Suita-go, Matsusaka-go, Mitsubishi-go, Yamashita-go, Skyline-go
Which one do you think is the best?
So, picture this: I’m standing in front of a vending machine in Japan, staring at a wall of colorful cans and bottles, each promising a unique flavor
of happiness. I’ve already had three different drinks in the past hour (don’t judge me—it’s hot, and I’m indecisive), but now I’m faced with a bigger dilemma: which of these iconic Japanese buses—Suita-go, Matsusaka-go, Mitsubishi-go, Yamashita-go, or Skyline-go—should I take for my next adventure? Let me take you back to the day I decided to find out which one was the best. Spoiler alert: I didn’t come to a definitive conclusion, but I had a lot of fun trying. — The Suita-go: The Underdog with Charm I started with the Suita-go, mostly because it was the first one I stumbled upon. It’s not the flashiest, but it’s got this unassuming charm that makes you feel like you’re part of a secret club. The driver was this sweet older man who greeted everyone with a warm “Ohayou gozaimasu!” and even handed out little origami cranes to passengers. I mean, who does that? It was such a small gesture, but it made my day. The ride itself was smooth, and the seats were surprisingly comfy. I may or may not have dozed off for a few minutes (oops), but when I woke up, I was greeted by the most stunning view of Suita’s rolling hills. It was like the bus knew exactly when to wake me up. — The Matsusaka-go: A Foodie’s Dream Next up was the Matsusaka-go, and let me tell you, this one is for the food lovers. The bus route passes through Matsusaka, famous for its melt-in-your-mouth beef. I couldn’t resist stopping for a quick bite (okay, fine, it was a full meal), and I ended up chatting with a local who insisted I try the beef sushi. I was skeptical at first, but wow—it was life-changing. The bus itself was sleek and modern, with these cool LED lights that changed colors as we drove. It felt like I was on a spaceship, but instead of aliens, I was surrounded by the smell of grilled beef. Not a bad trade-off. — The Mitsubishi-go: The Reliable Workhorse The Mitsubishi-go was next, and it’s the kind of bus you can always count on. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. I remember sitting next to a salaryman who was deeply engrossed in a manga. At one point, he laughed out loud and then immediately looked around, embarrassed. I gave him a knowing smile, and we ended up chatting about our favorite series. Turns out, we both love One Piece. Small world, huh? The ride was smooth, and the seats were comfortable, but what really stood out was the punctuality. This bus runs like clockwork, which is perfect if you’re someone who’s always running late (guilty). — The Yamashita-go: The Scenic Route Now, the Yamashita-go is where things got interesting. This bus takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Japan. I remember looking out the window and seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom, their petals drifting lazily in the wind. It was like something out of a Studio Ghibli movie. The only downside? I got so caught up in the view that I missed my stop. But hey, sometimes the best adventures happen when you’re lost. I ended up exploring a tiny village I never would’ve seen otherwise, and I even stumbled upon a little shrine tucked away in the woods. It felt like the universe was rewarding me for my mistake. — The Skyline-go: The Thrill Seeker’s Choice Last but not least, the Skyline-go. This one’s for the adrenaline junkies. The bus winds through mountain roads with sharp turns and steep drops, and let me tell you, it’s not for the faint of heart. I spent most of the ride clutching the seat in front of me, but the views were absolutely worth it. At one point, the driver turned on some upbeat J-pop music, and the whole bus started singing along. It was such a fun, unexpected moment that I couldn’t help but laugh. By the end of the ride, I felt like I’d made a dozen new friends. — So, Which One is the Best? Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite. Each bus has its own personality and charm, and they all offer something unique. The Suita-go feels like a warm hug, the Matsusaka-go is a feast for the senses, the Mitsubishi-go is the reliable friend you can always count on, the Yamashita-go is a journey through a postcard, and the Skyline-go is an adventure you’ll never forget. If I had to choose, I’d say it depends on your mood. Feeling nostalgic? Go for the Suita-go. Hungry? Matsusaka-go all the way. Need a thrill? Skyline-go has your back. — What about you? Have you ridden any of these buses? Do you have a favorite, or is there another one I should add to my list? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and tips! And if you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a few snacks for the road). Until next time, happy travels! 🚌✨
