Exploring Japan: Understanding The Intricacies Of Japanese Bus Networks

Japan's bus system can be confusing for tourists and even locals, especially as there are often regional differences. Buses are usually a secondary means of transport to the country's famous trains, but they can be very useful, especially in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, and in more rural areas. There are several types of bus services, including route buses, highway buses, and limousine buses. Payment methods vary, with some buses accepting IC cards, and others relying on cash or paper tickets.

Boarding and alighting

Boarding a bus in Japan can be intimidating for foreign tourists, as there are different ticketing systems and English information is often lacking. Here is a step-by-step guide to boarding and alighting Japanese buses:

Boarding the Bus:

• Enter through the designated door: In most cases, passengers are required to enter through the rear door of the bus. However, there are exceptions, such as in Tokyo, where some buses require passengers to enter through the front door.
• Pick up a ticket: Upon entering the bus, look for a small machine near the door and take a ticket. This ticket will have a number printed on it, which will be used later to determine your fare. If you are using an IC card to pay, there is no need to take a ticket. Instead, touch your IC card against the card reader near the door.
• Find a seat: Once you have your ticket or tapped your IC card, look for an available seat. If seats are assigned, make sure to sit in the correct seat.
• Check the display: There will be an electronic display near the driver that shows the next stop. In popular tourist areas, the display may be in English, but this is not always the case. It is helpful to know the kanji or Chinese characters for your destination.

Alighting the Bus:

• Signal your stop: When your stop is approaching, press one of the buttons on the wall or the back of the seat in front of you to alert the driver that you need to depart. These buttons are usually yellow or purple and may have the word "Tomarimasu," which means "will stop."
• Prepare your fare: If you are paying with cash, check the display to determine your fare. Match the number on your ticket with the number and fare on the display. If using an IC card, simply touch your card against the card reader when you exit.
• Pay the fare: As you depart the bus, pay the bus fare. If using a pass or IC card, show or tap your card. If paying with cash, find your ticket number on the display to determine your fare. If you need to make change, use the change machine near the driver. Finally, drop the correct fare along with your ticket into the box next to the driver.

It is important to note that there may be variations in the boarding and alighting process depending on the city and bus company. Additionally, some buses may have different payment methods, such as a flat rate upon entering the bus or tapping your IC card when boarding and alighting. Always be mindful of bus etiquette, such as being courteous to other passengers and respecting the rules.

Fares and ticketing

Flat-Fare System

A common system in metropolitan areas is the flat-fare system, where you pay a basic fee for the entire bus ride, regardless of the distance travelled. This system is used in cities like Osaka and in some cases, you may need to pay a combination of a flat fee and a distance-based rate, or two flat fares if your journey extends beyond the basic flat-fare zones.

Distance-Based Fare System

In contrast, the distance-based fare system is prevalent in the countryside. When boarding, you take a ticket from the ticket box at the doorway, indicating the zone or area you are departing from. A screen at the front of the bus displays the different zones and their corresponding prices. As your journey progresses, the fare increases accordingly. When disembarking, you refer to your ticket number and pay the amount associated with that number on the screen.

Boarding from the Back

Some cities and local areas only allow boarding from the rear door and exiting from the front. In this case, you either pick up a ticket upon boarding or swipe your IC card if the bus charges according to distance. You pay for the distance travelled at the front of the bus before exiting. If it is a flat-fee service, you simply pay the standard fare as you exit.

Boarding from the Front

In areas like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kawasaki, boarding from the front typically requires upfront payment, whether it be a flat fee or a distance-based fare.

Cash Payments

When paying in cash, you are expected to provide the exact change. Place your coins in the clear plastic box next to the driver. If you don't have the exact amount, you can use the change machine located near the payment slot. It is advisable to check beforehand if you have the correct change to avoid congestion when disembarking.

IC Card Payments

IC cards, such as Suica and Pasmo, are convenient for city travel as they can be used on buses, trains, and even vending machines. They usually offer a small discount when used. Depending on the bus system, you tap the IC card when boarding, disembarking, or both. Since different regions have their own systems, it is recommended to check or inquire about the specific IC card usage in your intended travel area.

Highway and Overnight Buses

Long-distance travel, such as highway and overnight buses, is much cheaper than trains. These buses can take you across the country at a very reasonable price, although the trade-off is the time spent travelling and the discomfort of sleeping on a bus. Several companies, including Willer Travel and Keio Dentetsu Bus, cater to international travellers. Bus passes, like the Japan Bus Pass, are also available for unlimited bus travel within a specified period, making them a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travellers.

Etiquette

When taking a bus in Japan, it is important to follow the local etiquette to ensure that your travel is as safe and pleasant as possible for yourself and other passengers. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Boarding and Alighting

When boarding a bus, it is customary to queue in an orderly manner and wait for your turn to board. Do not push or shove, and always give way to passengers who are alighting. Most buses in Japan welcome passengers through the rear door. If the rear door remains closed, you can enter through the front door. When alighting, passengers usually exit through the front door, where they can tap their IC card or pay with a paper ticket.

Queuing

Japan has a strong queuing culture, so it is important to respect the queue when waiting for the bus. Do not cut in line or try to board the bus before those who were already waiting.

Noise Levels

Keep noise levels to a minimum while on the bus. Refrain from talking loudly or engaging in loud conversations. If you need to take a call, it is best to step outside or move to a less crowded area. Keep your phone on silent mode, and turn down the volume when using headphones.

Seats

Priority seating at the front is reserved for the elderly, injured, or pregnant passengers. If you are not in one of these categories and a priority passenger boards the bus, it is considerate to give up your seat. If the bus is crowded, make room for other passengers and hold on to the handles to avoid wobbling during sudden stops. Avoid putting your legs up on the seat in front of you or placing your bag on the seat, blocking it from other passengers.

Food and Trash

Avoid bringing food with a strong smell onto the bus. If you do eat, make sure to dispose of your trash properly. Do not leave any trash on the bus, and bring it with you when you leave.

Interactions

Do not interfere with the bus driver while the bus is in motion. Avoid touching the driver and refrain from any actions that may distract them. It is also considered rude to take photographs or videos of other passengers without their permission. Always ask for their consent before capturing any images.

Other Considerations

• Refrain from smoking on the bus.
• Do not deface or vandalise the bus property or engage in any prohibited activities, such as graffiti.
• Keep personal items with you at all times and do not place them in the aisle or any other areas that may obstruct the pathway.
• Stay buckled up while seated for your safety.
• Avoid walking around once the bus starts moving.

Bus types

Buses in Japan can be broadly categorized into fixed-route buses, tour buses, and long-distance highway buses.

Fixed-Route Buses

Fixed-route buses service urban areas and are used by ordinary passengers for daily commutes to work, school, shopping, etc. They service cities and towns and connect smaller towns, the countryside, and national parks. They have fixed routes and make regular stops. In large cities, flat fares are the norm, but in regional or suburban areas, fares are usually charged based on distance. These buses have little cargo space and are not suitable for large luggage.

Tour Buses

Tour buses depart from terminal stations, airports, etc., in major cities and travel to prominent tourist destinations. They often provide guidance in multiple languages and may offer snacks or meals for an extra fee. Some tour buses even provide overnight services with toilets and large seats.

Long-Distance Highway Buses

Long-distance highway buses run between major cities or between airports and city centers, connecting remote tourist destinations. They have cargo spaces for large suitcases and often offer overnight services with onboard facilities.

Bus routes

Japan's bus system can be confusing, especially as there are often regional differences. Local buses, which operate within cities, towns, and prefectures, can serve as a secondary form of transport to trains or the primary form of public transportation in more rural areas.

In Tokyo, Osaka, and some other large cities, buses are a secondary means of public transportation, complementing the train and subway networks. In cities with less dense train networks, like Kyoto, buses are the main means of public transportation. Buses also serve smaller towns, the countryside, and national parks.

There are several types of bus services: route buses, highway buses, and limousine buses. Route buses go within cities or towns. Highway buses often travel between large cities, and limousine buses connect an air/sea port and a major bus or train station.

Route Buses

The way you board a route bus may vary depending on the route, but there are two major ways to get on a bus.

• Get on at the front door and get off at the rear door. In this case, a fixed fare is applied, and you pay the fare when you get on the bus.
• Get on from the rear door and get off from the front door. In this case, you need to take a numbered ticket from the machine near the door when you get on. When you arrive at your destination, check the fare on the display and put the exact change and the numbered ticket in the box installed near the driver's seat.

The Toei bus service operates in Tokyo's 23 wards and the Tama district. In Tokyo's wards, you get on from the front door and put the exact fare in the fare box. In other areas, you get on from the rear door and pay your fare when you get off.

Other route bus services include:

• Odakyu bus service, which operates in the southwest of Tokyo and in a part of Kanagawa Prefecture
• Keio bus service, which operates mainly along the Keio railway lines in a wide area of western Tokyo
• Keisei bus service, which operates mainly along the Keisei railway lines in eastern Tokyo and the northwest of Chiba Prefecture
• Keikyu bus service, which operates mainly in the southern areas of Tokyo between Shinagawa and Kanagawa Prefecture
• Seibu bus service, which operates in the northwest of Tokyo and the southwest of Saitama Prefecture
• Tokyu bus service, which operates mainly along the Tokyu railway lines in southern Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture
• Tobu bus service, which operates in the northeast of Tokyo, the south and the east of Saitama Prefecture, the northwest of Chiba Prefecture, and the Nikko district

Highway Buses

Highway buses are express buses that travel long distances, usually across multiple prefectures. They are a good option for travellers on a budget, but they generally take more time than other options like the Shinkansen.

You need to purchase a ticket for a highway bus in advance. You can book a ticket online or by phone via the bus company or a ticket agency, and you may be able to pay with a credit card or at convenience stores.

Frequently asked questions