*This article confirmed the information in June 2025.
Summary
・Buses serve major tourist attractions on Iriomote Island.
・Four buses run each day.
・If you plan to explore Iriomote Island by bus, it’s essential to use the shuttle buses operated by the ferry companies.
・1-day bus passes are available.
Transportation options on Iriomote Island include car rentals, buses, taxis, and motorbike rentals. While many visitors choose to rent a car to explore the island, major tourist attractions are also accessible by bus.
However, bus service on Iriomote Island is more limited than on Ishigaki Island, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
If you plan to travel around Iriomote Island by bus, you can get around more efficiently by using the free shuttle buses operated by the ferry companies. For details on how to use the free shuttle bus on Iriomote Island, please refer to the separate page: “How to Take the Free Shuttle Bus on Iriomote Island.” It’s a must-read for anyone planning to travel by bus.
This page is based on information provided by Iriomotejima Kotsu, the company that operates the route buses on Iriomote Island.
Contents
♦ Iriomote Bus Routes
♦ Iriomote Bus Timetables & Fares
♦ How to Ride the Bus on Iriomote Island
♦ How to Read Iriomote Bus Stop Signs
♦ Iriomote Bus Pass
♦ Best Itinerary for Exploring Iriomote by Bus
♦ Iriomote Bus Sightseeing Tour Packages
Iriomote Bus Routes
There is only one bus route on Iriomote Island. The bus runs back and forth along the coastal road, covering many of the island’s major tourist attractions. If you know the name of the nearest bus stop to your destination, it’s easy to get around without getting lost.
We’ve created a map showing all bus stops and major tourist spots — feel free to download and use it during your trip.
Download Bus Route (PDF, 0.1 MB)
Iriomote Bus Timetables & Fares
*Bus Schedule (April 2024 Edition – Latest)
Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after the Okinawa main island, and getting around takes time due to its size. The bus ride from the first stop to the final stop takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Since buses run infrequently, it’s important to plan your trip in advance.
How to Pay
You can pay with cash or a contactless credit card.
Payment is made when you get off the bus.
Fare
Varies depending on the section of the ride.
We’ve put together a summary of the bus schedule, fares, and nearby facilities for your convenience. Feel free to use it to help plan your trip.
The fares listed are for adults, per person. Children pay half the adult fare. Elementary school students qualify for the child fare, and children below elementary school age ride for free.
Download Timetable (PDF, 0.1 MB)
How to Ride the Bus on Iriomote Island
When boarding a bus on Iriomote Island, take a numbered ticket from the machine near the center door. When it’s time to get off, exit from the front door and pay your fare.
Fares vary depending on your destination and are shown on monitors inside the bus. This system is the same as on Ishigaki Island, so please refer to the separate page for details on riding the bus there.
Also, just like on Ishigaki, be sure to press the stop button when you want to get off.
You can pay your fare with cash or a contactless credit card. Please note that Suica and other IC cards are not accepted.
The following cash denominations are accepted:
・ 1,000 yen bills
・ 500, 100, 50, and 10 yen coins
You can exchange bills and coins using the onboard fare adjustment machine.
If you’re paying with a contactless credit card, tap your card when you get on and again when you get off.
How to Read Iriomote Bus Stop Signs
The cute wooden bus stop is where you can catch the Iriomote Bus. There’s a timetable and the name of the next stop posted there, but please note that all information is in Japanese only.
Iriomote Bus Pass
A 1-day bus pass is available for 1,500 yen, allowing unlimited rides on all route buses across the island during the validity period.
A one-way trip between Uehara Port and Ohara Port—the two main gateways to the island—costs 1,060 yen. Although there are many sightseeing spots along the route, the bus only runs four times a day. It’s a good idea to check the timetable in advance and consider how many places you can visit by bus before deciding to purchase the pass.
How to Buy
You can purchase the 1-day pass directly from the bus driver.
1-Day Pass: 1,500 yen
How to Use
Using the pass is simple — just show it to the driver when you get off the bus. It’s convenient because you don’t need to worry about having exact change when boarding.
Best Itinerary for Exploring Iriomote by Bus
This is a suggested day trip plan for exploring Iriomote Island using only local route buses.
Please note that due to the limited number of bus services, only a few places can be visited in a single day. If you plan to rely solely on route buses, we recommend staying overnight.
Additionally, we suggest using the shuttle bus service provided by the ferry company for greater convenience.
Best Plan
*Schedule as of October 2021
1. Depart from Ishigaki Port at 8:30 AM
Arrive at Ohara Port (Iriomote) around 9:15 AM
2. Catch a bus from Ohara Port at 9:35 AM
Arrive at Yubu Suigyusha Stand bus stop at 9:58 AM
3. Ride a traditional water buffalo cart to Yubu Island (Departs at 10:30 AM)
4. Explore and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Yubu Island
5. Have lunch on Yubu Island
6. Take the water buffalo cart back to Iriomote (Departs from Yubu Island at 1:45 PM)
7. Catch a bus from Yubu Suigyusha Stand at 2:23 PM
Arrive at Hoshizuna Beach bus stop at 3:09 PM
8. Relax at the beautiful Hoshizuna Beach
9. Enjoy tea with an ocean view at Restaurant Hoshinosuna
10. Catch a bus from Hoshizuna Beach at 4:06 PM
Arrive at Uehara (Uehara Port) bus stop at 4:20 PM
11. Depart from Uehara Port at 5:30 PM
Return to Ishigaki Port
Iriomote Bus Sightseeing Tour Packages
・Their tours offer a convenient and affordable way to visit the surrounding remote islands.
There is a one-day package tour that includes round-trip ferry transportation between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, as well as bus sightseeing. These tours are ideal for travelers who want to visit major tourist spots efficiently by bus. However, please note that the ferry departure and return times are fixed, so the schedule is not very flexible.
These tours are operated by the tour company located inside the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. If you’re interested in joining a tour, you can make a reservation online, by phone, or directly at the shop counter.
Tour company
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry
Anei Kanko Ferry
Ishigaki Dream Tours
Ishigaki Island Travel Center (In Japanese only)
