How to ride a bus in Japan - Visit in Japan

Japan is famous for its trains, perhaps everyone knows it, but in addition to trains, buses are also one of the most widely used means of transport.

May 8, 2022 - 10:13
Feb 16, 2024 - 10:58
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How to ride a bus in Japan - Visit in Japan

1. Why are buses used a lot in Japan?

Japan is famous for its very modern transportation system with extremely developed subways and land trains. However, not every place has as many rails as in Tokyo or Osaka, so if you want to go to villages or small cities, the bus is probably the most convenient.

2. How to use the bus in Japan

Bus stations

You can check the bus's operating time and timetable at the stops or look it up on the map like Vietnam. However, most bus timetables are related to train timetables. But many times the bus does not arrive on time due to traffic jams. Bus operation time is from 6am to 10pm, 20-30 minutes/trip in off-peak hours, 8-10 minutes/trip in peak hours.

The direction of the bus

Each bus, each bus stop has a clear direction, you check the time and stand at the right station and go on the right route. If you do not know the direction to run, ask the driver, or accompanying passenger.

Go on bus

Remember when you wait at bus stops, if you see the bus you are waiting for, raise your hand and wave and get on the bus.

Depending on the bus route, the payment method is different:

  • Prepaid bus: Same price from start to finish
  • Pay Later Bus: You get the number when you board the bus. When you get off the bus, look at the electronic board of the car and pay the correct amount.
  • When getting off the bus

When you get to the bus stop that you get off, press the button to get off the bus. If you're taking a post-paid fare, look at the fare on the fare table, then put the money and the numbered ticket in the toll box of the vending machine next to the driver's seat.

3. How to pay for bus tickets in Japan

There are 4 ways to pay for bus fare:

  • Pay with cash: When you step on right at the door you will see a machine that issues the station number and you have to pick it up. This ticket will determine how much you will have to pay when you get off the bus.
  • Pay by bus ticket
  • Pay by ID card (purchased at a ride-hailing station):  You can buy a card at the station, within which there will be about 1500-2000 yen available for you to pay while riding.
    Get in the car and tell the driver to ask for more money.
  • Pay by prepaid card

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