For many travelers, a trip to Japan brings to mind the iconic Shinkansen speeding between Tôkyô and Kyôto. But once you’re on the ground, you’ll quickly realize that getting from one region to another can easily become one of the biggest expenses of your trip.
Between high-speed trains, overnight buses, and low-cost airlines, the price differences are huge. So, how much should you set aside for transportation, and which option makes the most sense depending on your itinerary?
Long-distance travel costs in Japan
Japan stretches over 3,000 km from north to south. Traveling between two major cities isn’t like hopping on a regional train in France: the distances are long, and prices add up quickly. For many travelers, long-distance transportation ends up taking 30 - 40% of the total travel budget.
IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, etc.) are extremely handy for city travel, but they don’t work for long-distance trips like the Shinkansen or most intercity buses. For those, you’ll need a separate ticket or a dedicated pass.
Since transportation is generally comfortable across Japan, your choice really comes down to the balance between budget + itinerary + time. Here’s a cost comparison for the popular Tôkyô - Ôsaka route:
| Transport mode | Average price Tôkyô → Ôsaka | Travel time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | ~14 000 yen (~ 90 €) | 2h15 | Speed, comfort, punctuality | Expensive |
| Overnight bus | 3 500 à 6 000 yen (25 - 40 €) | 8h | Cheap, saves on hotel | Long, less flexible |
| Low-cost flight | 6 000 à 12 000 yen (40 - 80 €) | 1h10 de vol (+ transfers) | Fast over long distances | Limited baggage, airports outside city centers |
Traveling by train in Japan: how to save money
The Shinkansen: fast and reliable, but pricey
The Shinkansen is the symbol of modern Japan. These trains reach speeds of over 300 km/h with nearly perfect punctuality and excellent comfort—but that comes at a cost.
Here are a few sample fares for an ordinary reserved seat:
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tôkyô | Kyôto | 2h15 | 14 370 yen (~ 90 €) |
| Tôkyô | Ôsaka | 2h30 | 15 120 yen (~ 95 €) |
| Tôkyô | Hiroshima | 4h00 | 20 160 yen (~ 126 €) |
A round-trip Tôkyô–Kyôto already costs over 28 000 yen (~170 €). Prices are slightly cheaper if you opt for a non-reserved seat, since some cars are unassigned.
The JR Pass: who really benefits?
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) allows unlimited travel for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days on almost all JR trains nationwide, including Shinkansen. Prices for an adult in ordinary class:
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 7 days | 50 000 yen (~ 300 €) |
| 14 days | 80 000 yen (~ 485 €) |
| 21 days | 100 000 yen (~ 600 €) |
For most travelers, the JR Pass is difficult to make cost-effective. Its main advantage is the flexibility of boarding JR trains without buying individual tickets.
Many websites (like Japan Guide) offer calculators to check if the pass will pay off for your itinerary. For example, with a 7-day pass at 50 000 yen:
| Trip | Cost | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Tôkyô ↔ Kyôto | ~ 28 000 yen |
Only 56% of the pass price |
| Tôkyô → Kyôto → Hiroshima → Tôkyô | ~ 50 000 yen | Breaks even, but short stays in each city |
Our recommendation: buy individual Shinkansen tickets online for long trips, and use an IC Card for local transport. Consider a regional pass if it fits your itinerary.
Regional passes: the best value
If your trip is focused on a specific area, a regional pass is far more affordable than the nationwide JR Pass. Prices typically range from 5 000 to 20 000 yen (30-120 €) depending on duration, and they offer unlimited travel within the covered region.
A few popular examples:
- JR Kansai Area Pass: ideal for Kyôto, Ôsaka, Nara, and Kôbe
- Hokuriku Arch Pass: connects Tôkyô, Kanazawa, and Kansai
- JR East Pass: great for the Tôhoku region or Nagano
- Sanyô–San’in Pass: perfect for Ôsaka, Hiroshima, and northern Kyûshû
Long-distance buses: the budget-friendly option
Why choose the bus in Japan?
Intercity buses are by far the cheapest option for long-distance travel.
- Low fares: often 2–3 times cheaper than Shinkansen
- Overnight savings: combines transportation with a night’s accommodation
- Surprisingly comfortable: reclining seats, footrests, and sometimes semi-private cabins
The trade-off? Longer travel times and less flexibility compared to trains.
Sample Fares
- Tôkyô → Kyôto / Ôsaka: 3 500 yen (~25 €) for standard seats, up to 6 000 yen (~40 €) for premium
- Tôkyô → Hiroshima: 6 000 - 8 000 yen (40 - 55 €)
By comparison, the same routes by Shinkansen cost 3 - 4 times more.
Bus Companies
- Willer Express: nationwide, easy online booking in English; also offers a Willer Bus Pass (3 days unlimited for 12,800 yen / ~75 €)
- JR Bus: operated by Japan Rail, punctual and reliable
- Regional companies: like Keio Bus, Hankyu Bus, etc. (tickets usually sold 30–60 min before departure at bus terminals)
Domestic flights: when flying beats the train
When does flying make sense?
For very long distances, flying is often the better choice:
- Tôkyô → Sapporo: 1h45 flight (vs. 8h by train)
- Tôkyô → Fukuoka: 2h flight (vs. 5h by Shinkansen)
- Tôkyô → Okinawa: flying is the only realistic option
Low-cost airlines in Japan
Budget carriers like Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan or Skymark offer one-way tickets for 6 000 - 12 000 yen (40 - 80 €) if booked early.
- Pros: very cheap if planned ahead
- Cons: strict baggage policies, extra fees, airports far from city centers
ANA & JAL tourist offers
The major airlines ANA and JAL also offer discounted fares for foreign visitors.
- Pros: more generous baggage allowance, flexible booking, high service quality
- Cons: slightly pricier than low-cost carriers, but with fewer hidden fees
