夜行(やこう)バス

Composed of 夜行(やこう) (night travel) + バス (bus). A major mode of budget long-distance travel in Japan, especially popular among students and young travelers. Routes connect major cities like Tokyo-Osaka, Tokyo-Kyoto, and many others.

Common collocations

• 夜行(やこう)バスに乗(の)る: to ride an overnight bus
• 夜行(やこう)バスを予約(よやく)する: to book an overnight bus
• 夜行(やこう)バスの料金(りょうきん): overnight bus fare
• 夜行(やこう)バスで移動(いどう)する: to travel by overnight bus

Similar words

• 高速(こうそく)バス: highway bus — a broader category that includes both daytime and overnight services
• 夜行(やこう)列車(れっしゃ): night train — the rail equivalent, now rare in Japan
• 深夜(しんや)バス: late-night bus — typically refers to urban buses running past midnight, not long-distance

Cultural note

Japanese 夜行(やこう)バス services range from basic economy seats to luxury options with private compartments. They are especially busy during holiday seasons like 年末年始(ねんまつねんし) (New Year) and お盆(ぼん).