Virtual Okinawa Blog

Bus stops are shown by yellow signs, which (unfortunately) are sometimes eaten away by rust. A good way to spot a bus stop is to note the turnoff sections in the street. Often several buses use the same route, so they will not stop unless you hold out your arm to fall them down . . . the same way you do for a taxi.

As you board, you will note a box to your left which will spit out a ticket. Take the ticket and find a seat. The ticket has a number , which is the number of the stop where you boarded the bus. If you look above the bus windshield, you will see a device showing the stop numbers and an amount in yen (which changes as the bus drives along). This is the fare, and is payable when you get of the bus. Children under six accompanied by an adult ride free (one child per adult). Children below the seventh grade for half-fare. All others pay the fare shown above the bus windshield.

The recorded voice you hear is announcing the stops. If you are unsure of where you want to get off, ask the driver. If you look new enough he will tell you when to get off. If you listen carefully , however, you will hear the recorded voice give your stop. When you hear it, press the red button . . . the bus will not stop unless you signal it to.

As you depart, drop your ticket and the correct fare into the fare box. If you do not have the right change, there is a changer on the fare box which will change 100 yen coins or 1,000 yen notes.

By the way, the same number bus yoyo take to get somewhere will also take you back, so remember your bus number. Also, buses tend to slack off or stop service after 10:00 PM, so you might want to get back at a reasonable hour.

If you don't own a car, we encourage you to get out and tour the island anyway by the safe, fast and friendly Okinawan bus system.

This information was gathered from the publication, "Okinawa, Where Is It?" which was published by the All Soul's Episcopal Church and may be purchased at book stores on many American bases across the island or from All Soul's directly.