▷ What This Guide Solves
Rebun Island is one of Japan’s northernmost destinations, known for alpine flowers, dramatic sea cliffs, and multi-hour hiking routes. But first-time visitors often ask:
“Is it possible to travel around Rebun Island without renting a car?”
The short answer: Yes—but only if you understand how buses work and plan around them.
This article gives you everything you need:
- How to use the local bus system
- When to book sightseeing buses
- What hiking travelers need to know
- What others learned the hard way
🏝 Basic Island Layout & Transport Overview
- Main port and hub: Kafuka (香深)
- Island size: ~8km wide, ~29km long
- No trains or ride-hailing apps
- Main transport:
- Scheduled local buses (by Soya Bus)
- Sightseeing buses (April–October)
- A few taxis and rental cars
🚌 How to Use the Local Bus (Soya Bus)
✅ Main Routes:
- Kafuka ↔ Sukoton Cape (スコトン岬): Northbound route (~55 min)
- Kafuka ↔ Funadomari (船泊): Northwest coastal access
- Kafuka ↔ Motchi (元地) and Chihiro (知床): Southbound routes
- Kafuka ↔ Momoiwa Trailhead (桃岩登山口): Hiking access (summer only)
✅ Key Info:
- Fare: ¥200–¥1,200 depending on distance
- Payment: Cash only, exact fare preferred
- Timetable: ~5–6 departures/day per route
- Stop Flexibility: “Wave-to-stop” system – you can board or get off outside fixed bus stops (very useful for hikers)
🔗 Official local guide (Japanese only): rebun.info
🚍 How to Book a Sightseeing Bus Tour (Optional but Recommended)
For those staying 1–2 days or traveling off-peak, consider Rebun Sightseeing Bus A/B courses:
- Operator: Soya Bus (宗谷バス)
- Departure: Kafuka Ferry Terminal
- A Course (morning): ~3h50m
- B Course (afternoon): ~2h25m
- Fare: ~¥5,500–¥6,500
- Language: Japanese only, but route maps available in English
✅ Great for travelers who want to see major spots without walking long distances
🧗♀️ Bus Access for Hikers
Rebun is a paradise for hikers, but the trails rarely start or end near town.
Here’s how to make the connection:
| Trail | Start/End Points | Bus Access |
|---|---|---|
| 8-Hour Course | Sukoton Cape → Kafuka | Bus from Kafuka to start |
| 4-Hour Course | Motochi → Kafuka | Bus near Motochi; walk to trailhead |
| Momoiwa Trail | Kafuka → Momoiwa Base | Seasonal bus direct to trailhead |
| Funadomari Routes | North area hikes | Use bus from/to Funadomari |
🔺 Tip: Buses don’t wait at trail ends. Know your last departure time or risk walking several hours back.
📖 Real Traveler Experiences
▶ Case 1: Hiking and Using the Bus Like a Local
An English-speaking traveler wrote about hiking the 8-hour course from Sukoton Cape and relying on the bus from Kafuka.
“The driver stopped to pick me up near the trailhead even though it wasn’t an official stop. I just waved and bowed. No problem.”
They added that it felt like the driver “understood that hikers are the main passengers on the island.”
✅ Lesson: Rebun’s buses are flexible—if you show polite intent and know your route.
▶ Case 2: Missed the Last Bus After a Long Hike
Another hiker missed the final bus from Funadomari, forcing them to walk 3+ hours back toward Kafuka in the evening.
“I underestimated how few buses there are. You cannot miss the last one. Taxis were unavailable, and I was out of mobile signal.”
✅ Lesson: Print the schedule. Missing the bus here is not a minor inconvenience—it could cost you the day.
💬 Planning Considerations for Visitors
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Bus frequency | 5–6 per route/day (some only 3) |
| Trailhead access | Often distant; buses help but need planning |
| IC card use | ❌ Not accepted |
| Language barrier | Moderate – drivers friendly, English maps available |
| Taxi availability | ⚠️ Extremely limited (book via your hotel if needed) |
| Weather impact | Fog and wind can make walking difficult or dangerous |
💡 Reflection: Is Rebun Island Friendly to Car-Free Travelers?
If you’re looking for:
- Pristine hikes
- Coastal scenery
- Unique local character
…you’ll find Rebun Island incredibly rewarding—even without a car.
But here’s the honest truth:
Rebun isn’t anti-car—it’s just pro-hiking.
The island’s transport system is quietly built around hikers, not tourists with packed itineraries.
The local bus allows on-demand stops, covers trailheads, and even waits for single riders.
But the schedules are thin. The signage is minimal. And English support is limited.
Still, for travelers who prepare just a little, the island offers a deeply human experience:
- Bus drivers wave.
- Locals smile and ask where you’re from.
- You’ll share rides with elderly locals heading to groceries or clinics.
🚶♂️ This is not urban convenience. It’s slow travel. It’s Japan unplugged.
🎯 Final Travel Tips
- Screenshot bus timetables from Rebun Tourism Site
- Time your hikes to end before the final buses depart (check both directions!)
- Stay near Kafuka if you don’t have a car
- Use sightseeing buses if you only have one day
- Avoid bikes unless you’re fit—the terrain and wind are intense
