Getting around

Buses

City buses go where trains don't. Highway buses are the budget way between cities.

What to know

City buses: In most cities you board at the front and pay a flat fare. IC cards such as Suica work on many buses.
Distance-based buses, common outside the big cities: board through the center door and take a numbered ticket. Before you get off, match your number to the fare on the screen at the front, put the exact fare in the box by the driver, and leave through the front door. IC cards may not work on these.
Stop names usually show in English. Press a stop button on the wall as yours approaches.
Highway buses are generally cheaper than flying or taking the train, and overnight buses save a night's accommodation.
Buy long-distance tickets before boarding, and check the deadline and cancellation rules. Each company has its own terminal. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Boarding usually starts about 10 minutes before departure.
Seatbelts are required while the bus is moving, and there's no smoking on board. Rest stops last about 15 minutes, so note where your bus is parked.
Regional passes include the SunQ Pass (Kyushu) and Tohoku Highway Bus Ticket. The Japan Rail Pass covers JR local bus lines but not express bus routes.

psst, if you can't follow the announcements, ask the driver to tell you when your stop comes up. People do it all the time.