Traveling in Japan is a unique experience, and using public transportation is a big part of it. Buses are a common mode of transportation in Japan, especially in areas where trains do not cover. To ensure your travel is hassle-free, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Japanese buses.
Note:
- If the bus arrive early at a stop, it would stay until the scheduled time.
- some buses can be late for quite a bit, contrary to conventional image of Japanese being on-time
1. Finding Your Bus and Bus Stop
The first step is to find your bus stop. You can find this information online, on maps near train stations, or at the local tourism office. The bus stops are often marked with signs showing the bus number, its destination, and time schedule
2. Boarding the Bus
Generally speaking, in many regions across Japan, you’ll board the bus through the rear door. Once you step aboard, if you’re paying in cash, don’t forget to collect a ticket from the little dispenser near the entrance. This ticket, marked with a number, signifies your boarding point and is crucial to determining your fare later on. Just hold on to it for the duration of your ride.
On the other hand, if you’re using an IC card like Suica, it’s a matter of a quick tap against the sensor, and you’re good to go.
However, it’s important to note that not all bus systems work this way. Some operate on a ‘pay-per-use’ basis, charging a flat rate no matter the length of your journey. A good example would be Osaka city. Or there is a bus between odaiba and tamachi station where it only takes cash, enter through front door and exit through back door.
3. Paying the Fare
The fare system can be a little tricky. It’s typically a distance-based system, so the cost depends on how far you’re traveling. There’s an electronic board at the front of the bus which displays the fares for each stop. As the bus progresses, the fare increases.
The number on your ticket corresponds to a number on the electronic board. To find out your fare, match the number on your ticket with the number and corresponding fare on the electronic board. The fare will change as the bus moves from stop to stop.
Often time, the google map might also show the info of the fare. If you want to prepare ahead!
4. Preparing to Alight
As you approach your stop, press one of the red buttons located on the walls of the bus to signal the driver that you wish to alight. If you’re unsure when to press the button, watch the other passengers or listen for your stop to be announced. If anyone has pressed the button, the red light on all the buttons would lit up. Most, if not always, you would get off through the front door.
5. Paying the Fare
When alighting the bus, you pay the fare at a box next to the driver. You can pay in cash or by an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo. If you’re paying in cash, make sure you have exact change as drivers typically do not give change. You can use the change machine at the front of the bus if you need to break down larger bills or coins. Drop the ticket you get when getting on in the machine along with the exact change. There will be a monitor on or beside the machine that shows payment info.
If you are paying by IC card, a simple tap is all it takes.
6. Alighting from the Bus
After you’ve paid, you exit the bus from the front door. Make sure to take all of your belongings with you.
And there you have it – a step-by-step guide on how to use a bus in Japan! We hope you find this guide helpful, and that your journey through Japan is smooth and enjoyable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below.
Safe travels!
NOTE: Please remember to check specific rules and customs for the area you’re in, as the etiquette and procedures might vary slightly depending on the region.
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