Nagoya

๐ŸšŒ

Buses

Sections

1. Types of Buses in Nagoya

Nagoyaโ€™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 (ๅธ‚ใƒใ‚น, 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 (้ซ˜้€Ÿใƒใ‚น, Kลsoku 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 cityโ€™s local transportation system but are useful for intercity travel.

2. Costs and Fares

a. City Buses

  • Flat Fare System: Most city bus routes have a flat fare of ยฅ210 for adults and ยฅ100 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 ยฅ210 for adults and ยฅ100 for children.
  • A 1-day pass for unlimited rides on the Me~guru bus costs ยฅ500 for adults and ยฅ250 for children.

c. Highway Buses

  • Fares vary depending on the destination and operator. For example, a one-way trip to Tokyo may cost around ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000.

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 donโ€™t have exact change, there is a coin-changing machine near the driver.
  • IC Cards: The Manaca card (Nagoyaโ€™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 ยฅ870 (adults) or ยฅ430 (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.

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: ยฅ2,000 (includes a ยฅ500 deposit and ยฅ1,500 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 ยฅ620 (adults) or ยฅ310 (children).
  • Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass: Unlimited rides on both buses and subways for ยฅ870 (adults) or ยฅ430 (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.

5. Connections to Other Transportation Networks

  • Subway: Most bus routes are designed to connect with Nagoyaโ€™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.

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 15โ€“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 30โ€“60 minutes.

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 Bureauโ€™s lost and found service.

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.

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.

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