Originally Posted by
TravelDream
I've never been on a long-distance bus in Japan, so maybe my comment isn't fair. But.. they can be hellish. They tend to be less comfortable than by train. I've been on 'executive' long distance buses with 2-1 seating and probably 50-60 inches of leg room with seat that go to an angled lie-flat. It was really bad and I regretted it and would gladly pay triple to fly it if I did it again. I can only imagine with narrow Japanese-sized seats it would be much worse.
You also always have that feeling less than half way there that you would already be there by train or plane.
Had a couple of friends who took the bus, and wouldn't take it again. They're pretty seasoned low frills travellers so not like an overnight bus is new for them. But they would rather budget for a train next time all things considered.