With iconic top-speed bullet trains to get you across the country, it’s common for visitors to overlook Japan’s much cheaper overnight bus.
In this post, I’ll be recounting my journey from Kyoto to Tokyo via Kosoku Bus. As Japan’s largest overnight bus booking company, you can travel from Osaka all the way to Tokyo for just 3,000 yen (20 USD), a trip that typically costs around 15,000 yen via bullet train (100 USD).
Peace & Quiet
Booking with Kosoku Bus is super easy and can all be done online. Once booked, simply go to the bus pick-up point at the appropriate time as outlined in your confirmation email.
If you have a big suitcase or backpack, the bus conductor will store it in the baggage compartment on the side of the bus.
At first glance, the inside of the bus looks like any other public bus, except it has curtains that separate the seats to give you more privacy.
This photo was taken before the bus departed, but once the bus is moving all the lights will be turned off and the window curtains shut to create an almost pitch-black, pin-drop silent atmosphere that makes it easy to sleep.
Charging Ports
Admittedly, I found it very difficult to fall asleep on the overnight bus, much in the same way as I struggle with flights.
Fortunately, each seat comes with a charging port for your devices, and given the trip from Kyoto to Tokyo takes around 6 hours, playing around on my phone definitely helped pass the time.
There is also a pouch in front of you to keep your personal belongings as well as a cupholder for any drink bottles you bring along.
While you are allowed to eat food on the bus, I’d advise you to do so quietly and to refrain from eating anything with a strong scent so as not to inconvenience the other passengers.
Plenty Of Rest Stops Along The Way
While some overnight buses come with public toilets onboard, the majority of them do not.
Hence, there are around 3 or 4 rest stops along the way where you will have about 15–20 minutes to get off the bus, use the restroom, buy food and drinks, and/or simply go for a quick walk to get the blood flowing.
Despite the many rest stops along the way, I found myself only using it once for the toilet, albeit because I drank too much water onboard and couldn’t sleep (silly me).
So, if you’re a budget buyer like myself who refuses to pay big bucks for the bullet train, consider taking an overnight bus for a fraction of the cost while enjoying a unique adventure across Japan!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!