Nagoya

1. Types of Buses in Nagoya

Nagoya’s bus system is primarily operated by the Nagoya City Transportation Bureau, with additional services provided by private companies. The main types of buses include:

a. City Buses (市バス, Shibasu)

• Operated by the Nagoya City Transportation Bureau.
• Cover routes within Nagoya city, connecting neighborhoods, subway stations, and major landmarks.
• These buses are the most commonly used for local travel.

b. Me~guru Sightseeing Bus

• A special loop bus designed for tourists.
• Stops at major attractions such as Nagoya Castle, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, and the Nagoya City Science Museum.
• Operates on a fixed route and schedule, making it convenient for sightseeing.

c. Highway Buses (高速バス, Kōsoku Basu)

• Operated by private companies like JR Tokai Bus and Meitetsu Bus.
• Provide long-distance travel to other cities and regions, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
• These buses are not part of the city’s local transportation system but are useful for intercity travel.

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2. Costs and Fares

a. City Buses

• Flat Fare System: Most city bus routes have a flat fare of ¥210 for adults and ¥100 for children (as of 2023).
• Some routes may have variable fares depending on the distance traveled, but this is less common.
• Discounts are available for seniors and people with disabilities.

b. Me~guru Sightseeing Bus

• A single ride costs ¥210 for adults and ¥100 for children.
• A 1-day pass for unlimited rides on the Me~guru bus costs ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children.

c. Highway Buses

• Fares vary depending on the destination and operator. For example, a one-way trip to Tokyo may cost around ¥3,000–¥5,000.

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3. How to Use the Buses

a. Boarding and Exiting

1. Boarding: Enter through the rear door of the bus (or the middle door on some buses).
2. Exiting: Exit through the front door near the driver.
3. Payment: Pay your fare when you exit the bus.

b. Payment Options

• Cash: Use exact change. If you don’t have exact change, there is a coin-changing machine near the driver.
• IC Cards: The Manaca card (Nagoya’s rechargeable IC card) is the most convenient option. Simply tap your card on the reader when you board and again when you exit.
  • Other IC cards like Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA are also accepted.
• 1-Day Passes: You can purchase a Nagoya Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass for ¥870 (adults) or ¥430 (children), which allows unlimited rides on city buses and subways for a day.

c. Stops and Announcements

• Stops are announced in Japanese and English, and many buses have digital displays showing the next stop.
• Press the stop button (located on the walls or poles) when your stop is announced to signal the driver to stop.

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4. Ticketing Options

a. Manaca IC Card

• A prepaid rechargeable card that can be used on buses, subways, and trains in Nagoya and other cities in Japan.
• Purchase at subway stations, convenience stores, or bus terminals.
• Initial cost: ¥2,000 (includes a ¥500 deposit and ¥1,500 usable balance).
• Rechargeable at ticket machines, convenience stores, or on buses.

b. 1-Day Passes

• Bus-Only 1-Day Pass: Unlimited rides on city buses for ¥620 (adults) or ¥310 (children).
• Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass: Unlimited rides on both buses and subways for ¥870 (adults) or ¥430 (children).
• Passes can be purchased at subway stations, bus terminals, or directly from the bus driver.

c. Me~guru Sightseeing Bus Pass

• Available for purchase on the bus or at major tourist information centers.

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5. Connections to Other Transportation Networks

• Subway: Most bus routes are designed to connect with Nagoya’s subway system. Major subway stations like Nagoya Station, Sakae, and Kanayama serve as key transfer points.
• JR and Meitetsu Railways: Buses often stop near major railway stations, making it easy to transfer between buses and trains.
• Airports: The Meitetsu Bus operates airport limousine services to Chubu Centrair International Airport.

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6. Schedules and Frequency

• City buses generally operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, though exact times vary by route.
• Buses typically run every 15–30 minutes during peak hours and less frequently during off-peak hours.
• The Me~guru Sightseeing Bus operates on a fixed schedule, with buses running approximately every 30–60 minutes.

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7. Cultural and Practical Tips

• Queueing: Form a line at the bus stop and wait for passengers to exit before boarding.
• Quietness: Keep conversations quiet and avoid talking on the phone while on the bus.
• Priority Seating: Seats near the front are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Offer your seat if needed.
• Luggage: Avoid bringing large luggage onto city buses. Use highway buses or airport limousine services for large items.
• Navigation Apps: Use apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, or Jorudan to plan your bus routes and check schedules.
• Lost Items: If you leave something on the bus, contact the Nagoya City Transportation Bureau’s lost and found service.

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8. Accessibility

• Most buses in Nagoya are equipped with low floors and ramps for wheelchair users.
• Announcements and displays are available in both Japanese and English, making it easier for non-Japanese speakers to navigate.

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9. Key Bus Terminals

• Nagoya Station Bus Terminal: A major hub for city buses, highway buses, and airport buses.
• Sakae Bus Terminal: Located in the city center, connecting to shopping and entertainment districts.
• Kanayama Bus Terminal: A key transfer point for buses, subways, and JR/Meitetsu trains.

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By understanding these details, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Nagoya’s bus system, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-term resident. Enjoy your travels in Nagoya!