For intercity travel in Japan, riding the shinkansen (or bullet train) or catching a Limited Express Train is the fastest option.
However, train tickets can be expensive. To save money, riding on a daytime or overnight intercity bus is a cost-effective option that can also save you money on accommodation.
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Shinkansen Ticket Options
There are several options to book shinkansen and limited express train tickets as follows:
- The SmartEX app, however, please note that many of our readers have issues making payments using this app. Note that the SmartEx app can only be used for bookings on the Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen Line, which travels between Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto and Osaka and then travels on to Himeji, Hiroshima and Fukuoka, and other stops in between these stations.
- Klook offers a shinkansen and Limited Express train booking service for all services across Japan for a small additional booking fee.
- 12go.asia also offers a shinkansen ticket booking service.
- Japan Bullet Train is a Japan-owned booking portal for shinkansen tickets – which is operated by the same company which provides Japan Wireless pocket wifi rentals.
Japan Inter-City Day and Overnight Bus Options
For inter-city overnight and daytime buses, 12go.asia is a great website to easily compare options and book your preferred option with instant ticket confirmation.
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