes
• Can be easy with luggage

Cons

• Longer travel time
• Comfort depends on seat class
• Arrival time can be very early

Practical Tips

• Choose higher seat classes for overnight routes if you value sleep
• Bring eye mask and earplugs
• Have a plan for early arrival (breakfast spot or lounge)

Common Mistakes

• Booking the cheapest overnight option and expecting deep sleep
• Not accounting for rest needs the next day