Alternative to trains in Japan

10/29/2017 9:40:02 AM

A day after typhoon, with no bus and no train available at that day, we took taxi between Myiazu and Fukuchyama (somewhat about 50 km I think). The driver discussed something over his phone and, I think, re-planed the route around some closed road.

If was most saving budget travel ever for me as it saved the airline tickets were were about to lose, being unable to come to the airport at time. The price was about 18 000 yen, nothing insane for three people.

5/30/2013 8:56:09 AM

When I was last in Tokyo (Ocotober 2012) they were advertising a tourists day pass for Tokyo. I think it allowed for unlimited train travel for the day for 1,000 yen. Might only have been in and around Tokyo though.

5/24/2013 12:06:46 PM

Another alternative, are domestic flights; however, these can be as pricey as some of the Shinkansen train rides, but they are quicker.

But to see the scenery, the Highway Bus, as mentioned is the way to go. I lived in Japan for 4 years and travelled quite extensively across the country, using all 3 main modes of transport – I don’t have a favourite per se, but I have to say that the Highway bus journey was comfortable, albeit a little cramped (for me being 6’5), and very enjoyable – a very pleasant way to see the countryside roll by.

5/24/2013 9:57:17 AM

The Seishun 18 ticket is great, but for any lengthy journeys (Tokyo -> Kyoto, for example), it’s a bit of a pain requiring lots of changes and takes longer than the bus. However, used well it is extremely cheap.

As an alternative Willer Express, a budget highway bus company, offers the Japan Bus Pass. It allows 3, 4 or 5 days travel within 2 months for 10, 12 or 14,000 yen respectively. The pass can be used for daytime or overnight travel. On each ‘day’ of the pass you can either take:

  • 1 or 2 daytime bus(es)
  • 1 overnight bus
  • 1 daytime + 1 overnight bus

The days can be used at any point during the 2 months, allowing you to stop over or use other forms of transport along the way. Of course this is only good for routes that Willer Express serves, however that covers most of the urban centres in Japan.

Note: the bus pass must be purchased outside of Japan, but is usable by tourists and residents alike.

5/24/2013 9:44:00 AM

An (often cheaper) alternative to trains are highway buses – especially when you use overnight routes that save you one night of accomodation. I’m not aware of any JRP-like flatrate tickets though.

Another very interesting option is the Seishun 18 ticket, which allows 5 (unconnected) days of unlimited JR train use for 11,500 yen – but only using local/regional trains, so for long-distance travel you have to change trains a lot and take much longer than with the Shinkansen (up to 4 times as long on some routes). Unfortuantely, it is only available/valid during holiday seasons.

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Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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