ExploreJapan

When I went to Kyoto from Toyama on 27th August to spend my weekend there, I took a bus operated by Willer Express which is one of the leading budget bus operators in Japan. If you are on a tight budget, this company can offer a variety of good deals which allow you to connect with major cities accross Japan. Let’s see how comfortable & convenient it was.

You can make a reservation on their website in English, which is very convenient. Before the date you travel, make sure you check which bus terminal is served, especially when you travel from Tokyo or Kyoto as there are plenty of bus terminals spread accross the cities.  I took a ride from the bus terminal located in the north entrance of  TOYAMA station.

When travelling by overnight buses, I would like to sleep on a spacious reclining seat which is arranged in rows of three seats even if I have to pay a liitle more fare. But as I took a bus in the morning, I didn’t mind travelling with the bus with 4 row seats. 

There were not many customers from Toyama to Kyoto even though it was Saturday. Each seat was equipped with an indivisual hood so that you can sleep more easily!  It seems that Willer Express have their own seat types depending on the routes.

I found two buttoms on the arm of my seat. Upper one is for reclining your seat, an the lower one is for your leg rest.  

You can use your foot rest if you want. Later, I took my shoes off to prepare for 5 hours journey to Kyoto. Please make yourself comfortable

 I found a notice which asks your cooporation during the trip, which was quite funny. This reminds me of Japan strongly places an importance of harmoney.

If you feel cold, blankets are availabe which are placed on overhead shelves. On the way to Kyoto, they stopped twice at 2 stations as this bus didn’t have a toilet. It cost me only 3800 yen by bus for 5 hours ride while it costs some 7500 yen by train for 3 hours. Good deal, isn’t it?

JAPAN BUS PASS

Willer Express offers unbelievably reasonable tickets which can only be purchased outside Japan, which is called JAPAN BUS PASS . If you don’t mind sleeping on the bus, you can really save a lot of money. Check out the link so that you will have a better understanding about them.

Some people want to go to their destinations as fast as possible. Others don’t mind reaching them slowly as they like to enjoy the scenery.  If you are a latter person, Willer Express is your choice!!!

Explore Japan!