10 reasons why bus travel in Okinawa is fun

Points for using local buses in Okinawa

・Prepare small change. Only cash and OKICA (Okinawa's transport IC card) can be used for payment. 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen bills cannot be used.
・Make sure to use the restroom beforehand.

・Board and exit through the front door.
・Wait for passengers to get off, and board once the bus is clear.
・Take a numbered ticket near the driver's seat when boarding.
・Pay the fare when getting off.
・Do not stand up or move around while the bus is in motion.
・Check the number and fare displayed at the front of the vehicle before getting off.

・When getting off, press the nearby stop button after the in-bus announcement says "Next is [stop name]."
・When getting off, stand up after the bus has come to a complete stop. You may feel rushed because it takes time to get off, but the driver and other passengers understand the rules and no one will blame you, so please act calmly.
・When getting off, put the fare and your numbered ticket into the fare box next to the driver's seat. No change is given, so please have the exact amount ready.
If you do not have small change, you can exchange money when getting off. The money changer only accepts coins and 1,000 yen bills.

Major bus routes in Okinawa are operated by four companies: Okinawa Bus, Ryukyu Bus, Naha Bus, and Toyo Bus. A one- to three-digit number is displayed on the upper front of the vehicle (this number is called the "route number"), and when looking at a route map, you should check the stops for the bus route with that number.

"Google Maps"

1. Open the Google Maps app
2-1. Enter the place you want to go in the search bar. (e.g., Shurijo Castle Park, Mihama American Village, etc.)
2-2. Click "Directions"
2-3. Enter your departure point (current location) and the place you want to go
2-4. Among the various routes displayed, click the bus route
3. Check the bus route number displayed next to the bus stop

"Transfer Search Sites"
・Enter "[Number] (bus route number) bus timetable" in the search bar
・Open a site like "NAVITIME" or "Jorudan"
・Select the direction you want to go (the final stop is indicated) and the tab for weekdays, Saturdays, or holidays.
・Click on the time you want to board. The times for each stop will be displayed.

Avoid peak traffic hours

Okinawa's buses are subject to delays during morning and evening traffic congestion.
If possible, we recommend avoiding travel during the following times:
(Morning) 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
(Evening) 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sometimes a bus may not arrive even if you are waiting at the stop; in that case, try searching by entering your current location and the stop for your destination in Google Maps, which will show you which bus is coming and in how many minutes.

Enjoying the scenery from the window, getting off along the way for a leisurely stroll—a bus trip in Okinawa, surrounded by beautiful seas, allows you to make discoveries you might miss while driving. Please enjoy your trip to Okinawa using the local bus network.

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