Japan On A Budget: Traveling Between CitiesFor most domestic travel within Japan, the Shinkansen offers a fast, efficient, and comfortable alternative to flying. Flying, on the other hand, remains the most practical way to visit Japan's outlying islands, particularly for connections from the mainland to Hokkaido and Okinawa. Highway buses (Kosoku Bus = 高速バス) are an inexpensive alternative to trains for long-distance travel in Japan. They are also known for their punctuality and efficiency, making them a reliable mode of transportation. The ease of booking tickets online and the option to choose from various seating arrangements add to the overall convenience. The bus routes often cover more remote or scenic areas that may not be easily accessible by train, providing a unique travel experience. On a highway bus, the journey becomes part of the adventure—a chance to unwind and soak up the scenery through panoramic windows. Overall, highway buses provide a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore Japan without breaking the bank. Additionally, the availability of overnight bus services can also help save time and money during longer journeys. The combination of affordability and convenience makes them a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike. WILLER Travel Highway Buses & ServicesWILLER Travel (ウィラー・トラベル) is a leading discount bus operator with a wide network spanning almost the entire country. Willer Travel offers online reservations for interregional bus travel, not only for Willer buses but also for many buses from other companies. It is one of the best-known bus operators for foreign travelers, as their website has an easy online reservation page in English and several other languages. The booking can be done by phone as well. WILLER Travel ShuttlesThose who are visiting Tokyo by air can travel between Narita Airport and Tokyo (Ikebukuro station west exit) using Willer’s Narita Airport Shuttle. Bookings can be made up to 10 minutes prior to departure. Moreover, you can also make a reservation for airport buses from some of the major airports throughout Japan, such as New Chitose Airport, Narita Airport, Chubu International Airport, Itami Airport, Takamatsu Airport, and Fukuoka Airport, to different destinations. WILLER ToursIn addition to highway bus tickets, Willer Travel is offering various bus tours to popular destinations, including seasonal tours, theme parks tours, and sightseeing trains. There are several tours to the Mt. Fuji area on the list, including the 1-Day Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival as well as the 2-Day Mt. Fuji Climbing Tour with an English-speaking guide. You can also book a bus and hotel as a set plan at a more reasonable price than booking them separately. Willer's low-cost tours are popular with bus tour enthusiasts who want to explore distinct parts of Japan during different seasons. Japan Bus PassWiller Travel's major strong point for foreigners is the Japan Bus Pass, which is a pass for long-distance travel. It offers bus ride on overnight and daytime buses operated by Willer Travel. The pass is a great offer for low budget travelers who are willing to spend some nights on a bus and save on accommodation. All foreigners (visitors, students, and residents - holders of non-Japanese passports) regardless of visa type or length of stay can purchase and use Japan Bus Pass. Obviously, visitors can purchase the pass even after arriving in Japan. You can purchase Japan Bus Pass on the Willer Travel website. Payments are accepted by most major credit cards. Japan Bus Pass is similar to Japan Rail Pass, which is also popular with tourists and offers unlimited rail travel across all routes of the six Japan Railways Group companies. Japan Bus Pass Validity
Seats And AmenitiesWiller Travel buses are equipped with comfortable, reclining seats, which are arranged in rows of three and four. Generally, all seats have a private monitor, an electric outlet, a blanket, and a canopy to be used when sleeping. You can keep your small bag on the overhead rack and large suitcases in the luggage trunk. Usually, there is a limit of one or two large pieces of luggage per passenger. Most buses have on-board restrooms and/or make regular restroom breaks along the way. Premium buses are also available, and naturally, the more luxurious, the more expensive, but even at the top range, you’re still paying less money than you would for a Shinkansen ticket. Payment MethodsWiller offers a wide range of payment options. Credit cards; Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and American Express are accepted. Also, you can pay at convenience stores like Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop, and Seicomart. WeChat Pay and Alipay+ QR payments are also accepted. Willer Travel has a dynamic pricing model, meaning fares are based on the day of the week, the time of day, whether it's a daytime or overnight bus, the type of seating on the bus, and how far in advance the ticket is purchased. Ticket BookingOn the website, you can book bus tickets as a guest or choose to register and become a Willer member. Willer members can earn Willer Points and use them along with online discount coupons to save money. Registered members also save time as information is saved so it does not have to be typed in again when booking trips in the future. Boarding LocationsMake sure to confirm the location of bus terminals and stops before completing your reservation. Most highway buses start and finish their journeys at or near major stations, but some are located in inconvenient areas along the highway. All details will be included in the confirmation email you receive when you book a ticket online. Willer provides the map URL of the boarding location in the reservation confirmation email. By clicking the URL and using the Google Map function, you can find your way to the correct boarding location. Arrive at the boarding location at least 15 minutes before the departure time specified in the reservation confirmation email. The bus will depart on time and will not wait for late passengers. Find your bus at the bus stop and show the reservation confirmation email to the bus driver to get on the bus. If you paid at the convenience store, you need to show the receipt you received at the convenience store. Willer’s frequently asked questions would answer all you need to know. Highway buses are not only an economical way of traveling
but can be the best choice to enjoy the beautiful scenery and feel the real Japan
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