Japan Bus Pass- an alternative to the JR Pass
 

Willer Express are introducing a bus pass similar to some of the regional Japan Rail passes, which allows travel throughout Japan by using a three or five day pass. The bus can be used non-consecutively. This means you can use the pass one day, and not need to use it again until you decide to travel again, which could be one day later or ten. The pass must be purchased outside of Japan, but can be used by both non-residents and residents, and is valid to up to two months after the date of purchase.

The pass can be used twice a day, but not between two locations (ie., no round trips.) Trips must be reserved up to one hour before travel, and can be done online. Overnight travel that begins after midnight are counted as part of the previous day's travel. Photo ID must be produced before boarding.

3 day pass - 8,000 yen
5 day pass - 10,000 yen

Japan Bus Passes must be purchased on the Willer Express website.
http://willerexpress.com/x/bus/dynam...spass/?aid=184

"Overnight travel that begins after midnight are counted as part of the previous day's travel."

Should that read, "Overnight travel that ENDS after midnight..."?

Thanks for this info. My wife & I are hoping to return to Japan, but prices (and the value of the Yen) have risen quite a bit since 2005. This might be a good area to lower expenses.

Thanks for the tip, Sydney2K. Quite a good deal, particularly as overnight trips count on the previous day's travel (such that you can sleep on the bus and thereby save on a night's lodging if you're trying to do a trip very inexpensively). I can't tell from the web site whether one is entitled to use the more comfortable seats or whether one is limited to the seats with less recline. Did you see anything that addresses the issue one way or the other?

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2369.html

Aloha!

@alan: the Willer Express website says: "Overnight Bus: Reservations made for buses that depart after midnight will count for the previous day." I assume that this is for post-midnight pickups for buses that may have started their trip before midnight.

@Therese: looking at it, I think you can make bus searches on the Japan Bus Pass page, and that tells you which services qualify for the Japan Bus Pass. You then make your reservation (from the home page). From a test try I can book services with either the Standard or the Relax seat type.

@HT: Thanks for the other link!