People generally assume that you need a car in order to travel around the islands in Okinawa.
However, that is not the case for Ishigaki island, because of its large & easily accessable network of public busses.
There are two major bus companies in Ishigaki Island. One is Azuma Unyu that operates the Azuma Bus, and the other is Karry Kanko that mainly operates the direct bus from the airport terminal.
By using these bus services provided by the companies above, anyone can visit all the major destinations within the island without the need to drive on your own.
In this article, I will cover the best places to go by using the Azuma Bus in Ishigaki island.
The best places in Ishigaki island to go by bus
Azuma Bus offers two types of unlimited ride tickets to accommodate all sorts of travelling plans.
・One Day Pass (valid 24 hours): Adults 1,000 yen, Children 500 yen
・Michikusa 5 Day Pass: Adults 2,000 yen, children 1,000 yen
Both of these passes may be bought in bus terminal counters, or inside all Azuma buses.
I think most people start their journey in Ishigaki from the airport, so buying either of these passes on the first bus ride from the airport is a good idea.
If you plan on staying in a hotel near the Ishigaki Terminal, there are coin lockers near the Ishigaki Terminal or Bus terminal, so you can secure your luggage there. Or, you can ask the hotel to keep your luggage while you go out for sightseeing.
*The bus terminal is about a 5 min walk from the Ishigaki Terminal.
Ishigaki Terminal
Bus terminal
1. Kabira Bay
The undesputed number one tourist destination of Ishigaki, is Kabira Bay.
Virtually every Ishigaki tour guide mentions this place.
＜Accessing by bus＞
Get off at the Kabira Koen Mae bus stop. You can get here by riding the following lines:
・From the airport: Line no. 3 & 11
・From the bus terminal: Line no. 2, 7, 8 & 9
・From the Ishigaki terminal: Line no. 9
The waters in Kabira Bay is a beautiful, bright emerald green that is truly breathtaking. You can also see coral reefs and vibrantly colored tropical fish.
However, please note that swimming is prohibited in Kabira Bay, because it is dangerous due to extremely rapid currents.
If you want a glimpse of life under the sea, ride on one of the glass boats.
Hirakubogasaki Lighthouse
Hirakubogasaki is the nothernmost cape in Ishigaki Island.
From here, you can get an incredible panoramic view of both the Pacific ocean to the right, and the East China Sea to the left.
The glowingly white lighthouse and the brilliantly blue ocean creates a very nice contrast for the eyes to see.
The sign post indicating the northernmost point in Ishigaki is also a very nice photo spot.
＜Accessing by bus＞
Get off at the Hirakubo bus stop. You can get here by riding the following lines:
・From the airport: Line no. 6
・From the bus terminal: Line no. 6
While you can get there by bus, please note that services are somewhat limited. Be sure to check the schedule.
Also note that it's about a 20 min walk from the bus station to the lighthouse, so make your plans accordingly.
Fusaki Beach
Fusaki Beach is a beach resort located right in front of a hotel. Although it is in front of the hotel, the beach open for everybody with no charge.
Access by local bus>
Takes a short walk from the bus stop "Fusaki Beach Resort". You can get there by taking the following buses.
From the bus terminal: Route 9
In Fusaki Beach, there is a special pier called the Fusaki Angel Pier.
It is a beautiful, all white pier that pops up nicely in contrast from the blue sky & sea.
Not to mention, the sunset viewed from here is simply magnificent.
Euglena Mall
Euglena Mall is a shopping arcade that is located about 5 min away from the Ishigaki Terminal by foot.
Over a hundred shops, ranging from souvenir shops, restarurants, and food supply shops line the arcade. The Ishigaki municipal market is also located here, so it is overall a great area for shopping.
Access by local buses>
There is a short walk from the bus stops "Museum Mae", "Pier Street", and "Bus Terminal". You can get there by taking the following buses.
・From the airport: Route 4, Route 10
Since Euglena Mall is accessable by foot from the Ishigaki Terminal, it is a convenient shopping district to stop by before setting asail for another island.
There are many places to stay round the Ishigaki Terminal, making this area an ideal base for traveling around Ishigaki island without a car.
Car-less travelling in Ishigaki can be done 100%
Like so, you don't need a car in Ishigaki island, thanks to the great network of public busses.
Do be careful though, as some lines and bus stops have only limited operations. Of course, if you plan ahead carefully, none of this should be an issue.
Enjoy everything the beautiful island of Ishigaki has to offer.
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