Global Major Cities Guide

A secondary mode of public transport, providing access to areas not served by trains.

Sections

1. Overview of Yokohama’s Bus System

Yokohama’s bus network is operated by several companies, with the two main operators being:

Yokohama Municipal Bus (市営バス, Shiei Bus): Operated by the city government, these buses cover central Yokohama and connect major landmarks.
Private Bus Companies: Includes Kanachu Bus (神奈中バス, Kanachu), Keikyu Bus (京急バス), and Tokyu Bus (東急バス), which serve Yokohama and surrounding areas.

Buses are particularly useful for reaching destinations not directly accessible by train, such as certain residential areas, parks, and cultural sites.

2. Bus Routes and Key Connections

Major Routes: Bus routes are numbered and often include a combination of numbers and letters. For example, Route 8 or Route 102.
Key Landmarks and Hubs:
- Yokohama Station: A major hub where many bus routes start or pass through.
- Minato Mirai: Accessible by buses connecting to Yokohama Station and Sakuragicho Station.
- Sankeien Garden: A popular traditional garden that is best accessed by bus from Yokohama Station or Negishi Station.
- Yamashita Park and Chinatown: Served by buses from Sakuragicho Station or Motomachi-Chukagai Station.
- Zoorasia (Yokohama Zoo): Accessible by bus from Yokohama Station or Nakayama Station.
- Residential Areas: Buses are essential for reaching suburban neighborhoods.

To find specific routes, use apps like Google Maps, NAVITIME, or the Yokohama Municipal Bus Route Finder.

3. Costs and Payment Methods

Fares:
- Flat fare for Yokohama Municipal Buses: 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children (as of 2023).
- Private bus companies may have distance-based fares, typically starting at 220 yen.
- Night buses (深夜バス, shinya bus) may charge higher fares.
Payment Options:
1. IC Cards: The most convenient way to pay. Use a prepaid IC card like Suica or PASMO, which can be tapped on the card reader when boarding and alighting.
2. Cash: Exact change is required. If you don’t have exact change, use the coin changer near the driver to break larger coins or bills.
3. One-Day Passes: Yokohama offers a Minato Burari Ticket (500 yen for adults, 250 yen for children), which provides unlimited rides on designated buses and trains in the Minato Mirai area.

4. Schedules and Frequency

Operating Hours: Most buses run from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though some routes may start earlier or end later.
Frequency: Buses typically run every 10–30 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. Peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) may have more frequent service.
Timetables: Timetables are posted at bus stops and are also available online or via apps like NAVITIME. Note that buses in Japan are known for their punctuality.

5. Procedures for Boarding and Alighting

Boarding:
- In Yokohama, you generally board at the front door of the bus.
- Tap your IC card on the reader or pay the fare in cash when boarding.
- If using cash, insert the exact fare into the fare box next to the driver.
Alighting:
- Press the stop request button (located near seats or handrails) when your stop is announced or displayed on the screen.
- Exit through the rear door. If you haven’t paid yet (on some private buses), pay the fare or tap your IC card when alighting.

6. Cultural Considerations and Local Tips

Queuing: Always line up at the designated bus stop area. Japanese people are very orderly when boarding public transportation.
Quietness: Keep conversations quiet and avoid talking on the phone while on the bus.
Priority Seats: Priority seating (marked in blue) is reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and those with small children. Offer your seat if needed.
Luggage: Avoid bringing large luggage onto the bus, as space is limited.
Announcements: Stops are announced in Japanese and often in English, especially on buses serving tourist areas.
Navigation: Use apps like Google Maps or NAVITIME to track your route in real-time and ensure you don’t miss your stop.

7. Tips for Tourists

Minato Burari Ticket: If you’re exploring the Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yamashita Park areas, this pass is a cost-effective option.
Sankeien Garden: The bus ride to Sankeien Garden offers scenic views of Yokohama’s residential areas. Check the schedule in advance, as buses to this area may be less frequent.
Zoorasia: Plan your trip carefully, as buses to Zoorasia can be infrequent, especially on weekdays.
Language Barrier: While many buses have English signage, it’s helpful to know the name of your destination in Japanese. For example, Sankeien Garden is 三溪園 (Sankeien).

8. How Buses Connect to Other Transportation

Train Stations: Most bus routes are designed to connect with major train stations like Yokohama Station, Sakuragicho Station, and Shin-Yokohama Station.
Subway Lines: Buses often serve areas near subway stations on the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line and Green Line.
Long-Distance Buses: Yokohama Station and Sakuragicho Station are hubs for highway buses (高速バス, kosoku bus) that connect Yokohama to other cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

9. Useful Resources

Yokohama Municipal Bus Website: https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp (Japanese only, but can be translated using browser tools).
NAVITIME App: Provides real-time bus schedules and route planning in English.
Google Maps: Reliable for finding bus routes and schedules in Yokohama.

By understanding the bus system in Yokohama, you’ll be able to explore the city’s hidden gems and navigate areas beyond the reach of trains. Enjoy your time in Yokohama!