The Complete Guide to Yakushima Buses! How to Enjoy Sightseeing on the Island on a Budget with Timetables, Fares, and One-Day Passes
Table of Contents
- 1 Buses on Yakushima are a great help for sightseeing!
- 2 Yakushima Bus Route Map and Basic Information
- 3 [Latest] Yakushima Bus Schedule
- 4 [Latest] Yakushima Bus Fare Schedule
- 5 5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Yakushima Bus
- 6 Which is better: the bus or a rental car?
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buses on Yakushima
- 8 summary
Buses on Yakushima are a great help for sightseeing!
We've compiled the latest information on how to make the most of buses when sightseeing on Yakushima.
From timetables and fares to route maps and how to use one-day passes—read this guide and you’ll be able to enjoy sightseeing around the island without getting lost on the bus!
◆For those who are unsure whether to take the bus or rent a car
◆For those looking to get the most out of a one-day pass with unlimited rides
◆For those who want to visit tourist attractions by bus during their trip to Yakushima
⬇︎Click here for recommended bus tours for sightseeing on Yakushima⬇︎
Yakushima Island
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Yakushima Bus Route Map and Basic Information
There are two bus companies operating on Yakushima, each with different routes. If you know which bus goes where, your sightseeing will go much more smoothly.
⬇︎Click here for our recommended plans that include transportation⬇︎
⬇︎Learn more about our recommended plans that include transportation⬇︎
Yakushima Kotsu Bus / Matsubanda Kotsu Bus
The bus service on Yakushima is operated by “Yakushima Transportationand "Matsubanda Transportation"These are the two companies."
Yakushima Kotsu primarily serves the northern and western parts of the island and offers convenient access from the area around Miyanoura Port and the airport.
Matsubanda Kotsu operates primarily in the southern and eastern parts of the island, providing convenient access to areas such as Awa and Ono-mae.
If you use both companies together, you can cover almost the entire island by bus!
Yakushima Bus Main Routes and Stops
The main routes operated by Yakushima Bus can be broadly categorized as the “Miyanoura–Airport–Anbo Line,” the “Arakawa Trailhead Line (toward Jomon Sugi),” the “Shiraya-Unsui Gorge Line,” and the “Ono-mae and Hirauchi Area Line.”
Miyanoura Port, Yakushima Airport, and Anbo PortThese three terminals serve as major transfer hubs, so it’s convenient to plan your route starting from here.
Timetables are posted at each stop, but since some routes have infrequent service, we recommend checking the schedule in advance.
How to Read and Obtain the Yakushima Bus Route Map
You can download the route maps from the official websites of Yakushima Kotsu and Matsubanda Kotsu.
Also,Miyanoura Port Tourist Information CenterYou can also pick up a paper route map at Yakushima Airport.
When looking at a route map, the easiest way is to first check which stop is closest to your destination, and then look up the route that goes there by working backward.
⬇︎Click here for recommended bus tours for sightseeing on Yakushima⬇︎
[Latest] Yakushima Bus Schedule
The frequency of buses on Yakushima varies significantly depending on the route. In particular, schedules for trekking routes may change depending on the season and time of year, soCheck the latest schedule in advanceLet's do it.
Miyanoura–Jomon Sugi Trekking Bus Schedule
If you're heading to the Jomon Sugi, take the bus bound for the Arakawa Trailhead. During the hiking season (mainlyMarch - November) Special buses will also be running.
The first flight departing from Miyanoura isIn the early morning, around 5 a.m.The itinerary is centered around this, and is designed so that you can start trekking immediately upon arrival at the trailhead.
Since there are only a limited number of buses on the way back, be sure to plan your schedule with plenty of time to spare so you don't miss your bus!
*Please check the Yakushima Kotsu official website for the latest schedule.
⬇︎You can visit the Jomon Sugi! Check out our recommended itinerary here⬇︎
⬇︎Learn more about our recommended Jomon Sugi tour plans⬇︎
Timetable for the Miyanoura–Shiratani Unsuikyo Line
To get to Shiratani Unsuikyo, take the Yakushima Kotsu bus from Miyanoura PortApprox. 30 min.You can access it from there.
Since there aren't many buses per day, the key is to plan your itinerary in advance by coordinating your outbound and return bus times.
It's a good idea to plan a schedule with plenty of time, allowing for a 3- to 4-hour walk through Shiratani Unsuikyo.
⬇︎You can visit Shiratani Unsuikyo! Check out our recommended itinerary here⬇︎
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Island Circuit and Awa Line Schedule
The route connecting Miyanoura and Anbama is the island’s main line, used not only by tourists but also by local residents.
One every 1 to 2 hoursThe service generally operates on a regular schedule and can be used to access Awa Port and the Ono-mae area.
This route is also convenient when you’re heading toward Onomae Onsen or Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen via Awa.
How to Check the Latest Timetable Information
Bus schedules on Yakushima may change depending on the season or fiscal year.
For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check the official websites of “Yakushima Kotsu” or “Matsubanda Kotsu.”
LocalTourist Information CenterBut since they often hand out the latest timetables, it’s a good idea to grab one right after you arrive!
[Latest] Yakushima Bus Fare Schedule
Fares on the Yakushima Bus vary depending on the distance traveled. If you make good use of a one-day pass, you can efficiently visit multiple spots while keeping costs down.
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Estimated Fares by Section
Yakushima Bus operates on a distance-based fare system and covers a wide range of routes, from short to long distances.
For example, the one-way fare between Miyanoura Port and Yakushima Airport isAbout 200 to 300 yenApproximately, the distance from Miyanoura to Anbama is one wayApproximately 600 to 800 yenThis is just a rough guide. (These amounts are as of June 2026.)
Fares on routes heading to tourist spots such as the Arakawa Trailhead and Shiratani Unsuikyo may be slightly higher.
*Please check the official websites of each bus company for the latest fares.
One-Day Pass (Unlimited Ride Pass) Prices and How to Purchase
Yakushima Kotsu sells "one-day passes," which allow unlimited rides on all routes on the day of purchase.
The fee isAdults: Around 2,000 yenThis is a rough estimate, and it’s a very good value for those who plan to visit multiple spots in a single day. (These amounts are as of June 2026.)
You can purchase tickets at the tourist information center in Miyanoura Port or on the bus, and you can check the details on the Yakushima Kotsu official website.
Which Is Better Value: A Round-Trip Ticket or a One-Way Ticket? A Guide to Tickets
Whether a one-day pass is worth the cost depends on your plans for the day.
For example, if you're only traveling round-trip between Miyanoura and Shiratani Unsuikyo, it might actually be cheaper to buy two one-way tickets.
On the other hand, a tour that includes Shiratani Unsuikyo, Yakusugi Land, and Awa, such asVisiting multiple locations in a single dayIn that case, a one-day pass is definitely the better deal! Be sure to choose wisely based on your travel plans.
5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Yakushima Bus
Here are some tourist attractions on Yakushima that you can reach by bus. Each one offers a breathtaking experience of nature, and you’re sure to be moved by the unique charm of Yakushima!
Jomon Sugi Hiking Trail
When you think of Yakushima, the Jomon Sugi is definitely the first thing that comes to mind!Over 7,200 years oldIt is said to be one of the world’s largest Yakusugi cedars and is the biggest highlight of any trip to Yakushima.
The round-trip hike from the Arakawa trailhead is a long route taking about 10 hours, but walking through the moss-covered forest is a truly moving experience you won’t find anywhere else.
If you are confident in your physical strength, please give it a try!
Access: 30 minutes by car from Yakusugi Nature Center to the trailhead, then 10 hours of trekking round trip.
⬇︎You can visit the Jomon Sugi! Check out our recommended itinerary here⬇︎
⬇︎Learn more about our recommended Jomon Sugi tour plans⬇︎
Shiratani Unsui Gorge (Shiratani Unsui Gorge)
Said to have served as the inspiration for the setting of the movie *Princess Mononoke*,The Mysterious Moss ForestIt's a spot where... spreads out.
It’s about a 30-minute bus ride from Miyanoura, and one of its main attractions is that you can easily enjoy it as a day trip.
There are hiking trails for everyone from beginners to advanced hikers, so you can enjoy Yakushima’s natural beauty at your own pace.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port
⬇︎You can visit Shiratani Unsuikyo! Check out our recommended itinerary here⬇︎
⬇︎Learn more about recommended itineraries for Shiratani Unsuikyo⬇︎
Yakusugiland
This nature park is dotted with Yakusugi cedars over 1,000 years old, and even beginner hikers can easily enjoy the Yakusugi forest.
30 minutes to 5 hoursSince there are several courses available, it’s great that you can choose one that fits your fitness level and schedule.
You can get there by bus from Awa.
Access: 1 hour by car from Miyanoura Port
⬇︎Click here for recommended plans at Yakusugi Land⬇︎
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abundant natural beauty
Height differenceApproximately 60 metersIt is one of Yakushima’s most famous waterfalls, and its highlight is the dynamic scenery created by the waterfall combined with a massive monolithic granite rock.
You can get there by bus from the Awa area, and from the observation deck, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the waterfall.
On sunny days, you might even see a rainbow, making it a popular spot for taking photos!
Access: 35 minutes by car from Awa Port
Okawa Falls
Height difference88 mIt is the largest waterfall on Yakushima and has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls; its sheer power is simply breathtaking.
You can get right up close to the waterfall, so you can feel the power of nature while getting splashed all over.
Since it’s located in the western part of the island, we recommend stopping by when you’re using a one-day pass to explore the island.
Access: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Miyanoura Port
⬇︎Click here for recommended itineraries to Okawa Falls⬇︎
Which is better: the bus or a rental car?
When it comes to getting around Yakushima, whether you choose a bus or a rental car depends on your travel style. Be sure to carefully compare the pros and cons of each option to choose the one that’s right for you!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking the Bus
The biggest advantage of taking the bus is that you can enjoy the scenery without having to worry about driving, and,You can save money with a one-day passThis is to say.
Since the access routes to Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo are bus-only, taking a bus may be necessary in some cases.
The drawbacks include the limited number of trains, which reduces your flexibility in terms of time, and the fact that it can be inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a rental car
Rental cars areMove freely at your own paceThe biggest appeal is that you can do it. Since you can go to places not served by buses, it’s ideal for those who want to explore the island extensively.
The downside is that it’s expensive, and when trekking to the Jomon Sugi, the area near the Arakawa trailhead isPrivate Vehicle Restrictions...which means you'll end up having to transfer to a bus.
A Guide to Recommended Choices by Travel Style
For those who want to keep costs down while focusing on Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo, we recommend using a one-day bus pass for your travel.
If you want to “explore the island freely and discover some hidden gems,” renting a car is the way to go.
And for those who are a bit greedy and want to enjoy “hiking, hot springs, and the ocean—all of it!”,Alternate between buses and rental cars depending on the dayI highly recommend the hybrid style!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buses on Yakushima
You can purchase a Yakushima Kotsu one-day pass at the tourist information center near Miyanoura Port or on board the buses. As of June 2026, the approximate fare for adults is around 2,000 yen.
If you plan to visit multiple spots in a single day, be sure to purchase your ticket before boarding. Please check the Yakushima Kotsu official website for the latest fares and ticket sales locations.
Yes, you can get there by bus. Take the bus bound for the Arakawa Trailhead, and start your hike from there. During the hiking season (approximately March through November), special buses also run, but since the number of trips is limited, we recommend checking the schedule in advance before you leave.
Please note that access to the Arakawa trailhead by private car is restricted, so you will generally need to take the bus.
It depends on your travel style. For those who want to visit major attractions like the Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo at a good value, we recommend taking the bus and purchasing a one-day pass. On the other hand, a rental car is ideal for those who want to explore the island freely at their own pace.
Since both have their pros and cons, a “hybrid” approach—using buses and rental cars depending on your schedule—is also popular.
summary
Buses on Yakushima are a great asset for sightseeing, providing access to major attractions such as the Jomon Sugi and Shiratani Unsuikyo.
If you check the latest schedules and fares in advance and make good use of the one-day pass, you can enjoy exploring the island at a great value.
Keep in mind the option of renting a car, and enjoy your very own Yakushima trip to the fullest!
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