Whether you're chasing cherry blossoms, exploring iconic temples and shrines, or discovering a new city, the Japan Bus Pass is a budget friendly way to experience Japan to the fullest.
The Japan Bus Pass by Willer Travel provides flexible access to highway buses and overnight buses, saving costs on long distance travel and accommodations.
The Pass
The Japan Bus Pass is highly recommended for long distance, overnight travel and is available as a 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day pass. Travel days do not have to be consecutive and just need to fall within the same two-month period. Reservations must be made in advance to board a bus. You are only allowed to book up to three express buses per day.
Listed below are some example routes covered by the Japan Bus Pass. This list is not exhaustive.
- Tokyo ⇔ Sendai
- Tokyo ⇔ Osaka/Kyoto
- Tokyo ⇔ Hiroshima
- Osaka/Kyoto ⇔ Hiroshima
- Osaka/Kyoto ⇔ Fukuoka/Saga
Make sure to double check the website for other routes covered by the pass.
The JBL Pass vs. the Japan Bus Pass
The Japan Bus Pass is largely the same as the JBL Pass. Its most significant differences are that it is limited to Willer Express buses (while the JBL Pass covers buses across numerous operators), is slightly cheaper, and does not cover most of northern Japan (Tohoku and Hokkaido).
Prices
The Japan Bus Pass is available as a 3-day, 5-day and 7-day pass.
| Pass Type | 3 days | 5 days | 7 days |
| Mon–Thu | ¥10,200 | ¥12,800 | ¥15,300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Days | ¥12,800 | ¥15,300 | N/A |
Purchase
To purchase the pass, create an account on the Willer Travel website. Once purchased, the pass will be linked to your account. You can book buses under the “Bus Pass Management” tab.
Usage
The Japan Bus Pass is ticketless and all bookings must be done on the official website. Once you’ve booked your ticket, arrive at the pick-up location and show the bus driver your reservation confirmation email and passport for boarding.
You are only allowed to book up to three express buses per day, such as two daytime buses and one overnight bus.
For the purposes of the pass, buses scheduled to depart from 12am to 3am are a part of the previous day. For example, an overnight bus departing between 12am to 3am on Monday counts as a Sunday departure.
If you need to change or cancel your booking, the pass will return to “unused status.” Changes and cancellations are not allowed after the departure time.
Overall
The Japan Bus Pass is an excellent option for travelers looking for a flexible, budget friendly way to explore Japan. With its cost efficient pricing and overnight travel options, it’s especially ideal for those journeying long distances while saving on accommodations.
