Getting Around Oki Islands
Getting Around Oki Islands
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Transport in Nishinoshima Town
From buses to bicycles, there are different types of transportation for you to choose from in Nishinoshima Town. The traffic volume on the hilly island is low, therefore walking or cycling is also a popular option among visitors. Free pick-up and drop-off service at Beppu Port are also provided by some accommodations.
Of course, taking your car from Shichirui Port (Shimane Prefecture) or Sakaiminato Port (Tottori Prefecture) is another convenient way to visit the Oki Islands. All you have to do is drive your car onboard the ferry and relax!Rent-a-Car
There are three rent-a-car companies in Nishinoshima Town with more than 20 vehicles available; including tuk tuks (auto rickshaws). Prior booking is highly recommended.
Please use the booking form or contact the tourism association by e-mail or phone for booking. You can also book directly with the rent-a-car companies in Japanese.
1.Kuniga Rent-a-Car (Beppu Port & Uragō Port): prices start from JPY 3,500 for three hours (Tel: 08514-7-8088)
2.Dozen Rent-a-Car (Beppu Port): prices start from JPY 5,000 for three hours (Tel: 08514-2-2292)
3.ACN Rent-a-Car (Beppu Port): prices start from JPY 2,750 for three hours (Tel: 080-6260-2456)*To rent a car in Japan, you will need either an international driving permit or a translation of your driver's license. Please check the rules that apply to your situation and prepare beforehand.
Booking
Bicycles
Rental bicycles are available at Nishinoshima Tourism Association (inside Beppu Ferry Terminal). There are standard bicycles, cross-bikes and electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) for you to choose from. Prior booking is highly recommended as the bicycles are very popular among visitors of Nishinoshima Town!
Walking
Major roads and pavements in Nishinoshima Town are well maintained. There are also some vending machines along major roads for you to stay hydrated during your journey, or take a coffee break at one of the local cafés! Make a quick stop at Nishinoshima Tourism Association (Beppu Ferry Terminal) for maps, information and travel advice before you start your adventure.
See below for walking maps of different areas around Nishinoshima Town.
Beppu Port Area
Uragō Port Area
Funakoshi, Komukai Area
Ootsu, Ichibu Area
Public Bus
The public bus of Nishinoshima Town is comfortable and air-conditioned, and major sightseeing spots, such as Sotohama Beach, Uragō area and Kuniga Bay, are along the bus route. Onboard announcements (pre-recorded) in English are available.
*The bus does not go to Takuhi Shrine and Matengai Cliff.
Please check the link (Nishinoshima Tourism Association - Town Bus page) for the bus timetable in English.
Please pay your fare when you get off.
Fare (flat fare) Adult: JPY 200 (one way) Child: JPY 100 (one way)
Cash only.
*The bus does not make change for bills other than JPY 1000.Sightseeing Bus
The sightseeing bus is a popular alternative of the sightseeing boat and it brings you to the highlight of Nishinoshima Town, Kuniga Coast. You can opt to enjoy a 1-hour hike with the buses in the afternoon. The sightseeing buses are in operation from March through October. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Please be aware that the bus in the morning only operates when the sightseeing boat is cancelled due to a bad weather.Sightseeing Taxi
There are two taxi companies in Nishinoshima Town and they both offer sightseeing courses at fixed prices. There are a total of seven courses, ranging from 1 hour to 3 hours. All tours are operated in Japanese only. Advance booking recommended. Please contact Nishinoshima Tourism Association for bookings: info@nkk-oki.com
*Cash only. -
Transport in Ama Town
Ama Town has a relatively flat terrain in the Oki Islands. Therefore, it is highly recommended to go on a tour of the island on a rent-a-cycle. Public buses and taxis are alternative means of transportation, but the public buses are infrequent, so make sure to check the timetable and plan ahead before you travel. Taxis are not always available at taxi stands and must be pre-booked. If you would like to hail a taxi, please visit Ama Town Tourism Association (inside Hishiura Ferry Terminal) for assistance.
Rent-a-Car
The rent-a-car service in Ama Town is operated by Ama Town Tourism Association (inside Hishiura Ferry Terminal). There are eight cars available. Prior booking is highly recommended. All rental cars are four seater cars.
Please use the booking form or contact the tourism association by e-mail or phone for booking.
Prices start from JPY 5,000 for three hours.
*To rent a car in Japan, you will need either an international driving permit or a translation of your driver's license. Please check the rules that apply to your situation and prepare beforehand.Booking
Bicycles
Rental bicycles are available from JPY 700 at Ama Town Tourism Association (inside Hishiura Ferry Terminal). There are standard bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes), and you can rent a bicycle for 3 hours or 6 hours. The bicycles must be returned and procedures must be completed within the business hours of the tourism association. If you are staying at an accommodation in Ama Town, you can rent the bicycle overnight and return it the next day.
*Insurance is included in the priceWalking
Ama Town has a relatively flat terrain and beautiful scenery for your walking adventure. Oki Shrine is within walking distance from Hishiura Port, and Rainbow Beach is a short walk from the port. There are some restaurants, accommodations and many more things to discover near Hishiura Port even if you are only in Ama Town for a short while.
*Oki Shrine is about 40 minutes on foot from Hishiura Port.
*Akiya Coast is about 90 minutes on foot from Hishiura Port.
Public Bus
There are 2 bus routes in Ama Town; the Ama Tō Line and Toyoda Line. Please take Toyoda Line for Oki Shrine or Akiya Coast, and take Ama Tō Line for Kirogasaki Lighthouse. Buses of both routes are infrequent, so please make sure to check the timetable when making plans for your trip or inquire at the tourism association. Please pay your fare when you get off the bus.
Fare (flat fare)
Adult: JPY 200 (one way)
Child: JPY 100 (one way)
Cash only.
Find out detailed information about the town bus here (Japanese language only).
Public Bus TimetableSightseeing Bus
The sightseeing bus in Ama Town offers pre-booked tours for groups with more than 10 participants. The bus will take you and your group from Hishiura Port or your hotel to Oki Shrine, where a guide will show you around. After the 90-minute tour, the bus will bring you back to the port. The sightseeing bus tours are operated in Japanese only. You can hire a foreign language-speaking tour guide (additional cost) to enhance your experience. It is highly recommended to make a booking through a travel agency if you are planning to use the sightseeing bus for a large group. Please consult with a Japanese travel agency.
*Regular sightseeing buses are not available.Sightseeing Taxi
Sightseeing tours are offered by taxi companies in Ama Town, and the sightseeing taxis will bring you to designated locations with a flat-rate system. The sightseeing tours are operated in Japanese only.
*Advance booking required.
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Transport in Chibu Village
With its compact size, vast pasturelands and breath-taking views at every turn, Chibu Village is a perfect place for a walking or hiking adventure. Transportation methods available for sightseeing are rental cars, sightseeing minibus, electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) and walking. There are no standard bicycles available for rental.
All accommodations on in Chibu Village offer free pick-up and drop-off service at Kurii Port. Please let the staff know at the time of booking if you wish to use the service.
The public bus in Chibu Village is operated to accommodate the needs of the locals, and it runs between the seven residential areas of the island. Tourists are welcome to use the public bus for sightseeing, but we recommend planning ahead, as the bus service is not frequent.
Please contact the Chiburijima Tourism Association for bookings and detailed information (sekiheki@jewel.ocn.ne.jp).Official Audio Guide
On the Trip is an official app that will guide you around Chibu Village like an audio guide around a museum. It focuses on spots that delve deeper into the island and will enrich your adventure. Japanese, English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese are available. The app is free of charge.Rent-a-Car
The rent-a-car service in Chibu Village is operated by Shimamori Rent-a-Car (inside Kurii Ferry Terminal). There are only four vehicles available, therefore advance booking is highly recommended. All rental cars are four-seater cars. You can book directly with the rent-a-car company in Japanese (TEL: 090-5210-5026).
Business Hours: 8:30-17:00
Prices start from JPY 5,000 for four hours.
For bookings in English, please use the booking form on this website or contact Chiburijima Tourism Association by e-mail (sekiheki@jewel.ocn.ne.jp).
*To rent a car in Japan, you will need either an international driving permit or a translation of your driver's license. Please check the rules that apply to your situation and prepare beforehand.Booking
Sightseeing Minibus
This sightseeing minibus will take you to the most scenic spots in Chibu Village, such as Mt. Akahage and Sekiheki (Red Cliff), so you can enjoy the idyllic scenery of the island.
Prices: 90 min tour (Kurii Port - Mt. Akahage - Sekiheki (Red Cliff) - Kurii Port)
1 to 3 people: 7 500 JPY per reservation
4 to 9 people: 9 000 JPY per reservation
You can book directly with the company in Japanese (Gururi Chiburi Company, TEL: 090-2677-2211).
*Advance booking necessary.
*Drivers do not speak English, but there are English information boards at each sightseeing stop.
For bookings in English, please use the booking form on this website or contact Chiburijima Tourism Association by e-mail (sekiheki@jewel.ocn.ne.jp).Bicycles
Electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) are available for hire at Chiburijima Tourism Association (inside Kurii Ferry Terminal).There are 5 e-bikes available, therefore advance booking is highly recommended!
Price: JPY 2 600 per 3 hours (taxes and insurance included)
Chiburijima Tourism Association Business Hours: 8:30-17:00
*Standard bicycles are not available.Walking
Before starting your walking adventure in Chibu Village, we highly encourage you to drop by Chiburijima Tourism Association (inside Kurii Ferry Terminal) for travel advice and materials to assist your trip. The bilingual map of Chibu Village and guidebook to outdoor activities are free of charge, and the friendly staff will show you the safest routes and things to keep in mind for an enjoyable journey.
*If you plan on walking to Mt. Akahage or Sekiheki (Red Cliff), it is recommended to start in the morning as it takes 5-6 hours to complete the round trip. There are no vending machines near Mt. Akahage and Sekiheki (Red Cliff), so please have a drink bottle prepared. The area around Mt. Akahage and Sekiheki (Red Cliff) is pastureland with many cows grazing. Please take care not to approach or frighten the cows and keep a safe distance away.
*Cell phone signal may not reach some areas on the island.
Public Bus
The public bus runs between the seven areas of Chibu Village. The bus does not run on weekends and holidays.
The bus does not go to Mt. Akahage or Sekiheki (Red Cliff), but it goes to Nibu area, which is located at the foot of the mountain. It takes 1 hour to hike to the summit of Mt. Akahage, and (another) 50 minutes to Sekiheki (Red Cliff) from there.
To visit Shimazushima Island, please get off the bus in Usuge area and the island is about 3 minutes on foot from the bus stop.
Operator: Gururi Chiburi Company (TEL: 090-2677-2211)
Price: JPY 100 per person
The timetable changes seasonally, so please contact the Chiburijima Tourism Association for the newest one (e-mail: sekiheki@jewel.ocn.ne.jp).
Public Bus TimetableSightseeing Taxi
Taxis are operated by Gururi Chiburi Company. The taxis run between the seven areas of Chibu Village, and do not go to the main sightseeing spots such as Mt. Akahage or Sekiheki (Red Cliff). If you wish to get a ride to those, please book the sightseeing minibus instead.
For bookings in Japanese, please call 090-0677-2211.
If you wish to make your booking in English, please use the inquiry form on this website or contact Chiburijima Tourism Association by e-mail(sekiheki@jewel.ocn.ne.jp).
The taxis operate from 06:30 - 19:30 (weekends and natonal holidays included).
An advanced booking at least a day prior (before 17:00) is required for a 06:30 pick-up.
Price: JPY 500 per 10 minutes -
Transport in Okinoshima Town
Okinoshima Town is located on the largest island. The island is quite hilly so we recommend renting a car when travelling around it. Other means of transport include public buses, sightseeing buses, sightseeing taxis and bicycles.
The public bus service is not frequent and we recommend thorough planning before venturing on your adventure.
A prior booking is required to use the sightseeing buses and taxis. Please contact the Okinoshima Town Tourism Association for further details.
Rent-a-Car
There are five rent-a-car companies in Okinoshima Town. Prior booking is recommended.
*Free pick-up and drop-off service at the port or the airport are available depending on the company. Please inquire are the time of the booking.Please use the booking form or contact the tourism association by e-mail for booking. Oki Rent-a-Lease has an English website through which you can book directly in English. You can also book directly with the other rent-a-car companies in Japanese by phone.
1. Oki Rent-a-Lease: prices start from JPY 3,000 for three hours (English Website: https://en.oki-maekawa.com/, Tel: 08512-2-3366)
2. Oki Drive Rent-a-Car: prices start from JPY 4,000 for three hours (Tel: 08512-3-0220)
3. Marina Rent-a-Car: prices start from JPY 3,800 for six hours (08512-2-1455)
4. Ichibata Rent-a-Car: prices start from JPY 3,000 for three hours (08512-2-4800)
5. Fuji Rent-a-Car: prices start from 3,500 for six hours (08512-2-7019)*To rent a car in Japan, you will need either an international driving permit or a translation of your driver's license. Please check the rules that apply to your situation and prepare beforehand.
Booking
Bicycles
Rental bicycles are available at Okinoshima Tourism Association (inside Oki Islands Geopark Visitor Center). There are four types of bicycles for you to choose from: standard bicycle, mountain bicycle, electric-assisted bicycle, electric-assisted mountain bicycle. You can rent the bicycles for as few as 3 hours and up to 24 hours. Prior booking is highly recommended as number of bicycles for rent are limited.
Please contact Okinoshima Tourism Association for bookings at Saigō Port: info@oki-dougo.info
Please contact Kaiyō Sports Center for bookings in Tsuma area: okigeopark001@gmail.com
Walking
Okinoshima Town is located on the largest of the Oki islands and is quite hilly. Only a few sightseeing spots can be reached on foot. Before starting your walking adventure in Okinoshima Town, drop by Okinoshima Tourism Association (inside Oki Islands Geopark Visitor Center) for travel advice and maps to assist your trip.
Public Bus
The public bus service is not frequent, and depending on the route a bus change might be necessary. We highly recommend visiting the Okinoshima Town Tourism Association at the beginning of your stay to get detailed information about how to use the local public bus.
Public Bus Timetable(Tsuma Area)
Public Bus Timetable(Goka Area)
Public Bus Timetable(Nakamura Area)
Public Bus Timetable(Fuse Area)
An easy guide to the local bus in Okinoshima TownSightseeing Bus
Sightseeing bus tours are available during weekends from April through October. Advance booking is recommended as seats are limited. Other sightseeing tours and activities can be added (for an additional cost) to personalize your experience!
*The sightseeing bus tours are operated in Japanese only.
Sightseeing Taxi
There are 10 sightseeing taxi companies in Okinoshima Town. They all operate sightseeing tours with a flat-rate system and the drivers serve as guides. The sightseeing tours are operated in Japanese only. An advance booking is required and can be done through the tourism association.