Solo Solo Travel

• 旅

Today, I’m riding Japan’s sought after overnight buses, the Dream Sleeper, from Shinjuku in Tokyo to Nara.

With only 11 seats in total, this feels less like a bus and more like a private room on wheels.
After taking off your shoes before boarding, you settle into a surprisingly comfortable space equipped with a reclining seat, personal lighting, and even an air purifier for a 9-hour, 600-kilometer overnight journey.

After arriving, it’s time to explore Nara during cherry blossom season.
From Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Mount Wakakusa to Todaiji Temple, and of course the famous deer of Nara Park, this trip had everything.
Though when it came to the deer showdown… let’s just say they were completely in charge.

Trip Data
Route: Shinjuku, Tokyo → Nara (→ Kyoto)
Transportation: Dream Sleeper overnight bus (fully private compartment bus)
Travel time: About 9 hours
Distance: About 600 km
Price: About ¥20,000 / US$125 / £95 / ₹11,700 / €110 / C$175 / A$175 / ₩185,000 / ₽9,600

Timestamps
00:04 Intro
00:22 Shinjuku Station / Today’s route
01:39 The bus arrives / Boarding
02:47 Tour of the private compartment
04:20 Dinner inside the bus
05:42 Full room tour
09:07 Late-night stop at Ashigara SA
12:04 Powder room and onboard facilities
14:30 Morning views / Arrival in Nara
18:37 Taking a break at the hot spring
22:55 Finally meeting the deer
23:57 Heading up Mount Wakakusa
25:24 Exploring Kasuga Taisha Shrine
30:05 Final battle with deer crackers
35:07 Visiting Todaiji Temple
37:47 Heading to Kyoto
40:10 What a wonderful trip — thank you for watching!