During our travels in Japan, my boyfriend and I decided to take a different approach to getting around the country—we hopped on four overnight buses. Why buses, you ask? Well, there were a few reasons that made overnight buses the perfect choice for us:
- Cost-Effective: we didn’t need to spend extra money on an Airbnb for the night.
- Maximized Daytime: By traveling overnight, we didn’t waste any precious daytime hours on transit.
- Affordable Alternative: Shinkansen (bullet trains) are amazing but can be pretty expensive.
- Luggage-Friendly: We had a lot of stuff to carry, and the buses offered ample storage.
If you’re considering taking an overnight bus in Japan, here’s what you should look for, how we booked our trips, what you can expect, and some tips to make your journey smoother.
Our Overnight Bus Journey in Japan
We took several overnight buses during our trip in Japan, starting from Narita Airport to Komoro, Nagano, then from Komoro to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka, and finally, Osaka back to Tokyo.
Honestly, the day after we landed, I slept through most of the bus ride back. All the buses we booked were super comfortable, except for one where we ended up in the front two seats, which wasn’t the best (more on this later).
Overall, I found the buses to be quite comfy, but my boyfriend had a different experience—he found them super uncomfortable. If you’re a light sleeper, this might not be the best travel option for you. However, if you’re a heavy sleeper and can handle some noise and movement, overnight buses can be a great way to get around.
What It’s Like:
You need to book your tickets in advance, either online or at the bus terminal—you can’t just buy them from the driver. We booked all our tickets online. The buses pick you up at a bus terminal, and in one case, the waiting area was inside a random building. When it was time to board, they actually walked us as a group to the bus stop. So, I’d recommend getting there much earlier than you think, just to make sure you’re in the right place.
You’re limited in how many bags you can bring, depending on the bus. No oversized baggage is allowed, but we had a carry-on and a personal bag, and it was fine. We stored the carry-on under the bus and kept our essentials in the personal bag.
The seats were as comfortable as bus seats can be, and many of the buses had nice features like charging ports. One of the buses even had a sleep pod setup, with a cover similar to those on baby strollers, which had a phone holder so you could watch movies without the light bothering other passengers.
The buses stop every 2-3 hours at rest stops where you can get out to stretch, use the bathroom, or grab something from the vending machines. The stops are short, about 15 minutes, so keep track of time. The drivers do a head count, so you’re unlikely to be left behind, but it’s good to be considerate of everyone’s time.
One thing that really stood out was when we arrived in Tokyo early—like, before 5 am. The bus driver actually apologized over the speaker and then again to each passenger as we got off. At first, I thought it was a bit extra—I didn’t mind being early—until I realized nothing was open at that hour. Suddenly, the apology made a lot more sense!
Overall, I didn’t hate the experience, but I would definitely reserve overnight buses for longer trips (6-8+ hours). Otherwise, it can be pretty uncomfortable arriving somewhere in the middle of the night with nothing to do and nowhere to check in, and not getting a full night’s rest.
What to Look for in an Overnight Bus
When choosing an overnight bus, there are a few key features that can make your journey more comfortable:
- Charging Cable: Some buses offer USB charging ports or power outlets, so you can keep your devices charged throughout the trip.
- Sleep “Pods”: Certain buses have reclining seats with extra privacy, almost like a mini pod, which can help you sleep better.
- Wi-Fi: Not all buses have Wi-Fi, so it’s worth checking ahead of time if you’ll need to stay connected.
How We Booked Our Bus Tickets
Booking an overnight bus in Japan is straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Plan Your Route: First, figure out where you’re headed. Many bus routes have multiple stops, so you need to know exactly when the bus will arrive at your stop.
- Ticket on Your Phone: Once you book, make sure to have your ticket ready to scan on your phone—this is usually how boarding works.
- Gender-Specific Buses: Some buses are male or female-only, so be careful when booking to ensure you’re on the right one.
What to Expect on an Overnight Bus
Overnight bus travel in Japan is quite the experience, and here’s what you can generally expect:
- Breaks: The bus will stop for breaks along the way, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and grab a snack.
- Respectful Passengers: People on these buses are usually very respectful and quiet, making it easier to catch some sleep.
- Luggage Storage: Your larger bags will be stowed in the luggage compartment under the bus, so keep a personal bag with essentials (like your phone, charger, and snacks) handy.
Tips for a Better Bus Journey
To make the most of your overnight bus experience, here are some tips:
- Bring Gravol or Melatonin: If you have trouble sleeping upright, melatonin can help you doze off, and Gravol is great if you’re prone to motion sickness.
- Sleep is Key: Honestly, the best use of your time on the bus is to sleep, so try to get as comfortable as possible.
- Plan Your Arrival: Make sure you have a plan for when you get to your destination. We didn’t plan this well, and arriving at 6-7 am when nothing is open can be a bit awkward.
- Pack Headphones + Charger: Headphones can help drown out noise, and a charger is essential if your bus offers power outlets.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: Where you sit matters. We learned the hard way that sitting at the front means you’ll get woken up at every stop, and the driver’s dash can be quite bright.
- Know Your Stop: Double-check where your stop is earlier on in the trip so you’re prepared.
- Use Coin Lockers: If you arrive early or have time to kill before your bus leaves, coin lockers at train stations are a lifesaver. You can leave your stuff and explore the city without lugging everything around.
Ideas for Early/Late Arrivals
Sometimes you’ll arrive at your destination either very early in the morning or late at night. Here’s how to make the most of that time:
- Late Night Onsens/24/7 Onsens: These are perfect for unwinding and killing time if you arrive late at night.
- Internet Cafes: A great spot to relax, charge your devices, and even nap for a few hours.
- McDonald’s: When all else fails, there’s usually a McDonald’s nearby where you can grab a coffee and wait for the city to wake up.
