Japan can be expensive but doesn’t have to be. A Japan bus pass från Willer Express is probably the cheapest way to travel when visiting Japan. Traveling by bus is obviously not as fast as the alternative, the shinkansen. However it is cheaper than the Japan Rail Pass and has some advantages.
The Japan bus pass by Willer Express can be purchased for a period of 3, 5 or 7 days. The price for a 3-days pass is only 10.000 yen and 7-days pass is 15.000 yen. When purchased, Willer Express’ bus pass will be valid for 2 months.
To be eligible for the Japan bus pass the individual has to be a non-japanese citizen that is visiting Japan short term. A short term stay is defined as a stay of up to 90 days, tourism or business (that does not include paid activities).
Willer Express’ bus pass is quite easy to use. Purchasing the pass and managing your travels can all be done from their website. We recommend that you have a look at their conditions before purchasing as some limitations apply. For more information, please visit their website.
Japan Bus Pass or Japan Rail Pass?
Both the JR Pass and the Japan bus pass can be great money savers. But which options would be the best alternative for you? Well, it depends on your criteria. Do you want to travel fast and don’t mind paying a little extra? Then go for the JR Pass. It’s still a quite cheap alternative and if you have limited time in Japan you would like to make the most of it. Not spending it on a bus.
However if you are traveling on a tighter budget then the Japan bus pass from Willer Express probably is the best option for you.
An example. The travel time between Tokyo and Kyoto differs quite a bit. Taking the bus will take up 7-9 hours of your day/night. The shinkansen will take you the same distance under 3 hours.
Willer Express brings 2 big advantages
Willer Express’ is cheaper and can be bought while being in Japan. But the biggest advantage by far compared to the JR Pass is that, Willer Express’ bus pass makes it possible to spread out the travel dates as the bus pass does need to be used on consecutive days. The bus pass however also have some limitations that you should check out before deciding. Have a look at their conditions.
Another great advantage if comprared to the JR Pass is that the bus pass can be bought even if you already arrived in Japan.