A thorough guide to Iriomote Island's bus routes! Introducing timetables, fares, how to ride, and convenient ways to use the bus!

What is the Iriomote Island route bus?

Iriomote Island is located in the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and is a sightseeing spot with abundant nature.

There are several ways to get around Iriomote Island, such as rental cars and cabs,Local buses are also a very convenient means of transportationIt is.

This section provides detailed information on Iriomote Island's local bus timetables, fares, how to ride, and how to make convenient use of the buses.

Click here to book Iriomote Island ferry tickets.

 

Basic information on Iriomote Island bus routes

The following is an overview of Iriomote Island's bus routes, Japan's southernmost.

For the latest information, please check Iriomotejima Kotsu, which operates the Iriomotejima route buses.

 

Bus operator

The number of buses in Iriomote Island is less than that of Ishigaki Island.Iriomotejima Kotsuis in operation.

 

Route map and main stops

Source: Iriomotejima Kotsu Co.

The buses of Iriomote Island areFrom "Shirahama" to "ToyoharaThe route is a round trip on the island's outer perimeter. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the start to the end.

Major tourist spots are covered, so if you know where the bus stops are for drop-off, you will not get lost in the first place!

 

Bus Timetable of Iriomote Island

Source: Iriomotejima Kotsu Co.

Buses are not frequent,4 round trips per dayIt is. The latest timetable can be found on the official website of "Iriomotejima Kotsu".

 

Bus fare (fare)
If you want to save money on your trip, a free pass ticket is also recommended♪

Bus fares in Iriomote Island vary depending on the distance. For details, check the website or ask the driver.

 

Access to main bus stops and tourist attractions

There are 22 stops on the Iriomote Island route. We will introduce major bus stops that are frequently used and popular sightseeing spots.

 

Uehara" bus stop

Uehara Port is located in the northern part of Iriomote Island,One of the main gateways for ferries from Ishigaki IslandIt is.

From this area, it is easy to access spots where you can enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island, and "Urauchi River" and "Hoshisuna no Hama" are especially popular.

Urauchi River offers cruises and canoeing, and Hoshisuna Beach is a beautiful beach where, as the name suggests, star-shaped sand can be seen, perfect for snorkeling♪.

⬇︎Here are some recommended tours held on the Urauchi River

⬇︎ for more information on the Urauchi River.

⬇︎Here are some recommended tours held at Hoshisuna Beach

⬇︎ for more information about Star Sand Beach.

 

Ohara Port" bus stop

Ohara Port is also located in the eastern part of the island,Important port where ferries from Ishigaki Island arrive and departIt is.

This area offers convenient access to the Nakama River, home to one of the largest mangrove forests in Japan, and Yubu Island, famous for its crossing by buffalo cart.

The Nakama River offers mangrove cruises, and Yubu Island is a small island with a beautiful subtropical botanical garden where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.

⬇︎Click here for recommended tours held in Nakama River.

⬇︎ for more information on the Nakama River.

⬇︎ Click here for recommended tours held on Yubu Island.

⬇︎ for more information about Yubu Island.

 

Shirahama" bus stop

Shirahama, located at the westernmost tip of Iriomote Island, is one of the island's most secluded settlements, and boats leave from here for the "Funauki" area further into the island.

Funauki is a secluded area inaccessible by land, with crystal clear waters and unspoiled nature.

especiallyBeach called "Ida beachis the most beautiful spot in Iriomote Island and well worth a visit.

⬇︎Here are some recommended tours held at Ida Beach

More about Ida beach at ⬇︎

 

Urauchi River" bus stop

Urauchi River bus stop is,Convenient access to Urauchi River, the largest river in Iriomote IslandIt is a very popular place to visit. Canoe tours that weave through the mangrove forests are popular here!

Upstream of the river, there are spectacular scenic spots such as "Mariyudu Falls" and "Cambilee Falls," which can be combined with trekking.

Click here for recommended tours held at ⬇︎ Mariyudu Falls.

More information about Mariyudu Falls at ⬇︎

 

Ohara" bus stop

Ohara bus stop is especially famous in Iriomote Island.Nakama River Mangrove CruiseThe location is close to the starting point of the

This area is home to one of the largest mangrove forests in Japan, and cruise boats offer a special experience as they make their way through the spectacular nature.

⬇︎Click here for recommended tours held in Nakama River.

⬇︎ for more information on the Nakama River.

 

How to ride a bus in Iriomote Island and how to use it conveniently

We will introduce some points where buses in Iriomote Island are different from those in Honshu. Please make use of them conveniently according to how you spend your time in Iriomote Island♪

 

How to Ride the Bus

Buses on Iriomote Island are pre-boarded and pre-paid. There is no numbered ticket.

Fares vary depending on the destination, so when you board the bus, tell the driver your destination and he will tell you the fare.

 

Would you recommend a local bus or a rental car?

While buses are less expensive, they offer less freedom of movement. Choose according to your sightseeing plan.

	scheduled bus	rent-a-car
Charge	Inexpensive (200 yen to 1,500 yen)	Expensive (about 7,000 yen per day)
operation	not required	Need to drive yourself
Freedom of tourism	Low (tied to timetable)	High (freely movable)
reservation	unnecessary	Reservations required (may be full during peak season)

⬇︎ Click here to reserve a rental car in Iriomote Island.

 

Enjoy Iriomote Island in a day, making use of buses.
Recommended Model Tourist Routes

By utilizing local buses, you can easily enjoy Iriomote Island while keeping costs down.

Here is a recommended one-day model course♪

The timetable is based on the revised timetable as of April 2024.

⬇︎Click here for an article about Iriomote Island's tourist attractions.

 

▼7:56 Departure from "Ohara Port" bus stop

We woke up a little early and departed from Ohara Port!

 

▼8:22 Arrive at "Yubu Buffalo Car Stop" bus stop.

Once you get off the bus, purchase your ticket at the "Traveler's Station". Please purchase tickets at least 10 minutes before the scheduled buffalo car service time.

 

▼ 9:00 Buffalo Car to Yubu Island

Experience the longed-for buffalo cart to Yubu Island

 

▼13:47 Departure from "Yubu buffalo cart boarding area" bus stop

Lunch will be served at leisurely Yubu Island☆After finishing the walk, we will return to Iriomote Island by buffalo car and depart for the next location!

⬇︎ for an article on how to spend your time on Yubu Island.

 

▼14:36 Arrive at "Hoshisuna-no-hama" bus stop

â-"Star Sand Beach," with its star-shaped sand, is also recommended for swimming and snorkeling.â

 

▼16:16 Departure from "Hoshisuna-no-hama" bus stop

After taking a break at "Rest House Hoshinosuna," get on the bus and go.

 

▼ Arrive at "Uehara" bus stop at 16:24

How was your Iriomote Island route bus trip?

 

▼ Ferry from Uehara Port in Iriomote Island to Ishigaki Island

If you can enjoy Iriomote Island in a day, the next stop is Ishigaki Island! The good thing about buses is that you can also access to the ferry terminal☆.

⬇︎Click here to read the article about excursions around Iriomote Island.

 

summary

The Iriomote Island route bus is a convenient means of transportation for travelers without a rental car and for those who want to sightsee at a reasonable price. Especially, if you use a one-day pass, you can get around the island at a reasonable price.

However, buses are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance and plan your trip accordingly!

⬇︎Click here to read the article in conjunction with ⬇︎