If you're going to Ishigaki Island for the first time, you'll want to make sure you see all the famous tourist spots.
For people like that, a sightseeing bus tour is definitely worth considering.
Even if you're unfamiliar with the area, not a confident driver, or short on time, a professional Ishigaki tour guide will take you around.

But their stay is only a few days long.
You definitely don't want to end up regretting it later, thinking, "I wish I hadn't done that..."

This article is for those who are considering booking a bus tour.
Based on my own experience participating in a bus tour, I've compiled information such as "What's included," "Who is this recommended for," and "What are the points to watch out for." I hope this will be helpful in planning your trip to Ishigaki!
===Eye===
[1] Details and price of the Ishigaki Island bus tour
Tourist attractions you can visit / Differences between courses / Participation fee / Target audience / Is a reservation required?

[2] Participation Report
[Before Departure] Departure is from the bus terminal (access information)
[14:00~] Let's begin! Torinji Temple and the Chinese Cemetery
[14:40~] When you think of Ishigaki Island, this is the place! Kabira Park (Kabira Bay)
[15:40~] Tea break! Cafe "Auntie Poser's Table"
[16:10~] Travel and sightseeing from the car window: "Yonago Pottery Workshop"
[16:15~] This is the tropics! To the Yaeyama palm grove in Maibara
[16:35~] We headed home, passing by the Omoto Tunnel and the Sokohara Dam.
[17:00] Arrived back at the bus terminal!

[3] Things I was glad about participating and things I regretted

[4] Advice for those who will be participating in the future
(Clothing, belongings, camera)
Summary

One of the most well-known bus tours in Ishigaki Island is the "scheduled sightseeing bus."
This route is operated by Higashi Bus (Higashi Transport), which runs local bus routes within Ishigaki Island.
There are two routes available: Route A, which starts in the morning, and Route B, which starts in the afternoon.

In addition, there are other services such as the "ANA Campaign Bus Ishigaki Island" for ANA passengers, and the "Discounted Sightseeing Bus Tours" which are cheaper because they are operated using (somewhat older) medium-sized buses.

[1-1] What tourist spots can we visit?

Kabira Bay, a must-see on Ishigaki Island, is almost certainly included in every bus tour.
The Yonehara Yaeyama palm forest is also a classic destination.
Other attractions include "Tojin-bo" (Chinese Cemetery), "Tamatorizaki Observatory," "Ishigaki Yaima Village," and "Minsā Craft Museum." The attractions vary depending on the course, so please be careful when choosing.

As an example, the "Regular Sightseeing Bus Course B: Half-Circle Ishigaki Island Tour" that I participated in followed this itinerary.

Torinji Temple (view from the train window)
▼
Tojin Tomb (10 minutes alight)
▼
Kawadaira Park (40 minutes walk from the bus stop)
▼
Tea time at a cafe: "Auntie Poser's Table"
(Course A, departing in the morning, includes lunch; Course B, departing in the afternoon, includes a light snack of tea, sweets, and juice.)
▼
Yonehara Palm Grove (20 minutes walk from the bus stop)
▼
Sokohara Dam (view from the car window)

*If you participate in Course A, which departs in the morning...
Tea time ⇒ Lunch
・Sightseeing from the bus window at Sokohara Dam ⇒ Tamatorizaki Observatory (15 minutes walk from the bus stop)
(The course goes to the observation deck at the eastern end of the island, so it's called "Around the Island.")

★A detailed participation report will follow later!

[1-2] Differences in Courses

There are various courses available, but what are the differences between them?
I tried picking it out.

Departure to end time

Many bus tours operate twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

On the last day of the trip, some people join in the morning and get off at the airport in the early afternoon,
On the day I arrived in Ishigaki Island, I participated in the tour from noon and got off at the hotel in the evening.
It seems that many people use it in this way.

Tourist attractions to visit

Kabira Bay is usually included.
However, other locations vary depending on the course.
(Some bus tours visit all six locations, while others simply focus on Kabira Bay.)

Meal

For tours departing in the morning, meal times are almost always included in the itinerary.
However, it's essential to confirm whether you're required to eat individually or if the meal cost is included in the course price.
Even on tours that depart in the afternoon, there are options that include a stop at a restaurant for a meal.

Tourist style

Even in the same location, activities can vary, with some offering sightseeing from the train window and others allowing free time to disembark.
Another popular attraction at Kabira Bay is the "glass-bottom boat tour."
Some tours include the glass-bottom boat ride in the package price, while others require participants to pay extra for the ride themselves.

Other Information

In the case of the "ANA Campaign Bus Ishigaki Island," it is limited to those who have booked a pre-determined ANA-designated tour.

[1-3] How much does it cost to participate?

The most common price is around 3,000 yen per adult. However, naturally, this varies greatly depending on the content of the package.

As mentioned earlier, the number of tourist spots visited and whether or not meals and glass-bottom boat rides are included in the bus tour price will affect the cost.
If you're bringing children, be sure to check what age limit they are eligible for free admission.

Price examples

Regular sightseeing bus A course: Ishigaki Island tour
Price: Adults 4,600 yen / Children (6-11 years old) 3,650 yen
Tourist attractions…6 locations (including lunch and sightseeing from the car window)

Regular sightseeing bus B course: Half-circle tour of Ishigaki Island
Price: Adults 3,200 yen / Children (6-11 years old) 2,380 yen
Tourist attractions…6 locations (including light refreshments during tea time and sightseeing from the car window)

Discounted sightseeing bus tour (morning course)
Adults (junior high school age and older): 3,000 yen; Children (ages 4 to elementary school age): 2,000 yen
*Includes admission to Ishigaki Yaima Village and glass-bottom boat ride.
Tourist attractions... 4 locations

Discounted sightseeing bus tour (afternoon course)
1,500 yen for both adults and children.
*Includes admission to Ishigaki Yaima Village and glass-bottom boat ride.
Tourist attractions...1 location (Kabira Bay only)

[1-4] Customer base

I was surprised to find that the participants were quite diverse in their background.

• solo female traveler
• Solo travel for men after retirement
• A girls' trip for ladies
• couple

...and so on.
(As it was an off-season weekend, not during summer vacation or a major holiday, there were no students or families to be seen.)

Perhaps because the course started in the afternoon, most people said, "I arrived in Ishigaki Island on this morning's flight!"

For most people traveling to Ishigaki Island, the main purpose of the trip is to visit other islands or to engage in activities such as diving.

"I have a half-day free on a day when I'm traveling by plane, so I'd like to schedule something for it."
"I'd like to do some sightseeing in Ishigaki Island, but not enough time to spend a whole day there."
"I want to get around without using a rental car."

It seems to be useful for people like that.

[1-5] Is a reservation necessary?

While some bus tours do not require reservations, it is generally recommended to plan your trip with the intention of making reservations.

~Reasons why reservations are recommended~

• Some bus tours may be canceled if the number of advance reservations is insufficient.
• Some bus tours have a rule that you cannot board without a reservation, even if there are empty seats.
• Most bus tours allow you to get on and off at major hotels, but you need to inform the driver in advance, "I want to get on at the hotel where I'm staying, XX Hotel!"
• There's a possibility that it will be fully booked during long holidays and summer vacation.

Many bus tours can be booked online.
Some tours close registration less than a week in advance, so early planning is recommended.

However, there are also bus tours that you can board without a reservation.
That's the "scheduled sightseeing bus," and you just need to buy your ticket at the bus terminal counter at least 15 minutes before departure.

In this article, we will introduce Higashi Bus's "Regular Sightseeing Bus."
The reason I chose it is...

• We have a long track record.
• They offer both online advance reservations and on-the-counter ticket sales just before departure.
• Anyone can use it
• There are many spots to visit (6 locations for both Course A, which departs in the morning, and Course B, which departs in the afternoon).

...and so on.
I made a reservation in advance and headed to the meeting place.

[2-1] Departure is from the bus terminal

For "scheduled sightseeing buses," you can choose your boarding location from the options below.

1. Higashi Transportation Bus Terminal
2. Hotels
   subject…
   Royal Marine Palace, Granvrio Hotel, Beach Hotel Sunshine, Fusaki Resort Village
3. Hotel shuttle bus ⇒ Transfer to bus terminal
   subject…
   ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort, Hotel Nikko Yaeyama

In my case, since my accommodation was not covered by options 2 and 3, I went to the "Higashi Transport Bus Terminal."

[2-1-1] Access

The "bus terminal" is about a 5-minute walk from the "remote island terminal" at the port.

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Ishigaki Island is a popular destination for tourists who travel to the surrounding Yaeyama Islands from its ferry terminal, and its development revolves around this terminal.
The bus terminal, just a short walk from there, is also surrounded by wide roads and numerous convenience stores and restaurants.
It's in a convenient location.

Depending on the direction you walked from, a large parking lot can serve as a landmark.

However, there aren't any particularly noticeable buildings or signs.
It's recommended to go with plenty of time to spare.

[Before departure] Inside the bus terminal

If you arrive early, there is a place to sit and wait.
Coin lockers are also available!
It's possible to go directly from the airport to the bus terminal, leave your luggage, and start sightseeing right away.

[14:00~] Let's begin! Torinji Temple and the Chinese Cemetery

When it's time, we'll board the bus and start! Seating is unassigned.
This bus is a large one that looks like it can carry about 40 people.
(A very ordinary type, like the kind used on school field trips)

While listening to the guide's self-introduction and other announcements, we soon arrived at our first sightseeing spot, "Torinji Temple."
This is a sightseeing view from the car window.
Although it is a Rinzai Zen temple, the stone walls constructed from Ryukyu limestone are a refreshing change from the typical image of a "temple" on the main island of Japan.

This is the first temple on Ishigaki Island, built approximately 400 years ago.
The guide will provide a thorough and detailed explanation.

Next, we'll go to the "Chinese Cemetery." We'll get off the bus to look around here.
In 1852, a ship ran aground off Ishigaki Island on its way to Taiwan.
Onboard were 380 Chinese laborers (Tang people) who were being sold to California.
Many of them died in this area, and their graves were once scattered throughout Ishigaki Island.
This Chinese tomb was built to enshrine the remains of those tombs together.
What's truly eye-catching is the vibrant decorations!
If you look closely at the intricate details, you'll discover all sorts of things.

The stay is 10 minutes.
Five minutes is more than enough time to grasp the whole picture, but if you're reading the inscription on the monument or taking pictures, ten minutes will fly by in no time.
You'll probably have to rush back to the bus.

[14:40~] When you think of Ishigaki Island, this is the place! Kabira Park (Kabira Bay)

Our next destination, Kawadaira Park, is a little further away.
(But the guide tells us all sorts of interesting stories, so the journey doesn't feel that long.)

The glass-bottom boat ride at Kabira Bay is not included in the price of the "Regular Sightseeing Bus."
However, those who wish can ride glass-bottom boats in partnership with the bus tour at a discounted rate.

Glass-bottom boat fares

Adults...Regular price 1,030 yen → Discounted price 850 yen
Elementary school students: 520 yen → 450 yen

Those who wish to participate will be guided to the reception desk by the tour guide after disembarking from the bus.
Since payment is made on the spot, don't forget your wallet on the bus!
(Even without that, you should keep your valuables on your person.)

Almost everyone on the bus tour seemed to have taken a glass-bottom boat ride.

Once payment is made, head straight to the boarding area.
Wow! That iconic Ishigaki Island view that we often see – Kabira Bay!!
When I went, it was mostly cloudy.
It wasn't a sparkling, shallow sea, but this unique view was truly breathtaking.

And before we could even fully savor the experience, we boarded the glass-bottom boat.
This is what the inside of the ship looks like.
The bottom of the boat is made of glass.
The boat's guide moved from spot to spot, explaining the corals and tropical fish we were currently seeing!
While listening to it, we would search for the coral, exclaiming, "Which coral is that!?", or cheer when we saw a school of fish.

The boat ride was about 20 minutes, but it felt like only 10 minutes.

Once you get off, you'll have less than 10 minutes left.
I quickly took some photos and played with the cats.

"I wish I could have stayed longer since I was already there...!"

With a lingering feeling of reluctance, I boarded the bus.
But those lingering regrets quickly disappeared.
After a short drive, we arrived at the "Kabira Pearl Farm Direct Sales Store," which is located in a place overlooking Kabira Bay.
We had set aside about 10 minutes for a bathroom break.

You don't necessarily have to go into the direct sales store.
Outside, you can enjoy Kabira Bay from a different angle than before.
But then, a light drizzle began...
Feeling unsafe, I went to the direct sales store. A wide variety of pearl accessories were on display.

It was a short visit of about 10 minutes, too short to decide on a purchase. But it was enough to make me think, "I'd like to own this someday."

[15:40~] Tea break! Cafe "Auntie Poser's Table"

After another bus ride of about 10 minutes.
As we climbed the hilltop, the sea receded into the distance.

And then we arrived at the cafe "Auntie Poser's Table".
Upon entering the store, you're greeted with quite a view!

Seats were prepared for our group.
The sweets are already included and ready to eat.

~Meal details~

• Chinsuko (2 pieces)
• Sata Andagi (cut one piece into bite-sized pieces)
• Pineapple (1 slice)
• Guava juice (cold water available if you don't like guava)

*For the morning departure A course, the menu will be lunch.
Up until this point, being a solo traveler, I had been sightseeing in silence.
To be honest, I'm a bit shy around strangers, so it was a relief.

However, at this point, you'll be sharing a seat with other passengers.
In my case, I was seated at a table for four, paired with two women and a man traveling alone.

It's a little awkward.
But I did eat. Actually, I was so busy that I didn't eat lunch before participating.
Yes, I finished eating faster than anyone else. And then...

"Hey sis, would you like to try some of my sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts)?"
We're not hungry."

Then, two women called out to me.
I was surprised, but I said, "Oh, thank you! Actually, I haven't been able to eat lunch... so I'll have some!"

Then another woman said, "Oh really! Well, here's some chinsuko (Okinawan shortbread) too!"

"What? What? Is that okay?!" I said, no longer trying to hide my hunger.
The air somehow becomes softer.

The conversation began with a man who had been watching the scene with a smile joining in.

"Where are you from? Oh, was it Peach this morning? Then we were on the same flight!"

I'm usually quite shy, but this makes me happy. It warms my heart.

Then, I happened to glance out onto the balcony...

rainbow!

After a stay of about 30 minutes, I felt completely warm inside.
(My stomach is full now!)

As I left the cafe and boarded the bus, everyone at the cafe waved goodbye to me.

[16:10~] Travel and sightseeing from the car window: "Yonago Pottery Workshop"

The bus is heading east.
Along the way, although it wasn't written in the itinerary, we were able to see the garden of the "Yonago Pottery Workshop" from the car window.

This is a workshop that makes Shisa statues, but the garden is a giant Shisa paradise!
The bus travels slowly, with the guide providing commentary.

I frantically clicked the shutter.

[16:15~] This is the tropics! To the Yaeyama palm grove in Maibara

After passing the "Yonago Pottery Workshop," the guide's topic of conversation shifted to our next destination: the Yaeyama palm grove in Maibara.
Although there are paths within the cluster, it seems you still have to walk a few minutes to reach the center.
Since there are steps and uneven terrain, they said it's okay to wait near the entrance if you're worried about your physical strength.

Upon arriving, I found a shop selling delicious juice right in front of the entrance to the plant colony.
Now, let's head into the cluster.
It's not particularly steep, but there are stairs, so watch your step.

As you continue on... you'll see a 360-degree view of Yaeyama palms, a national natural monument, nearly 20 meters tall!
This is a rare palm tree that grows only on Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island.
This is the only place in the world where they grow in such large clusters.
There are an astonishing 4 to 500 of them growing wild.

When the guide told me to look up, I saw a huge bat.

Next, following the guide's instructions, we looked at the base of the tree and saw that the fruit had fallen and new shoots were emerging.

[16:35~] Heading home while passing by the Omoto Tunnel and Sokohara Dam.

This concludes our sightseeing stop.
We start driving towards the bus terminal.
The route leads to the Omoto Tunnel.

The guide pointed out the entrance decoration as a must-see.

The "Jade-Riding Lion" sculpture, which depicts the tunnel entrance as a ball, embodies a wish for traffic safety.
Apparently, it's made by baking and assembling 336 separate parts.

This Omoto Tunnel is the longest in the prefecture, with a total length of 1174m.
So where did all that excavated soil (equivalent to 12,000 dump truck loads!) go?
This was used in the construction of the Sokohara Dam.

The impetus for starting construction was the severe drought of 1971. Apparently, it didn't rain for more than 180 consecutive days, from March to September.
It was completed sometime after the start of the Heisei era.

[17:00] Arrived back at the bus terminal!

After passing the dam, the bus headed south.
For a while, the scenery was full of greenery, but before I knew it, I had entered the city.
The itinerary indicates that passengers will be dropped off at the ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort Hotel and the Nikko Yaeyama Hotel, with the bus scheduled to return to the bus terminal at 17:50.

However, perhaps because no one got off at the hotel, we arrived at the bus terminal at 17:00.

We got off the bus saying, "Thanks for your hard work!" and dispersed.
I'll head back to the hotel too. I started walking...

"Big sister!"

It was the wife who was at the same table as me during teatime earlier.

"Please have some of these too! You're on a reporting trip, so be careful and do your best," she said, giving me more sweets.
I never imagined that such an interaction would occur while traveling alone and riding the train for a reporting assignment.

"thank you!"

The many beautiful sights, the information about Ishigaki Island that our guide shared with us, and the encounters we had during our trip.
My mind is in a state of excitement, filled with memories from the past three hours.
I returned to my hotel for the night with a light step.

[3] Things I was glad about participating and things I regretted

[3-1] Positive points

I was able to do plenty of sightseeing in a short amount of time.

I was able to enjoy many of Ishigaki Island's unique sights, including Kabira Bay!

I was able to hear many stories that weren't in the guidebook.

The guide's commentary was almost non-stop throughout the journey.
The conversation will mainly focus on our next destination, but there's also a ton of new information to learn!
It enhances the travel mood.

You can sightsee without being weighed down

When you get off the bus for sightseeing, you can leave some luggage on your seat.
(Folding umbrella that I didn't end up using, guidebook I was carrying, drinks, etc.)

Physically easy

I had less time to take initiative than I had anticipated.
Since we traveled by bus and there was a tea break along the way, I still had plenty of energy left when we got off.

[3-2] Points that I felt were almost there

It's a bit hectic.

Every tourist destination is set up so that you can see everything and then leave immediately.
The only time I could relax was during teatime.
Furthermore, travel time between tourist destinations is short, allowing you to reach your next destination quickly.
While it allowed me to sightsee quickly in a short amount of time, it also made me feel rushed.

It might be a bit more expensive if you're traveling in a group.

In my case, I was traveling alone, so it didn't bother me...

In the case of the "Regular Sightseeing Bus Course B" that we participated in this time, if five adults participate, the total cost would be 3,200 yen x 5 people = 16,000 yen.
A standard-sized rental car costs around 4,000 yen per day.

Of course, there are additional costs such as insurance, gasoline, and parking fees, but if you're budget-conscious, it might be better to compare it with renting a car before making a decision.

[4] Advice for those who will be participating in the future

【clothing】

Any attire is fine.
However, for walking on the sandy beach at Kawadaira Park and through the Yonehara palm grove, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

If you're unsure whether to leave out items like hats or coats, it's best to "just wear them."
Even if it gets in the way, you can leave it on your seat and get off to sightsee, so it won't be too much of a nuisance.

【Belongings】

There's nothing in particular you need to bring on a bus tour. Even if you have some luggage, you can leave it on your seat while you go sightseeing.
However, it can feel a bit embarrassing to just leave them scattered on the seat. A pouch, or a plastic bag if you don't have one, would be useful.

【カメラ】

If possible, choose a camera that is resistant to camera shake.
(If you normally have the image stabilization function turned off, turn it on.)
Because there is sightseeing to be done from the train window.

Summary

My personal opinion is, "I'm glad I participated!"

I'm not a good driver, so it would be difficult for me to go around to all the places myself.
Furthermore, the guide's explanations provided a wealth of information I didn't know, even though I had thoroughly read tourist guidebooks.

I was also happy to be able to talk with the other participants.
(Of course, some people don't communicate with others. But that doesn't mean they seem uncomfortable; everyone just goes at their own pace.)

Those who prefer to explore each location at their own pace might find it a bit hectic.
However, if you want to make the most of your limited time, I think a bus tour is definitely worth considering.

Please make your hotel reservation here.

• Rakuten Travel
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