Do I need to rent a car in Ishigaki Island? Summary of pitfalls and countermeasures for traveling without a car
Table of Contents
- 1 Do you really need a rental car in Ishigaki Island? The Realities of Sightseeing without a Car
- 2 Touring Ishigaki Island without a Rental Car Advantages and Disadvantages
- 3 Ishigaki Island Sightseeing Model Course Comparison with and without car rental
- 4 Public Transportation and Alternatives on Ishigaki Island
- 5 Tips on how to save on car rentals in Ishigaki Island
- 6 What to stay without a car in Ishigaki Island? Recommended Hotel Area by Location
- 7 How to avoid making a mistake when traveling to Ishigaki Island Point
- 8 About Car Rental in Ishigaki Island Frequently Asked Questions (F&Q)
- 9 summary
Do I really need to rent a car in Ishigaki Island?
Realistic sightseeing without a car
Ishigaki Island (about 222.5 km² in area), which belongs to the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, is an island with rich tourism resources and diverse natural scenery.
However, since sightseeing spots are scattered throughout the island and the public transportation network is limited compared to urban areas, opinions are easily divided between "car rental is essential" and "you can travel without a car" groups.
This article presents the realities of the situation,Organize measures and recommendations by planI will do so.
◆Those who are wondering whether to rent a car
◆To know the difference between traveling with and without car rental
◆If you want to enjoy your trip to Ishigaki Island without a rental car
Click here for a ranking of the most popular rental cars on Ishigaki Island.
Touring Ishigaki Island without a rental car
Advantages and Disadvantages
First, we will lay out the advantages and disadvantages of sightseeing without a rental car,Why "Traveling Without a Car" is "Tough"Let's take a look at the following.
Advantages of Sightseeing without Renting a Car in Ishigaki Island
Some of the non-rental car styles includeadvantageThere are
◆Zero driving stress
◆Fit for eco-friendly and money-saving
◆Able to relax the pace of travel
These advantages are applicable when the sightseeing style is "single-pointed," "hotel-stay oriented," or "mainly touring remote islands.
Disadvantages of sightseeing without a rental car on Ishigaki Island
On the other hand, without a car there areDisadvantages and limitationsThere are also
◆Inconvenient for luggage transfer and access
◆Constraints on overnight and early morning travel
◆Taxi fares tend to be higher
◆ Possibility of not being able to go where you want to go
◆Longer travel time and schedule constraints
Three reasons why traveling without a car is "tough"
Many travelers are "in theIt's tough to be without a car on Ishigaki Island.The main reason why we feel thatreasoncan be summarized in the following three points.
Distance between spots and undulationsThe tourist attractions on Ishigaki Island are scattered throughout the island, and many of the roads connecting the various spots are mountainous and hilly. There are physical limitations to walking or biking.
Cost ReversalNote: In some cases, the cost of a rental car plus fuel can be approached or exceeded if cabs, sightseeing buses, and charter arrangements are used extensively. It is often less expensive to share a rental car, especially for group travel.
↓If you are interested in renting a car in Ishigaki Island, please click here↓.
Real experiences of car-free travelers
Find out what people who have actually traveled to Ishigaki Island without a car have to say,Opinions are divided.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
The trip was more suited to those who wanted to "enjoy themselves at a leisurely pace, touring the major spots on the bus."
On the other hand, some said, "The buses were so infrequent that I could only visit three or four places in one day," or "I wanted to go out drinking at night, but it was hard to catch a cab, so I gave up because it seemed too expensive.
Also, because we did not rent a car, we were unable to visit Tamatorizaki Observatory, Hirakubozaki, or the mountain side route,The range of activities was greatly restricted.There have also been reported cases of
Ishigaki Island Sightseeing Model Course
Comparison with and without car rental
Here we compare a typical travel plan of about 2 days and 2 nights with and without a rental car,Characteristics and cautions for eachIndicates the
Ishigaki Island Model Course with Rental Car
When using a rental car,Free flow line to visit popular spots with emphasis on efficiencyThe following is an example. The following is an example
Airport → Pick up at car rental store → Tamatorizaki Observatory → Hirakubozaki Lighthouse → Lunch → Kabira Bay → Evening hotel check-in → Night drive to evening spots
2nd day
Banna Park (observatory) in the morning → Ishigaki limestone cave → Lunch and shopping in the city → Return rental car → Go to the airport
(1 night/2 days) Same route as above → city walk, dinner
2nd day
East Coast - Northern part of the island route (Tamatorizaki, Hirakubo, Nosoko Marpei, Yonehara palm forest, etc.)
3rd day
Leave Kabira Bay, limestone caves, etc., but leave enough time on the last day to visit the airport area → return the rental car
↓Click here for more information about the road trip.
Tour popular spots efficiently!
Features of plans with car rental
◆Stopover and early return are also possible.
◆Enrich your sightseeing experience with time to spare
◆Smooth cargo transport and unloading
◆ Possibility of not being able to go where you want to go
◆Shorten the time required for an efficient tour by taking a straight route.
However,Cost of car rental, fuel, parking, insurance, etc.Therefore, a cost estimate is required at the time of planning.
Car navigation system is standard equipment!
↓Click here for recommended car rental plans.
Without rental car
Ishigaki Island Model Course and Notes
Without rental car,Using public transportation, cabs, and tourist buses.plan. Below are some examples and notes.
Airport → Bus or direct bus to city center → Bus to Tamatorizaki Observation Deck (if possible) → Regular sightseeing bus to major spots → Explore city center
2nd day
Bus/taxi to limestone caves/downtown → airport
Stay in the city center → Explore the local area
2nd day
Touring spots accessible by local buses, utilizing regular sightseeing buses
3rd day
Last day adjustment. Spend a relaxing time in the city and go to the airport.
Ishigaki Island Bus & Taxi
Click here for tour ranking
When touring the islands and participating in activities
Note the inconvenience
For many travelers, the highlight of Ishigaki Island sightseeing isVisiting remote islands (Taketomi Island, Kohama Island, Iriomote Island, etc.) and marine activities (snorkeling, diving, kayaking, etc.)They are They are subject to the following restrictions
◆The meeting place for activities is outside the city center, so it is inconvenient to get around without transportation.
◆Transportation on remote islands is mainly by rented bicycle, which can be a burden in terms of heat and physical strength.
Because of these restrictions, the no-car rental group's plan calls forMinimal sightseeing in Ishigaki Island, use tour packages for remote islands and marine activities.and other divisions are essential.
Public Transportation and Alternatives on Ishigaki Island
If you want to visit Ishigaki Island without a rental car, you basically need toTransportation by bus, cab, or rental bicycleThe first two are the following.
Compare each and check out the public transportation and alternative transportation options you need to know about.
↓ Learn more about car-free travel on Ishigaki Island ↓.
Current status and number of bus routes
Access to major tourist attractions
Public buses on Ishigaki Island (mainly Higashi Unyu) areRoute network connecting major centersIt functions as a
Therefore, major spots can be accessed by bus ◎ However, it is necessary to check the bus schedule in advance because there are times when the number of buses is limited.
In addition, regular sightseeing buses provide an efficient way to visit major spots.
However, in some cases, local buses do not go directly to mountainous areas or some tourist spots, so you may have to change buses or walk.
Cab Fare and Notes
Cabs are an important option to supplement convenience to destinations and times when buses are not available.
Riding with more than one person will reduce the cost per person. In many cases, cabs are required for nighttime trips involving alcohol or for early morning or late night trips where no buses are available, so it is a good idea to allow for extra room in your budget.
In addition, in the suburbs and at night, it can take a long time to call a cab, and in some cases, taxis are refused for dispatch. There are indications that the cab shortage is becoming more serious.
Although the number of cashless vehicles is increasing, there are still some vehicles that only accept cash,Cash on hand.Let's do it.
Bicycles, electric kickboards, rental bikes
Alternatives to renting a car are also an option for two-wheeled and light transportation!shared cycleThere are also systems in the city center that allow borrowing and returning items between multiple locations, such as
The load is lighter if you have electric assist,Be careful of long distance travel and hills.is required.
On the other hand, Ishigaki Island also has rental motorcycles and scooters, and motorcycles can be used to travel long distances as well as rental cars. However, be careful about rainy weather and luggage management.
Popular Bike and Rental Bicycle Rentals in Ishigaki Island
Click here for a list of rankings
Bicycle travel?
Slopes, distance, and heat realistic
Ishigaki Island is an environment where "ups and downs" and "heat" are intense. Even if you could use only the flat sections, the direct sunlight, strong winds, and fatigue accumulation in mid-summer cannot be ignored. It is a burden for those who are not confident in their physical strength.
Particularly in routes that include distances between tourist attractions or hills, there will be situations where it is "impossible" to get around by bicycle alone.
Thus, bicycles areSupplemental Transportationand it is realistic to plan on the premise of using both buses and cabs.
Tips on how to save on car rentals in Ishigaki Island
If you decide to use a rental car, try toReliable vendors and plans while keeping costs downWe would like to choose the
Early reservations are essential!
ReasonBusy Season Reservation Situation
Demand increases sharply during the high season (July-September, year-end and New Year holidays, Golden Week, etc.), and rental car inventories are depleted,Secure reservations 2-3 months in advance.Let's do it.
Also, popular car models (SUVs, electric cars, minivans, etc.) are the first to fill up, so early reservations are essential.
When making a reservation, it is a good idea to check the cancellation policy and understand the conditions under which cancellation fees will be charged.
Comparison Points for Car Rental Agencies
There are several car rental companies on Ishigaki Island, check out the leading companies while keeping in mind the main points of comparison.
✓Support System and Hours of Operation
✓Insurance, coverage and indemnity measures
✓Fuel return method, distance limit, additional fee
✓Vehicle lineup (light cars, compact cars, SUVs, etc.)
Typical examples include locally based companies, local branches of national chains, and tourist car rental companies. Many have offices near airports and often offer free pick-up and drop-off services.
Some companies also offer one-way returns (port-to-airport returns),Flexible design of return routesThe advantage of this service is that it is easy to use (however, a drop-off fee may be charged separately).
The delivery of the remote island terminal
Click here for car rental plans
What to stay without a car in Ishigaki Island?
Recommended Hotel Area by Location
If you choose an itinerary without a rental car,Choosing a hotel location is very important.are. Selecting hotels around areas that are easily accessible by foot or bus will lighten the travel load.
Learn more about hotels in Ishigaki Island.
within walking distance
Hotels with tourist attractions and restaurants
Ishigaki city center (around Euglena Mall and Misaki Town) is an area where restaurants, souvenir stores, and cafes gather,Walking distance to exploreIt is. Having a hotel here makes it convenient for a night out or a meal.
Hotels within walking distance to the nearby observatory of Banna Park are also ideal as a base for your stay.
Public transportation and bus stops nearby.
Convenient hotel area
If you choose a hotel near a bus stop or bus station,Much better access to mobilityParticularly excellent locations are along major bus routes, near the Cary Tourist Bus Station, near bus terminals, and near remote island terminals.
By using these locations as a base, it will be easier to use public buses and cabs without a rental car.
How to avoid making a mistake on your trip to Ishigaki Island
point
When designing an itinerary, we need to determine who is suited to "travel without a car" and who needs to rent a car, and the means of transportation for each.Optimizing PerspectivesLet's get the following in order.
Travel without a car
The difference between a suitable/unsuitable person
Below are the differences between those who are suitable for car-free travel and those who are not.Guess which one you are.Plan your trip!
◆People with little luggage and confident in their physical strength.
◆Cost-conscious and want to reduce travel costs
◆People who do not use nighttime and early morning travel very often
◆People who want to stay in a relaxed atmosphere with carefully selected sightseeing spots
◆People with children, elderly people, people with a lot of luggage
◆People who want to visit tourist spots comprehensively
◆People who want to enjoy eating and drinking out and driving at night
◆People who want to make the most of their time (morning view, evening view, and night time also want to move)
Ride-out available!
↓Click here for recommended car rental plans.
By Travel Style
Optimal solution for transportation
laid-back type(Focus on stay and modest sightseeing): Bus/scheduled sightseeing bus + walking-based stay
Focus on touring isolated islandsMinimal travel on Ishigaki Island, focus on remote island tours, emphasis on hotel location.
mixed useWalk or take a bus around the area where you stay, rent a car or use a chartered cab for out-of-town transportation.
By mixing up the means of transportation,A balance between cost and flexibility can be maintained.It is.
If you want to rent a car in Ishigaki Island
↓ '↓'Ishigaki Island Car RentalinformationPlease see "↓" for more information.
Car Rental in Ishigaki Island
Frequently Asked Questions (F&Q)
You should be aware of the undulations, narrowness, and passing each other on the roads and be familiar with the traffic rules and signs on the island. Also, when visiting tourist attractions, it is a good idea to check the availability and cost of parking. Be aware of return times and hours of operation when planning your itinerary. It is important to reserve a rental car in case of weather fluctuations or typhoons on the island, assuming the risk of operational shutdowns.
summary
Ishigaki Island is an island with a wealth of sights to see, but the tourist attractions are scattered over a wide area,Car rental is very advantageous if you value freedom, efficiency, and comfort.It is.
On the other hand, Ishigaki Island can also be enjoyed without a car depending on your travel style!
The point is to optimize your means of transportation according to the purpose of your trip and where you want to go◎.
The key is to plan ahead and make reservations as early as possible.
↓Click here to read the article.
