Want to travel around Japan by bus, but not sure how to book highway buses in Japan?
For international travelers asking that question, this article summarizes “how to book highway buses in Japan without any mistakes.”

Highway buses are a very convenient way for travelers to get around Japan. They connect major cities such as Tokyo ⇔ Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Mt. Fuji, Yokohama, and if you take a night bus, you can save both travel time and accommodation costs.

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Japan’s Highway Bus System Is a Bit Complicated

Japan’s highway buses are not centrally managed by the government. Instead, JR bus companies, private bus companies, and local transportation companies all operate their own services.

Because of this:

• There are many routes, but the booking websites are scattered
• Fares, seat types, and onboard services differ by company
• Each city has different major bus terminals

These are the main characteristics of the system.

But don’t worry.
In this article, focusing on major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka, we’ll show you
how to book highway buses in Japan without getting confused, even on your first trip.

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If You’re Booking Highway Buses in Japan, These 3 Sites Are Enough

Highway buses in Japan run nationwide, connecting cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya.
However, because there are many routes and different booking sites, it can be confusing for first-time visitors to Japan.

That’s why we confidently recommend these three booking sites as “the only ones you really need to know.”

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Highwaybus.com | The First Site to Check, with the Largest Number of Routes

The most reliable all-in-one site for searching highway buses across Japan is kosokubus.com.
It is one of the largest highway bus search and comparison sites in Japan, covering almost all major city routes such as Tokyo ⇔ Osaka, Tokyo ⇔ Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko), and Yokohama ⇔ Nagoya. Another strong point is that you can search and book many local routes that are not available on Klook or Trip.com.

It makes it easy to compare fares and seat types, so it’s ideal for:
“Travelers who already know their origin and destination cities”
“Travelers who want to compare as many options as possible”

It also covers night buses nationwide, making it perfect for comparing long-distance routes.
The site is available in English, Chinese, and Korean, so international travelers can use it comfortably.

Recommended for:
✔ Travelers who want to see what buses are available between two cities
✔ Travelers who want to compare as many routes as possible
✔ Travelers who want to check night bus options
✔ Travelers going from Tokyo or Yokohama to local cities

→ It’s the best site to open first when you start planning your highway bus trip in Japan.

Another convenient feature is that many popular destinations are available as preset options, so you can search quickly without typing everything from scratch.

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Klook | Convenient When Booking Buses Together with Activities and Tickets

Klook is best known for attraction tickets, activities, and rail passes, but it also lets you book bus routes to major sightseeing spots.
It offers strong multi-language support and smooth overseas card payments, so it is
very popular among international travelers who want to book highway buses in Japan without stress.

It is especially strong for popular sightseeing routes such as:

• Tokyo → Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko)
• Shinjuku/Shibuya → Nikko
• Tokyo → Kyoto/Osaka

The screen layout is easy to understand, reviews are plentiful, and even first-time visitors to Japan can book with confidence.
e-tickets that you can show on your smartphone only are also very convenient.

Since many major routes are provided as selectable options, it is quick and simple to book buses when you are heading to well-known tourist destinations.

Recommended for:
✔ Travelers going to Mt. Fuji, Nikko, and other major sightseeing spots by bus
✔ Travelers who prefer a simple, easy-to-understand booking screen
✔ Travelers who want to complete booking and boarding just with a smartphone
✔ Travelers who feel safer using a site that fully supports overseas card payments

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Trip.com | Ideal for Travelers Who Want to Manage Flights, Hotels, and Buses Together

Trip.com is a popular travel platform where you can manage flights, hotels, trains, and more in a single app.
Highway buses in Japan are also available within Trip.com, and it is especially convenient in cases like the following:

• Shuttle buses connecting airports and city centers
• Highway buses to sightseeing spots
• Travelers who want to manage inter-city transport within the same itinerary

It is strong in handling overseas payments and allows you to manage your entire trip via the app,
so it is a great match for travelers who think,
“I want to book everything in one single app—flights, hotels, and buses.”

Recommended for:
✔ Travelers who want to book flights, hotels, and buses in one app
✔ Travelers who already use Trip.com regularly
✔ Travelers who also want to arrange airport access together
✔ Travelers who prefer easier itinerary management

→ It is the best choice for travelers who want to manage everything—flights from home, highway buses in Japan, and hotels—within a single platform.

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Summary: How to Use These 3 Sites Wisely

• Want to compare routes nationwide → Use Highwaybus.com
• Going to sightseeing spots easily → Use Klook
• Want to manage flights, hotels, and buses together → Use Trip.com

If you use these three sites according to your travel style, you will never get lost when booking highway buses in Japan.

Make the most of highway buses and enjoy an amazing trip around Japan.

Basic Guide to Highway Bus Travel in Japan (Popular Routes and Major Terminals)

Popular Daytime Highway Bus Routes

In Japan, many highway buses run between cities during the day, and there are plenty of direct buses to major sightseeing areas. The following routes are especially popular among international travelers and are frequently searched online.

• Tokyo → Mt. Fuji / Kawaguchiko (Fuji-Q area)
  About 2 hours direct. This is the classic route for Mt. Fuji sightseeing, and seats can sell out on weekends and peak seasons, so early booking is recommended.
• Tokyo → Nagoya / Osaka / Kyoto
  Cheaper than the Shinkansen, this route is popular with budget-conscious travelers.
• Tokyo → Nikko / Kinugawa
  A convenient route that takes you directly to popular areas known for World Heritage sites and beautiful nature.
• Yokohama → Shizuoka / Nagoya
  Often less crowded than Tokyo departures, so buses from Yokohama can be easier to book.
• Nagoya → Takayama (Hida area)
  Seats often sell out in winter and autumn foliage seasons, so booking early is recommended.

Popular Night Bus Routes

Night buses let you save both travel time and accommodation costs, so they are widely used by travelers making long-distance journeys. There are various seat types, and more and more buses focus on comfort.

• Tokyo → Osaka / Kyoto
  The most popular night bus route in Japan, with many services departing late at night and arriving early in the morning.
• Tokyo → Kanazawa
  Allows you to start sightseeing in Kanazawa from the morning, making it an efficient way to travel.
• Tokyo → Hiroshima
  Cheaper than the Shinkansen, this route is a classic for students and backpackers.
• Yokohama → Kansai area
  Buses departing from Yokohama are often less crowded, so you may find a quieter and more comfortable ride.
• Osaka → Fukuoka
  Ideal for travelers who want a cost-effective long-distance connection to Kyushu.

Knowing the Major Bus Terminals Makes Travel Easier

Each city has its own main highway bus terminals. Knowing these in advance makes searching for buses and boarding them much smoother.

Tokyo

• Busta Shinjuku
  The largest highway bus terminal in Japan, where many nationwide routes depart and arrive.
• Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit
  Offers many routes to Mt. Fuji, central Japan, and the Kansai area.
• Shibuya Mark City
  Used frequently for Mt. Fuji routes and very popular among international travelers.

Yokohama

• Yokohama Station East Exit (around YCAT)
  The main hub for highway buses departing from Yokohama, generally less crowded than Tokyo terminals.
• Yokohama City Air Terminal
  A departure and arrival point for airport buses and some long-distance buses.

Osaka

• Osaka Station JR Highway Bus Terminal
  A major terminal connecting the Kansai region with the rest of Japan.
• Namba Highway Bus Terminal
  A regional hub with many routes to Shikoku, the Nanki area, and other destinations.

Tips for Traveling by Highway Bus in Japan (For International Travelers)

• The standard is one suitcase plus a small carry-on bag
  Large suitcases are usually stored in the luggage compartment under the bus. For popular routes, it is safer to line up a little early before departure.
• Check seat types and choose based on comfort
  4-row seats are the cheapest, 3-row independent seats are more comfortable, and premium seats are designed so that you won’t get too tired even on long trips.
• Book early for popular destinations like Mt. Fuji and Takayama
  In busy seasons, buses are often fully booked several days in advance.
• Yokohama departures are a hidden gem
  Even if buses from Tokyo are full, you might still find available seats on departures from Yokohama.
• Onboard Wi-Fi and power outlets differ by company
  Be sure to check the listed facilities on the booking page before you reserve.