Booking buses in Japan

[tc4237]

Hi guys, I'll be going Japan in early-mid Oct.

Planning to take bus from Tokyo to kawaguchiko from Tokyo Station on 7th, Kawaguchiko to Kyoto(over night bus) on 9th and Osaka to Tokyo (over night bus) on 16th.

Has Anyone taken such buses before?

For the 1st bus ride, it departs at 1 hr intervals, would it be possible to get a seat if we buy there and then?
For the 2nd bus ride, it doesn't have online booking in English, so would it be possible to buy it there on the 7th for the 9th? Its one bus per night only, I read.
For the last one, Osaka to Tokyo, is it possible to buy (at umeda) tickets 2-3 days before departure date (16th) and still have seats?

Well, I guess what I'm asking here is what are the chances of getting seats and the possibly of buying tickets in Japan (their booth) rather than reserve online, based on your experiences, if any.

Inputs appreciated.

 

[snap99]

https://highway-buses.jp

Your itinerary can be booked here. It’s relatively easy .... only problem I had previously is that I didn’t get a refund for a cancellation I made.

The Kawaguchiko route from Shinjuku is pretty popular so depends on the season might be difficult to get on the spot.

 

[thwysg]

https://highway-buses.jp

Your itinerary can be booked here. It’s relatively easy .... only problem I had previously is that I didn’t get a refund for a cancellation I made.

The Kawaguchiko route from Shinjuku is pretty popular so depends on the season might be difficult to get on the spot.

Actually OP is traveling from Tokyo station, not Shinjuku.

 

[tc4237]

Thanks. I'm also looking at Japanbusonline.com and willerexpress websites. But can't find bookings for kawaguchiko to Kyoto.

The above sites have bookings for the other routes avail. However, I'm afraid i might meet flight delays thus hesitant to pre-book some bus routes. (as well as Incur credit card/dcc fees)

 

[thwysg]

Thanks. I'm also looking at Japanbusonline.com and willerexpress websites. But can't find bookings for kawaguchiko to Kyoto.

The above sites have bookings for the other routes avail. However, I'm afraid i might meet flight delays thus hesitant to pre-book some bus routes. (as well as Incur credit card/dcc fees)

Kawaguchiko area bus routes are run by Fujikyu.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/9/#routemap

 

[tc4237]

Thanks.

I proceeded to email the Fujikyu guys for the 2nd bus trip.

For other's future reference incase anyone decides to take this next time:
- Tickets can be reserved online (japanese website only) or via phone (has english option (2) but must call overseas)
- Upon reservation, dont have to pay upfront (especially by phone). Just pay to the driver upon boarding.

I'll update when i get more info. e.g. regarding amount of luggages and bags we can bring with us. (usually 1 luggage and 1 hand carry bag) But im asking just to cfm.