Getting on and off a local bus in Japan

Step by step

1. 01

   Check the boarding rule

   It varies by area. Common pattern: board at the back, pay as you exit at the front. Flat-fare city buses are often board-at-front, pay-on-boarding.

2. 02

   Get on

   Tap your IC card. If you pay cash on exit, take a small numbered ticket (seiriken) from the machine when boarding.

3. 03

   Watch the fare board

   A board at the front shows the fare next to each ticket number, and it rises as you go.

4. 04

   Press the stop button

   When your stop is announced or shown, press one of the buttons on the wall or pole.

5. 05

   Pay as you get off

   Tap your IC card, or drop your ticket + exact cash into the box by the driver. Change machines are on the box — break bills before your stop. Most boxes do not give change.

Next, you might wonder

• Getting in and out of a taxi in Japan
• Taking a regular train in Japan