Azuma Bus East-around Line (Route No.3) Ishigaki Island Bus Trip

We took the Azuma Bus East-around Line (Route No. 3), a local bus on Ishigaki Island, for a scenic ride around the island.
Since this is a regular route bus, you won’t be able to hop off for photos or restroom breaks like you would on a tourist bus. This plan allows you to enjoy the sights of Ishigaki Island from the comfort of your bus window.

The Azuma Bus Route No. 3 is divided into two parts: the first half and the second half. The first half departs from the Bus Terminal, passes through the city, and heads to Ibaruma via Ishigaki Airport. There is a 15-minute break in Ibaruma, which is the only stop on this bus trip where you can get off. The second half of the route departs from Ibaruma, passes through Kabira Bay, and returns to the Bus Terminal.

download All Route Timetables
Page1 (PDF:0.8MB)
Page2 (PDF:0.8MB)

1. Buy a Bus Pass from the bus driver

This Bus Pass is a must-have for traveling around Ishigaki Island. It offers great value, so be sure to purchase it before boarding.
Detailed Bus Pass information is available on a separate page.
Since the departure time is early, you can purchase this ticket directly from the bus driver when you board.
2. For the first half of the journey to Ibaruma, seats on the left side are recommended.
Route No.3
「Bus Terminal」 Dep.（6:45）

「Ishigaki Airport」 (7:17)
The bus travels through the city from the Bus Terminal to the airport, so you won’t have much of a view at first. The real fun of this bus trip begins after the airport.
Once the bus passes the airport, the scenery changes, and you’ll be treated to stunning views of nature.
3. The highlight of the first half of this trip
Route No.3
「Ozato」（7:25）

「Minami Hoshino」 (7:28)
About 10 minutes after leaving the airport, shortly after passing the “Ozato” bus stop, you’ll catch a glimpse of the ocean over the fields on your right as the bus climbs a hill.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the ocean stretching out ahead.
The bus then descends the hill and crosses a river, where you can see mangroves to the left of the bridge.
These few minutes are the highlight of the first half of the bus trip.



4. To Heart Rock
Route No.3

get off 「Ibaruma」 (7:44)
This is the only stop on the bus trip where you can get off along the way. However, there are no public restrooms here, so you won’t be able to use the bathroom.


The bus stops in the vacant lot next to Ibaruma Koban. You’ll have about 15 minutes before it departs, so if you want to see Heart Rock, you’ll need to hurry. If you don’t just snap a quick photo and return right away, you might miss the bus.
If you turn right at the Koban, you’ll reach the beach. Walk about 100 meters to the right along the shore, and you’ll come across some rocks. Among them, you’ll find Heart Rock. While the rock itself isn’t heart-shaped, the pattern on its surface resembles a heart. Keep in mind, Heart Rock may be hidden by the tide and only visible when the water is low.
The way back from the beach can be tricky. It’s easy to lose track of which patch of grass you originally came through.
5. Seats on the right side are recommended for the second half.
You’ll reboard the bus at the same stop where you got off.

Route No.3
「Ibaruma」 Dep.（8:00）

The second half of the trip takes you along a scenic route, passing popular tourist spots like the Yaeyama Palm Grove, Yonehara Beach, and Kabira Bay. Along the way, you can also enjoy ocean views from the right side of the bus.

6. Great view spot: Mt. Nosoko
Route No.3
About 10 minutes after leaving the “Ibaruma” bus stop

「Sakae」 (8:09)

Right after passing the Sakae bus stop in the Sakae area, you’ll notice a pointed mountain on your right—this is Mt. Nosoko (also known as Mape).
Mt. Nosoko is a popular spot where you can drive partway up and then take a 15-minute hike to the summit. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Ishigaki Island’s stunning ocean.
7. Mangroves along the Fukido River
Route No.3
「Uetarama」 （8:16）

「Itona」 (8:18)

About 15 minutes after leaving Ibaruma, you’ll spot the mangroves along the Fukido River from the left side of the bus. There’s a free parking lot here, and you can walk down to the river. It’s also a great spot to enjoy activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
8. Cafe Area Yamabare
Route No.3

「Yamabare」（8:35）

After passing the tourist attractions of Yaeyama Palm Grove and Yonehara Beach, the bus enters the Yamabare area.
Since this area is situated on a hill, there are several cafes where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the sea.
9. Beautiful view of Kabira Bay
Route No.3
「Nakasuji」 （8:39）

「Otake」 (8:42)
You’ll catch a stunning view of Kabira Bay from the right side of the bus. This is a view worth stopping to fully take in, rather than just admiring from the bus window.

10. To Bus Terminal
Route No.3

get off 「Bus Terminal」（9:26）
As the bus heads toward its final destination, the Bus Terminal, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the sea at Nagura Bay from the right side of the bus.

Although this bus doesn’t allow you to get off along the way to take photos or relax, don’t you think you can still enjoy the beauty of Ishigaki Island just from the window?

One important thing to keep in mind during this trip is the lack of restroom facilities. There are no restrooms for about three hours, from when the bus departs the Bus Terminal at 6:45 until it returns at 9:26. That being said, you might find yourself needing to use the restroom.
Below, we’ve listed the locations of public toilets along the route. However, be sure to check the bus schedule and decide carefully where to get off.

Recommendation “Kabira Park” (8:52 arr.)
This is the closest bus stop to Kabira Bay, the most famous tourist destination on Ishigaki Island. Because of its popularity, there are clean public restrooms available. Kabira Bay is also a hub for many bus routes. If you get off the No. 3 bus at 8:52, you can still catch the No. 9 bus about an hour later to return to the Bus Terminal.
You might want to consider getting off here to do some sightseeing as well.

When you can’t stand it “Yonehara Palm tree” (8:29 arr.), “Yonehara” (8:31 arr.)
Public restrooms are available at the tourist spots of Yaeyama Palm Grove and Yonehara Beach. Yonehara Beach is closer to the bus stop, so we recommend getting off at the “Yonehara” stop. However, at both stops, the next bus (Route No. 8) won’t arrive for about 5 hours. Even with sightseeing, you’ll still have plenty of time before the next bus comes.
Instead, we recommend waiting another 20 minutes and getting off at “Kabira Park”.

Emergency only “Tamatorizaki” (7:41 arr.)
This is the closest bus stop to the Tamatorizaki Observatory, a popular tourist spot. There are clean public restrooms available here.
The next bus (Route No. 6) is scheduled to arrive in about 1.5 hours. However, this bus does not run on Sundays or national holidays. If today is a Sunday or a national holiday, the next bus won’t arrive for approximately 6.5 hours (also Route No. 6).
There are a few restaurants in the area, but the only attraction is the observatory.

Ishigaki Island’s buses are summarized in “Ishigaki bus route, schedule, and bus pass information”.