[Tokyo → Nagano] Travel in Comfort: A WILLER EXPRESS Bus Trip to Nagano! 🚌💨
I recently took a WILLER EXPRESS highway bus from Shinjuku, Tokyo to Nagano Station!
It’s much more affordable than the Shinkansen, yet the journey was surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable.
My trip began at "Busta Shinjuku," which is directly connected to JR Shinjuku Station.
I headed up to the highway bus terminal on the 4th floor and checked the electronic display for my boarding platform.
With a convenience store, charging stations, and clean restrooms all within the waiting area, getting ready for the trip was completely stress-free.
About 10 minutes before departure, an announcement signaled it was time to head to the boarding area.
The signage is large and color-coded, making it easy to find the way, and the staff were very helpful and efficient.
The bus I took featured WILLER EXPRESS’s signature "Relax Seat," complete with their famous "Canopy" (a hood that covers your face)!
· Comfort: Pulling down the canopy hides your face from other passengers, so you can sleep peacefully without a care. It also blocks out light, which helped me get some quality sleep even during the day.
· Amenities: Each seat comes with a power outlet (or USB port), so you don’t have to worry about your phone dying. There are also leg rests and footrests, providing plenty of room to stretch out. The bus was spotless and made for a very pleasant ride.
We had a 20-minute break at the Yokokawa Service Area (SA) in Gunma Prefecture.
Yokokawa SA has a charming, traditional Japanese atmosphere—the perfect spot to stretch your legs.
The facilities are very clean and there are plenty of restrooms, so I didn't have to wait in line despite the short break.
Yokokawa SA is legendary for its "Toge no Kamameshi" (pot rice) by Oginoya!
They also offer a great selection of quick snacks and sweets. I recommend grabbing some hot tea, coffee, soft-serve ice cream, or fresh bread to enjoy back on the bus.
This break was a great way to refresh and enjoy some local flavors, making the long trip even better.
Shortly after leaving the SA, the beautiful mountains of Nagano began to appear outside the window.
When the "Next Stop: Nagano Station" announcement played and the monitor at the front lit up, I knew I had arrived.
We pulled into the Nagano Station East Exit exactly on time!
The station is right there when you step off the bus, so it’s easy to find the local buses heading toward Zenko-ji Temple or head straight to the train gates.
【Overall Review / Summary】
The WILLER EXPRESS service to Nagano is a fantastic way to travel—it's affordable, comfortable, and the break stops are actually fun!
· If you want to save money without sacrificing comfort
· If you want to relax in your own private space on the bus
I highly recommend this! If you're planning a trip or business travel from Shinjuku to Nagano, definitely check out WILLER EXPRESS.