Hitakatsu to Izuhara Bus Guide 2026: Tsushima Transit
Planning a trip to Tsushima Island? Read our 2026 guide on traveling from Hitakatsu to Izuhara by bus, featuring ticket tips, timetables, and local secrets.

When exploring the beautiful island of Tsushima, your two main transportation options are renting a car or taking the local bus.
If you are traveling between Hitakatsu in the north and Izuhara in the south, you can choose between the Regular Line Bus and the Special Express Bus.
On my recent trip, I took the Special Express Bus on the way there and the Regular Line Bus on my way back. While the fares are almost identical, the actual travel experience was incredibly different.
Here is a quick, practical guide comparing both buses, how to buy the budget-saving One-Day Pass, where to board, and key mistakes to avoid.
Quick Comparison: Regular vs. Express Bus
Category | Regular Line Bus | Special Express Bus |
Operating Days | Daily | Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon |
Daily Trips | 5 runs per day | 1 run per day |
Travel Time | 2 hours 30 mins+ | Approx. 2 hours 10 mins |
One-Way Fare | approx. $22 (3,400 JPY) | approx. $22 (3,390 JPY) |
One-Day Pass | Accepted | Accepted |
Luggage Storage | Bring on board with you | Under-bus compartment |
If your itinerary aligns, I highly recommend taking the Special Express Bus.
Since it only runs once a day, you will need to coordinate it carefully with your ferry arrival times. However, being able to store your heavy luggage in the trunk and enjoying a faster journey makes it by far the superior option.
🖇️ You can find the detailed bus timetables at the very bottom of this post!
Departing from Hitakatsu to Izuhara

If you are starting your journey from Hitakatsu, you will find a One-Day Pass ticket vending machine right inside the Hitakatsu International Port Terminal.
With a standard one-way fare costing around $22, buying the One-Day Pass is an absolute no-brainer for saving money.
You can purchase your pass ahead of time at the terminal, or buy it directly from the driver when you get off the bus.
Adults: approx. $7 (1,040 JPY) / Children: approx. $3.50 (540 JPY)
⚠️ Note: The One-Day Pass is only valid on the day of purchase and is strictly non-refundable. Credit cards are accepted!
Where to Board at Hitakatsu Port

Once you step outside the Hitakatsu International Port Terminal, the boarding area is located just across from the designated smoking zone.


Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are taking the Special Express Bus, you can load your suitcases into the under-bus compartment yourself.
Special Express Bus Experience

The Special Express Bus feels much more like a comfortable coach bus than a standard city transit bus.
The seats recline, offering a relaxing ride, and it was pleasantly uncrowded when I traveled.


There is even a brief 10-minute rest stop at a charming rural station along the way, giving you a chance to stretch and use the restroom.
Heading Back: Izuhara to Hitakatsu


For my return trip to Hitakatsu, I took the Regular Line Bus.
If you are departing from Izuhara, you can purchase your One-Day Pass at the ticket machine inside the Tsushima Tourist Information Center. You can also buy it at Tiara Mall, which is just a minute's walk away.
Regular Line Bus Experience

As departure time approaches, travelers will start forming a queue outside.
Since the Regular Line Bus is popular and has limited seating, I highly recommend lining up early to secure a seat.

This bus looks and feels like a standard city transit bus. The legroom is tighter, and you must carry your luggage on board with you.

I caught the 1:28 PM bus and arrived at approximately 4:15 PM, making the total travel time about 2 hours and 47 minutes.
If the Special Express Bus fits your schedule, definitely choose that over the regular bus!
Crucial Tip: Where to Get Off at Hitakatsu Port
If you are catching a ferry back, make sure you do not get off at the "Hitakatsu" stop.
Wait until you hear the announcement for "Hitakatsu International Port Terminal" (Hitakatsu Kokusai Terminal) and get off there!
2026 Tsushima Bus Timetables

Below are the updated 2026 bus timetables for your trip planning. Make sure to coordinate these with your ferry arrival and departure times.
▼ Regular Line Bus Timetable ▼


▼ Special Express Bus Timetable ▼

Timetable Source: Tsushima Busan Office
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the special express bus and the regular route bus traveling between Hitakatsu and Izuhara?
The special express bus operates only once a day on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. It allows you to store your luggage in the trunk and takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. On the other hand, the regular route bus runs 5 times a day every day, but you have to carry your luggage on board yourself, and the trip takes over 2 hours and 30 minutes.
How much is the One-Day Free Pass to save on bus fares when traveling from Hitakatsu to Izuhara, and where can I buy it?
The One-Day Free Pass costs 1,040 yen for adults and 540 yen for children, which is much cheaper than the one-way fare of about 3,400 yen. You can purchase it at the Hitakatsu International Terminal, the Tsushima Tourist Information Center in Izuhara, the ticket machine at Tiara Mall, or directly from the bus driver when getting off the bus.
Where is the boarding location for the special express bus at the Hitakatsu International Terminal, and how do I store my luggage?
You can board the bus by lining up on a first-come, first-served basis right across from the smoking area outside the Hitakatsu International Terminal. Suitcases can be stored in the bus trunk, but passengers must open and close the trunk doors themselves.
What should I be careful about when getting off the bus on the way back from Izuhara to Hitakatsu Port?
To go to Hitakatsu Port, you must get off at the 'Hitakatsu International Terminal' stop, not the 'Hitakatsu' stop. You should get off when you hear 'Hitakatsu Kokusai Terminal' in the bus announcement.
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