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Buses
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Buses can be a convenient and inexpensive way to travel, whether you are planning to just go down the street or go accross the country. The following is a brief guide to using the buses in your search for adventure.
For information on the limousine buses to the airport, please refer to the section on airports in the travel abroad section. |
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| LOCAL BUSES |
After you determine the correct line and board the bus, take a ticket from the small machine next to the entrance (usually, in Japan the entrance to the bus is located at the back of the bus, and exit the front). If you are at the first stop of the bus, a ticket will not be available, but take a ticket if you board at any other stop.
The bus fair is paid upon arrival at your destination. When your stop is announced, press the button found near your seat to alert the driver that you want to stop--if you do not press this button the driver may not stop. Refer to the electronic sign in the front of the bus to determine your fare. Check the number of the ticket you took when you boarded and pay that price. When you get off the bus, insert your ticket and fare into the machine next to the driver (if you forget to take a ticket, or were unable to, as is the case sometimes, remember what stop you got in at and pay accordingly. While a driver can charge you full price without a ticket, they usually do not). If you need change, you can get it from this machine before you pay.
In Kyoto, for example, there will be no tickets and no sign board. City buses are set in price no matter where you are going. a route map for Kyoto buses can be found at the Kyoto Station Tourism Offices. |
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| LONG DISTANCE BUSES |
While the Bullet Train and airplanes may be the fastest way to travel, many people opt for a road trip. Overnight buses travel between Kyoto (and many parts of Shiga) to such locations as Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyushu. Bus travel can mean significant savings over Bullet Train and airplane travel. For details on specific bus trips, contact an Omi or JR Travel Center (found in major stations) or the Kyoto Travel Information Center (TIC) in Kyoto Station.
Reservations for JR overnight buses and day buses can also be made at any Green Counter at a JR station. These buses travel a variety of destinations nationwide.
TO TOKYO
The Omi "Dream Bus" and the Keihin Kyuku Tetsudo Bus offer overnight trips to Tokyo for under 8,000 yen (one way). These companies offer service from Hama Otsu Station (Platform 6), Otsu Prince Hotel (Entrance), Kusatsu Station (Platform 5), Yokaichi (Higashi Motomachi, Yokaichi, along Highway 421), Hikone Station (Platform 1), Hikone Prince Hotel (Entrance), Maibara Station (West Exit Bus Platform), Yokohama Station (East Exit, Platform 17) and Shinagawa Station (Tokyo, Hinagawa Bus Terminal, 5 minute walk in the direction of Tokyo Station). The bus, which leaves Hama Otsu at 22:00, arrives at Shinagawa Station in Tokyo at 6:30. |
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For reservations, contact the following numbers:
Omi "Dream Bus"
077-537-5500 (9-18:00)
Keihin Kyuku Tetsudo Bus
033-743-0022 |
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