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Buses on Ishigaki Island
Public and tour buses connect the airport with scenic spots and essential sites around the island
On Ishigaki Island, buses run between the airport and major tourist spots like Kabira Bay. Tour buses are also available, offering an efficient way to visit various key attractions on island.
Local buses
Bus schedules and routes
To easily navigate Ishigaki Island’s bus routes, apps like Google Maps are a helpful tool for checking schedules and routes in real time. Enter your destination, and the app will provide directions, including the bus number, stop locations, and estimated arrival times.
For detailed route information, visit Azuma Transport' official website (*only in Japanese).
How to use the local bus
Boarding the bus
- Local buses in Ishigaki follow a front-boarding, front-exiting system.
- Take a boarding ticket from the machine (located near the door). The number on this ticket corresponds to the fare you’ll pay. Those using the contactless credit card payment, simply tap the card reader when boarding.
Exiting the bus
- Match the number on your boarding ticket with the number shown on the fare display at the front of the bus. The amount shown is the fare you’ll pay when you get off.
- If your stop is next, press the stop button to signal the driver.
- When exiting, ensure you have the exact fare, as buses do not provide change. Place cash and your boarding ticket into the fare box or tap your credit card on the card reader. There are two slots: one for paying your fare and another for making change, so be sure to use the correct one.
Fare payment
Cash
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When paying with cash, please use 1,000 yen notes or coins. Onboard change machines are designed to handle 1,000 yen notes, allowing you to easily make smaller change for your fare.
Contactless credit card
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On Ishigaki Island, buses accept contactless payment by credit card.
Useful tickets
The following tickets can be purchased at the bus terminal counter or directly on the buses.
1-day and 5-day unlimited-ride bus passes
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These passes allow unlimited travel on all Azuma Bus local routes for either 24 hours or five days from the time of purchase, making them suitable for short or extended stays.
Azuma bus round-trip ticket
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This discounted round-trip ticket provides travel between Ishigaki Airport and the Ishigaki Port or Bus Terminal.
Airport shuttle bus
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This non-stop, reservation-free bus connects Ishigaki Airport directly to the ferry terminal and city center. The fare is paid upfront and supports both cash and contactless credit card payments.
Karry Kanko
Tour buses
In addition to local buses, tour buses operate, offering tours of the island’s highlights. These tours typically require advance reservations, so be sure to check availability and book ahead.
Azuma Transport *only in Japanese
Bus etiquette and considerations
Priority seats
Priority seating is available for the elderly, pregnant women, and passengers with disabilities. Please offer these seats to those in need.
Behavior on buses
Refrain from eating, drinking, littering, or smoking aboard the bus.
Luggage
Be mindful of other passengers when handling heavy or oversized luggage.
Possible delays
Buses may not always run on schedule due to traffic conditions. It's recommended to allow extra time for travel during these periods.
Check return bus schedules
On remote islands like Ishigaki Island where bus services may be limited, it’s important to check the schedule for your return trip in advance to avoid inconvenience.
Okinawa Multilingual Contact Center
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The Okinawa Multilingual Contact Center is a public service offered by the Okinawa Prefectural government for foreign visitors. This service provides tourist information, interpretation services, and emergency support. Inquiries can be made via free IP phone, email, or chat in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai.
