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Transportation System and Transit Pass Guide
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Transportation System and Transit Pass Guide

Rental Car: The Most Efficient Way to Travel

Since public transportation is limited in Tsushima, a rental car is the most efficient option. It offers the best access to tourist sites, and you must carry an International Driving Permit.

  • Travel Info: The distance from Hitakatsu to Izuhara is about 80km, taking approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by car.
  • One-way Return: You can rent in Hitakatsu and return in Izuhara (or vice versa), but an additional fee of about 10,000 JPY applies.
  • Recommended for: Trips of 1 night or more, groups of 2–3 people, and travelers focusing on nature and observatories.

Detailed information on rental cars, including requirements, precautions, and traffic laws, can be found in Guidebook - Common 2 - Rental Car Preparation.

Tsushima Taxi Usage & Reservation Guide

1. Taxi Culture in Tsushima

Unlike major Japanese cities, it is very difficult to hail a taxi on the street in Tsushima. You should assume that using a call taxi is the standard. While you might occasionally find an empty taxi passing by, calling in advance is recommended for reliable travel.

2. How to Use Taxis in Izuhara

There are two taxi companies in Izuhara. Their offices are located next to the Tsushima Hotel. If you are downtown, visiting the office directly is the fastest way to get a ride. If you cannot visit, it is common to ask your accommodation, restaurant, or cafe to call a taxi for you.

Tsushima Hotel Taxi Location Izuhara Taxi Location

If you can speak simple Japanese or cannot get help nearby, you will need to call directly. Major taxi company contacts in Izuhara are:

  • Tsushima Hotel Taxi: +81-920-52-0500 (Operates until 02:00)
  • Izuhara Taxi: +81-920-52-0227 (Operates until 01:30)

After connecting, you can use the following Japanese phrase to request a taxi:

I am at (Location) now. Please send a taxi.

Ima, (Location) ni imasu. Takushi- onegaishimasu.

3. How to Use Taxis in Hitakatsu

One taxi company operates in Hitakatsu. In addition to phone calls, you can conveniently request a taxi via KakaoTalk (ID: hikari_110).

  • Service Hours: KakaoTalk requests are available until 17:00, and phone requests until 23:00.
  • You can message in Korean, but replies are usually in Japanese, so translation may be required.

4. Estimated One-way Fares from Hitakatsu International Terminal

Approximate taxi fares from Hitakatsu Port to major attractions are as follows. Please use these as a reference only.

  • Miuda Beach: Approx. 1,100 JPY
  • Value Mart: Approx. 1,500 JPY
  • Korea Lookout: Approx. 2,500 JPY
  • Izuhara: Approx. 30,000 JPY

Since taxis are call-based, make sure to know the available hours and contact methods before traveling. Using KakaoTalk is especially convenient in Hitakatsu.

Local Bus

Buses connect major ports and downtown areas, but the intervals are long, making schedule management essential. Fares vary by distance; the fare from Hitakatsu to Izuhara is 3,400 JPY for an adult.

  • How to Use: Board through the back door and take a numbered ticket. Before getting off, press the button, put your ticket and fare (or show your pass) in the box, and exit through the front door.

  • Check Bus Timetables: Various routes are available, including the long-distance Hitakatsu-Izuhara line, the Hitakatsu Circular Bus, and the Shushi River Autumn Foliage route.

    Tsushima Busan Office Timetable (Excel) Tsushima Traffic (Japanese)

Tsushima 1-Day Free Pass

The pass costs 1,040 JPY and is only available for purchase and use on the same day. It is an essential item for travelers moving between Hitakatsu and Izuhara by bus.

  • The pass allows unlimited travel on all bus routes in Tsushima for the day.
  • Purchase & Precautions: The pass can only be purchased with cash. You can buy it at port terminal ticket machines, tourist information centers, or directly from the bus driver. However, drivers may run out of stock, so purchasing in advance is recommended.
  • Note that refunds are not possible under any circumstances, so purchase only after confirming your schedule.

When taking the cross-island bus between Hitakatsu and Izuhara, it is recommended to arrive early at the stop. If seats are full, you may have to stand for the 2.5-hour journey.

Hitakatsu International Terminal TimetableHitakatsu International Terminal Bus Stop Location

During peak seasons, a special express bus runs once daily on Fri, Sat, Sun, and Mon. This bus stops at only 5 stations and is much faster than the local bus.

Hitakatsu International Terminal Departure TimetableIzuhara Departure Timetable

Exclusive TourCast Tips!

Tips for Taking the Bus from Izuhara to Hitakatsu

Securing a seat is crucial for a comfortable journey given the long travel time. If seats are full, standing for 2.5 hours can be very tiring.

While the Izuhara Stop (Location) is usually suggested, many buses actually start their journey from Izuhara Sanbashi (Ferry Terminal, Location). Boarding one stop early at Sanbashi greatly increases your chances of getting a seat.

Not all buses pass through Izuhara Sanbashi, so check the timetable in advance to confirm the starting point of your specific bus.

When arriving in Hitakatsu with light luggage, consider getting off at the Hitakatsu Stop (Location), one stop before the terminal. You can enjoy the village scenery while walking to the terminal. If your luggage is heavy, stay on until the final stop at the International Terminal.

If the bus reaches its capacity of approx. 50–60 passengers, you may be denied boarding even if you are in line. You would have to wait for the next bus, and no refunds are given for the pass if you cannot board due to a full bus.

Bicycles: Short-distance Local Travel

Hourly rentals are available near Hitakatsu Port and in parts of Izuhara.

  • Usage: Most are electric bicycles, making them great for hills. However, they can be dangerous for inexperienced riders.
  • Recommendation: Recommended for short-distance travel within a town if you don't have a rental car. Long-distance travel between regions is not advised. Online reservation is usually required.

Bicycle enforcement in Tsushima will be strengthened starting April 2026. Please check riding rules and traffic norms in advance. Detailed information is available in Guidebook - Common 2 - Bicycle Rental.