JR highway buses depart from terminals located right in front of major stations, so you do not have to worry about finding the boarding point. Even if you are traveling with large luggage, you can wait comfortably inside the station until departure time, without worrying about rain, heat, or cold.

JR’s overnight highway buses come in a range of vehicle types. If keeping transportation costs as low as possible is your priority, the Youth ECO DREAM is the top recommendation. Seats are arranged in a standard four-row layout, so personal space is more compact, but buses are equipped with power outlets or USB ports and Wi-Fi. For students and travelers who rely heavily on their phones, this option offers excellent value for money.

If sleep quality matters more to you, the premium DREAM Relier is the better choice. These buses are equipped with onboard restrooms, privacy curtains between seats, and air purifiers. In addition to Wi-Fi and power outlets, every seat comes with a personal tablet, helping pass the time on long overnight journeys.

In Tokyo, boarding locations include the popular Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit and the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal at Shinjuku Station’s New South Exit. Both are easy to find, even for first-time visitors.

Out of 24 daily departures, 19 services arrive at the Osaka Station JR Expressway Bus Terminal. Some routes continue on to Kyoto Station or Universal Studios Japan, allowing travelers to choose the most convenient drop-off point for their plans.

JR Overnight Highway Bus (Osaka–Tokyo): Practical Information
Fares:
・From 3,500 yen (standard four-row seating, Youth ECO DREAM)
・From 11,000 yen (premium three-row seating, DREAM Relier)
Prices vary by season and bus type. Credit card payment may be eligible for discounts.

Major drop-off points in the Kansai area include Kyoto Station (Karasuma Exit), JR Nara Station, JR Osaka Station, Universal Studios Japan, Tennoji Station, Takarazuka Station, and Sannomiya Bus Terminal.

Services and facilities include an onboard restroom, air purifier, privacy curtains, AC 100V power outlets or USB charging ports, blanket, disposable slippers, and Wi-Fi. Personal tablets are available only on DREAM Relier buses, and women-only seating is offered on select vehicles.

Evaluation Criteria
Value for money: ★★★★★ (Youth ECO) / ★★★☆☆ (DREAM Relier)
Flexible for all budgets. Travelers looking to spend as little as possible can choose the Youth ECO DREAM, which starts in the 3,000-yen range. Those seeking a more premium experience can opt for DREAM Relier, priced above 10,000 yen.

Comfort: ★★★☆☆ (Youth ECO) / ★★★★★ (DREAM Relier)
You get what you pay for. Youth ECO uses standard four-row seating with basic comfort, making it suitable for budget-focused or younger travelers. DREAM Relier offers generous space and high-privacy partitions, setting one of the highest comfort standards among overnight buses.

Convenience: ★★★★★
Excellent locations. Boarding and drop-off points are typically located inside bus terminals at major JR stations, such as Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit and the Osaka Station Expressway Bus Terminal. This makes them easy to find and especially convenient for transfers after arrival, without having to search for roadside bus stops with luggage.

Overnight buses are affordable and convenient, but many travelers find it tricky to freshen up after waking. VIP LINER solves this problem by offering free access to dedicated VIP Lounges near major boarding areas, including Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kyoto, Osaka, and Namba.

VIP Lounges feature comfortable waiting areas with large TVs and complimentary drinks, as well as makeup stations and changing rooms. Free skincare items are also provided. Some lounges in Tokyo, Osaka, and Namba even include shower facilities, which may require a fee or advance reservation. This is an excellent perk for travelers who want to skip internet cafés or need to get ready soon after arrival, especially solo female travelers.

In the Kansai area, drop-off points include Kyoto, Osaka, and Namba. VIP LINER also offers a wide range of options based on bus type, destination, departure time, and budget. Another thoughtful feature is the onboard announcement that signals when seats can be reclined at the same time, so passengers can relax without worrying about disturbing others. While fares tend to be slightly higher, travelers can save by taking advantage of limited-time seat-clearance deals.

From the Kanto area to Kansai, multiple services run daily. In Tokyo, departures are available from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (4F) and the Tokyo VIP Lounge. Some routes also depart from Tokyo Disney Resort and Akihabara.

There are also departure options from Saitama, Chiba, and Yokohama. Drop-off locations include the Kyoto VIP Lounge near Kyoto Station, the Osaka VIP Lounge near Umeda, and VIP Villa Namba near Namba Station. Many services stop close to major sightseeing areas in Kansai, making onward travel easy.

VIP LINER: Practical Information
Fares: from 4,000 yen (tax included, seat selection available)
Prices vary by season and bus type. Discounts may be available through coupons or limited-time seat-clearance promotions.

Major drop-off points in the Kansai area include VIP Villa Namba, Osaka VIP Lounge, Kyoto VIP Lounge, Universal Studios Japan, Shin-Osaka, Kobe Sannomiya, and other locations.

Services and facilities include privacy curtains, power outlets, USB cables, pillows, blankets, and lumbar support cushions. Some vehicles also offer onboard restrooms, free Wi-Fi, disposable slippers, and sleepwear, depending on the bus type.

Women-only bus types: PLUMERIA, PLUMERIA GRANDE, CHERISH

Evaluation Criteria

Value for money: ★★★★☆
High added value. Ticket prices fall in the mid-range at roughly 4,000 to 9,000 yen, but the ability to use VIP Lounges for free helps offset costs you might otherwise spend on cafés or internet cafés. Complimentary toiletries further boost overall value, making this a very cost-effective option.

Comfort: ★★★★☆
Thoughtful announcements. The signature seat-recline announcement removes the common hesitation about leaning seats back, allowing everyone to rest comfortably at the same time. Many bus types also feature blackout curtains and supportive low-rebound pillows, helping ensure a good night’s sleep.

Convenience: ★★★★☆
Extensive lounge network. VIP Lounges are located near Namba, Osaka Station, and Kyoto Station. While most require a 5–10 minute walk from the station, they offer a comfortable place to do makeup, wash up, charge devices, and use Wi-Fi while waiting to board.

There are multiple daily services running from the Kanto area to Kansai. In Tokyo, departures are available from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (4F) and the Tokyo VIP Lounge. Some services also depart from Tokyo Disney Resort and Akihabara, offering added flexibility depending on where you are staying.

In addition, travelers can board from other areas such as Saitama, Chiba, and Yokohama. Drop-off locations include the Kyoto VIP Lounge near Kyoto Station, the Osaka VIP Lounge near Umeda, and VIP Villa Namba close to Namba Station. Many routes also stop near major sightseeing areas across Kansai, making onward travel especially convenient.

VIP LINER: Practical Information

Fares: from 4,000 yen (tax included, seat selection available)
Prices vary by season and bus type. Discounts may be available through coupons or limited-time seat-clearance deals.

Major drop-off points in the Kansai area include VIP Villa Namba, Osaka VIP Lounge, Kyoto VIP Lounge, Universal Studios Japan, Shin-Osaka, Kobe Sannomiya, and other locations.

Services and facilities include privacy curtains, power outlets, USB cables, pillows, blankets, and lumbar support cushions. Some vehicles also offer onboard restrooms, free Wi-Fi, disposable slippers, and sleepwear, depending on the bus type.

Women-only bus types: PLUMERIA, PLUMERIA GRANDE, CHERISH

Evaluation Criteria

Value for money: ★★★★☆
High added value. Ticket prices fall in the mid-range, roughly 4,000 to 9,000 yen. When you factor in free lounge access, which helps save on café or internet café costs, along with complimentary toiletry rentals, the overall value is excellent.

Comfort: ★★★★☆
Thoughtful announcements. The signature seat-recline announcement removes the common hesitation about leaning seats back, ensuring everyone can fully recline and rest. Many bus types also feature blackout curtains and supportive low-rebound pillows, helping maintain good sleep quality.

Convenience: ★★★★☆
Plenty of lounge locations. VIP Lounges are located near Namba, Osaka Station, and Kyoto Station. While most require a short 5 to 10 minute walk from the station, they provide a comfortable place to do makeup, wash up, charge devices, and use Wi-Fi while waiting to board.

Many bus companies have developed original seating designs in response to passenger feedback, but the seats created by WILLER EXPRESS are especially well regarded. With a wide range of seat types available, travelers can choose a bus that best matches their budget and personal comfort preferences.

One standout option is the ReBorn seat, which features an individual shell-style design that creates a high-quality sleeping environment. Seats are electrically operated reclining loungers, designed to reduce fatigue even on long overnight journeys. The spacious layout is comfortable even for taller passengers, with travelers around 181 cm in height able to stretch out and relax with ease. This makes WILLER EXPRESS a strong choice for anyone who values seat comfort, including taller travelers.

All WILLER EXPRESS buses are designed with generous legroom, giving them a more premium feel overall. Fares vary depending on the seat type you choose, but travelers can take advantage of WILLER’s wide range of discounts and promotional offers to keep costs down. On buses equipped with free Wi-Fi, passengers can download the WILLER THEATER app on their smartphone or tablet to enjoy popular movies and audiobooks at no extra charge during the journey.

Between Tokyo and Osaka, there are more than 20 daily services, with convenient boarding points such as Tokyo Station, the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, Ikebukuro Sunshine City Bus Terminal, and Tokyo Disney Resort. This makes it easy to choose a departure location that fits your travel plans.

Drop-off locations cover a wide area across Kansai, including Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama, and Hyogo prefectures, making itinerary planning much more flexible. WILLER has also built its own dedicated bus terminal in Osaka Umeda. This stylish space includes Wi-Fi access and makeup areas, and is available for passenger use from 6 AM to 12:30 AM.

WILLER EXPRESS: Practical Information

Fares:
・From 4,000 yen (Relax standard seating)
・From 10,500 yen (ReBorn premium seating)
Prices vary by season and plan, and limited-time discounted fares are offered periodically.

Major drop-off points in Kansai include Hikone Station, Kyoto Station, Gion-Shijo Station, WILLER Bus Terminal Osaka Umeda, Universal Studios Japan, Namba OCAT, Wakayama Station, Kobe Sannomiya, and other locations.

Services and facilities include privacy curtains or blackout head covers that shield your face while sleeping, charging equipment such as power outlets or USB ports, blankets, Wi-Fi on select vehicles, and women-only seating options.

Evaluation Criteria

Value for money: ★★☆☆☆
You get what you pay for. Compared with other budget bus companies, WILLER’s prices are slightly higher. The premium ReBorn seats in particular often cost over 10,000 yen one way, approaching shinkansen fares. This makes them less suitable for travelers focused purely on saving money, but the experience itself offers clear value.

Comfort: ★★★★★
Industry benchmark. From the Relax seats with exclusive blackout head covers that hide your sleeping face, to the ReBorn seats with individual shell designs that allow full reclining without disturbing others, comfort is consistently top-tier. Combined with onboard entertainment and free Wi-Fi, even long overnight journeys feel relaxed.

Convenience: ★★★★★
A powerful advantage with a dedicated terminal. WILLER operates its own terminal, WILLER Bus Terminal Osaka Umeda, which is clean, modern, and well equipped with makeup areas and rest spaces. Unlike roadside bus stops, you can wait comfortably indoors. The booking system is also very smooth in Traditional Chinese, making it especially friendly for international travelers.

Almost all Sakura Kanko Bus vehicles are equipped with power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Even while on the move, you can plan the next day’s sightseeing, watch videos, or play games. This makes it a convenient choice for family trips with children, as there is little need to worry about boredom during the journey.

Sakura Kanko operates several bus types on Kansai-bound routes. One recommended option is the RELAX 3 model, which typically starts from around 7,000 yen and often comes with discount plans. Seats are arranged in a three-row, ten-seat layout with fully independent seating, offering a reassuring level of privacy for female travelers. Seats recline up to 140 degrees and include footrests, along with privacy curtains and earplugs for sleeping. Onboard restrooms are also available, so you do not have to worry about bathroom breaks. Despite this solid lineup of amenities, fares remain reasonable, which is why this bus is so popular.

From the Kanto area to Kansai, there are around 20 daily services. Most depart from Tokyo Yaesu or the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, with some services also available from Ikebukuro or Akihabara. Drop-off points focus mainly on Osaka, but also include major sightseeing areas such as Kyoto and Kobe. In Osaka, passengers can get off at Namba or at Sakura Kanko’s dedicated bus stop inside the Yodobashi Umeda Tower at LINKS UMEDA, making it easy to choose the most convenient arrival point for your plans.

Sakura Kanko Bus: Practical Information

Fares:
・From 3,000 yen (standard four-row seating)
・From 7,000 yen (three-row independent seating, RELAX 3)
Prices vary by date and plan. Seat selection requires an additional fee.

Major drop-off points in the Kansai area include Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, Osaka Umeda (LINKS UMEDA), Universal Studios Japan, Namba, Kobe Sannomiya, and three other locations.

Services and facilities vary by vehicle type. Onboard restrooms are available on RELAX 3 and KIRAKIRA buses. Privacy curtains are available on PREMIUM 2×1 and RELAX 3 buses. Power outlets and Wi-Fi are not available on STANDARD buses. Blankets are provided, and earplugs are available on most buses except LINER STANDARD and STANDARD types.
A women-only bus option, Women-Only STANDARD @, is also available.

Evaluation Criteria

Value for money: ★★★★★
A true budget saver. This is Sakura Kanko’s biggest strength. The basic four-row seating buses are extremely competitively priced, and it is often possible to find tickets cheaper than other operators. This makes them ideal for students and backpackers traveling on a tight budget.

Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Amenities over space. On the lower-priced four-row buses, seating can feel tight and overall comfort is average. However, even many budget buses offer power outlets or USB ports and Wi-Fi, which helps offset physical fatigue with the reassurance of staying connected.

Convenience: ★★★★☆
Well-located stops. The route network is extensive, and Osaka drop-off points are particularly convenient. Stops at Yodobashi Umeda (LINKS UMEDA) are right next to JR Osaka Station and Umeda subway stations, making it easy to continue onward after arrival.

Easily recognized by its yellow buses decorated with star motifs, ORION BUS operates multiple overnight services from the Kanto area to Kansai. Seat options range from the budget-friendly STANDARD, to the NOBINOBI (Comfort) seats with extra legroom, and higher-end configurations like PRIVATE TRIPLE and RELAX PLUS, which offer two different seat types within the same vehicle. All options are comfortable and feel surprisingly premium, with well-equipped interiors. Even the top-tier PRIVATE TRIPLE typically costs around 12,000 yen during busy periods, offering strong value for the level of comfort.

Many services depart from Tokyo Disney Resort, stopping at locations such as Tokyo Station or Ikebukuro before continuing on to Kansai. There are also routes departing from hotels around Tokyo Disney Resort via Shinjuku, as well as services departing from central Tokyo and passing through Shinjuku. With this variety of routes, it is easy to find a departure point that fits your itinerary.

ORION BUS also offers generous early-bird discounts and last-minute price drops before departure. If you can secure one of these deals, you can travel at an even better price. In addition, value-packed bundles are available, including round-trip bus tickets with accommodation, and options to add Universal Studios Japan tickets, making these plans especially appealing for travelers looking to maximize savings.

ORION BUS: Practical Information

Fares:
・From 3,500 yen (tax included, seat selection not available)
・From 8,000 yen (three-row seating, PRIVATE TRIPLE)
Early-bird discounts and promotional fares are also available, including discounted tickets sold from the day of departure up to nine days in advance.

Major drop-off points in the Kansai area include Shiga (Kusatsu), Kyoto (Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit), Osaka (Umeda Plaza Motor Pool, Namba, Universal Studios Japan), Kobe Sannomiya, and Akashi.

Services and facilities include disposable slippers, blankets, sleep pillows, privacy curtains on PRIVATE TRIPLE buses only, power outlets or USB ports, and women-friendly seating arrangements where female passengers are seated next to other women.

Evaluation Criteria

Value for money: ★★★★★
Exceptionally affordable. ORION BUS is highly competitive on price and often ranks near the top on comparison sites. In addition to early-bird tickets, travelers who catch last-minute pre-departure price drops can sometimes travel between Tokyo and Osaka at surprisingly low fares. The bus-and-hotel packages offered on the website are also very good value.

Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Choose based on seat type. Comfort varies by vehicle. Standard four-row seating offers average comfort and suits travelers focused on saving money. Upgrading to PRIVATE TRIPLE costs more, but the independent three-row layout and privacy curtains significantly improve the overall experience.

Convenience: ★★★☆☆
Pay attention to drop-off locations. While ORION BUS offers many routes and departures, the Osaka Umeda drop-off point is often Plaza Motor Pool, which is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from JR Osaka Station. This can feel less convenient compared with buses that arrive directly inside station terminals.

One common trade-off of overnight bus travel is not being able to shower right away. For travelers who want to feel refreshed after arriving, a great option near Osaka Umeda is Daitoyo Men’s Sauna or Daitoyo Women’s Sauna. Both offer morning plans between 5 AM and 10 AM for around 2,100 yen, tax included. Facilities include natural hot spring baths and multiple sauna rooms, perfect for easing travel fatigue.
Please note that guests with tattoos, including temporary tattoo stickers, are not permitted.

If you arrive at the Osaka Station JR Expressway Bus Terminal and prefer to stay close by, another easy option is to walk to the Eki Marche Osaka area inside LUCUA 1100. While there is no large public bath, the area has clean restrooms where you can quickly freshen up and get ready for the day.

1. A classic bakery favorite: THE CITY BAKERY UMEDA
Just a 1-minute walk from Osaka Station, THE CITY BAKERY UMEDA is located on the B1 floor of GRAND FRONT OSAKA and opens from 7:30 AM. The signature pretzel croissant is flaky and savory, and pairs perfectly with a hot coffee. Breakfast plates start from around 1,300 yen.

2. Japanese breakfast options at KITTE Osaka and Eki Marche
For a more traditional start, head to Eki Marche Osaka, located next to the JR Osaka Station ticket gates. Dashi Chazuke En opens from 8 AM and serves comforting rice topped with hot dashi broth.
You can also explore the basement shopping area of KITTE Osaka, which opened in 2024 and offers several new breakfast-friendly spots worth checking out.

▼ Explore More Articles About Osaka Station ▼

1. Experience Kyoto’s coffee culture: OGAWA COFFEE
Located inside Kyoto Municipal Subway Kyoto Station, just north of the Central Gate 1 ticket gates, OGAWA COFFEE Kyoto opens from 7:30 AM. This long-established Kyoto coffee roaster is a local icon, known for its satisfying morning sets starting from around 1,200 yen, tax included. Expect perfectly toasted bread and a rich, aromatic cup of coffee that sets the tone for the day.

2. All-you-can-eat bread: Shinjindo
If you have a big appetite or simply love bread, head to Shinjindo Kyoto Station, located right in front of JR Kyoto Station near the bus terminal. The popular Premium Breakfast includes unlimited refills from a bread basket, letting you sample a variety of freshly baked breads from this beloved Kyoto bakery. It is a well-known spot where lining up in the morning is part of the experience.

▼ Explore More Articles About Kyoto Station ▼

As travel styles continue to evolve in 2026, overnight buses are no longer seen as just a budget-only option. They have become a smart way to travel efficiently and comfortably. From JR’s premium private-style DREAM Relier, to WILLER’s high-privacy blackout head covers, and VIP LINER’s unbeatable lounge access, overnight buses have gone through a major comfort upgrade. Today, they feel more like premium capsule hotels on wheels.

While fares have risen slightly along with overall travel costs, overnight buses are still far more economical than combining a shinkansen ticket with a night’s accommodation. Just as importantly, traveling while you sleep means you wake up in Osaka early in the morning, giving you almost a full extra day to explore, eat, and enjoy the city.

We hope this guide helps you find the bus option that best fits your travel style. When planning your trip, be sure to take advantage of early-bird discounts and reserve popular premium seats in advance. Here’s to arriving well-rested and ready to dive into Kansai’s incredible food scene and sightseeing spots.