Fixed-route Buses on the Islands
The fixed-route buses, a.k.a. public bus, town bus or village bus, are designed to help residents get around for their daily needs and commute. The buses mainly go around residential areas, public facilities and ferry terminals, which explains why there are fewer services during off-peak hours and the infrequent buses. If you are planning to use the local buses, make sure to check the service timetable beforehand! It is also a good idea to check with the tourism associations of each of the towns and village to see if there are last-minute changes after you have arrived on the island. Also, since the targeted passengers are residents, displays on the buses are mainly in Japanese only.
Although a number of the sightseeing spots are not located along the bus routes, it is still possible for visitors to visit some of the locations with the help of the local buses. Towards the end of the article, you will find a few sample itineraries to help you plan your trip here in Oki.
Getting On/Off and Bus Fare
Similar to other fixed-route buses in Japan, passengers get on from the rear door. Passengers pay their bus fare right before getting off the bus from the front door.
There are also buses with only one door. Simply get on and off the bus from that one door, and pay the bus fare before getting off the bus.
To get off the bus, it is pretty straightforward. Simply press the button to request for a stop.
The buses on the Oki Islands currently accept cash only. Since the bus fares on the four islands currently end beautifully with two zeroes, having a few JPY 100 coins ready will save you from the hassle of exchanging money onboard. But don’t worry. If you don’t have spare change, you can break a JPY 1,000 bill using the onboard exchange machine. There is no rush to break down the bill or JPY 500 coin immediately after you board the bus. Simply do it when you are about to get off. Please pay the exact fare as no change will be given if you pay extra.
Bus in Okinoshima Town (Dōgo Island)
There are two service providers in Okinoshima Town. Oki Ichibata Kotsu Co., Ltd. runs the main bus lines, and a small minibus service is operated by the town.
Although Oki Ichibata Kotsu Co., Ltd. service is infrequent, a handful of fixed-route buses can bring passengers to different corners on the largest island of Oki. Depending on the route, passengers will have to make a change at the hub—Oki Hospital.
If you need to make a change, you will need a transfer pass to obtain a fare reduction for the second bus. So, after you have paid your fare on the first bus, ask the bus driver for a transfer pass (norikaeken) before getting off the bus. Then, proceed to get on the second bus to your destination.
Okinoshima Town runs a small minibus service with three routes: Goka route, Tsuma Clinic route and Tsuma West route. Although the service of these three routes is extremely limited (only a few buses per day), these buses can come in handy if you are looking to explore Tsuma area or visit Dangyō-no-taki Waterfalls.
*Okinoshima Town minibus operates on a flat fare system; JPY 300 for one-way. Child fare (JPY 150 for one-way) is available for the Goka route.
An Easy Guide to the Local buses in Okinoshima Town
The Bus Route Map in Okinoshima Town
The Public Bus Time Tables in Okinoshima Town.
・Tsuma Area
・Goka Area
・Nakamura Area
・Fuse Area
Bus in Nishinoshima Town (Nishinoshima Island)
Nishinoshima Town Bus Route Map
There is one main bus route on Nishinoshima Island; how easy to navigate! The bus schedule matches the schedule of ferries and the fast ferry Rainbow Jet pulling into Beppu Port, making it a great choice for those who would like to go around by bus.
The supermarket, Sotohama Beach, Nishinoshima Community Library, Sightseeing Boat and Sightseeing Bus Boarding Point (Uragō), Yurahime Shrine and many accommodation facilities are located along the bus route. From mid-April to late October, there is a limited service to Kuniga Bay Car Park as well.
*Nishinoshima Town’s bus operates on a flat fare system; JPY 200 per adult for one-way and JPY 100 per child.
The Public Bus Time Table in Nishinoshima TownThis will open in a new tab.
Bus in Ama Town (Nakanoshima Island)
There are two bus routes on Nakanoshima Island; the Toyoda route which brings you to the heart of Ama Town, and the Amatō route which brings you all the way out to Saki area, the southern tip of Nakanoshima Island.
Oki Shrine, Akiya Coast, Mt. Kinko-ji (entrance) and Uzuka-mikoto Shrine are all along the bus route, making the bus a good choice for those who would like to access the listed locations by bus.
*Ama Town’s bus operates on a flat fare system; JPY 200 per adult for one-way and JPY 100 per child.
Ama Town Toyoda Line Time Table
Ama Town Ama-tō Line Time TAble
Bus in Chibu Village (Chiburijima Island)
Chibu_Bus_Timetable
There is only one bus on Chiburijima Island. Unlike the other buses, this one is much smaller in size. Truly a bus for the locals, the bus mainly brings its passengers to and from Kurii Port in the morning. The last bus, for drop-off only, leaves Kurii Port at 5:47 pm and brings the passengers to the residential areas. If you are staying on Chiburijima Island mostly for your stay in Oki, the bus is a good buddy for you to get to and from the port.
*Chibu Village’s bus operates on a flat fare system; JPY 100 per adult for one-way and is free for passengers aged 15 and under.
Sample Itineraries Using the Buses
Here is a collection of sample itineraries, taking you through the peaceful and quiet streets on the islands:
Get Around Ama Town by Bus in One Day
One Day Trip in Nishinoshima Town by Bus and Hiking (April – October)
Takuhi Shrine Hiking Trip By Bus
Journey to the Summit of Chibu by Bus and Hiking
One Day Trip in Okinoshima Town (Tsudo and Tsuma) by Bus and Hiking
Half Day Trip in Okinoshima Town (Fuse Area) by Bus and Hiking
New sample itineraries using the bus will be added soon!
Author: Cleo Wong