First Time on a Japanese Bus? The Easiest Way to Reach the Ama Hut Experience
新着情報
[2026 Guide] How to Ride the Local Bus to Osatsu: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
2026年2月5日
Your Adventure Starts Here
Are you planning to visit the legendary Ama Hut Experience in Osatsu?
For travelers visiting Japan for the first time, riding a local bus can feel like a challenge.
"How do I pay?" "Where do I get off?"
Don't worry! This guide is specifically for beginners and travelers who are not used to Japanese public transport.
We will show you exactly how to ride the "Kamome Bus" to reach Osatsu Kamado stress-free.
Step 1: Getting to the Bus Center
First, you need to go to the "Toba Bus Center" from Toba Station.
We have a detailed photo guide on how to walk from the station to the bus center in our previous article.
Please check the link below for directions:
▶ Check Directions: How to Walk from Toba Station to the Bus Center
(2019 blog post: https://osatsu.org/sp/html/blog.php?no=20190719091416)
Once you arrive at the Bus Center, please go to Bus Stop No. 2.
Step 2: Get the "1-Day Pass" (Highly Recommended!)
Before you board, we highly recommend purchasing the Kamome Bus 1-Day Pass (1,000 yen).
Why? Because it is the most convenient option for your Ama Hut trip!
No need to count coins:
You don't need to worry about having exact change.
Simple:
Just show the pass to the driver when you get off.
Where to buy:
You can buy it at the Bus Center ticket window.
Note: The window is closed for lunch (12:00–12:30). If it's closed, just buy it directly from the driver when you get on the bus!
Step 3: Visual Guide - How to Ride the Bus
Here is the most important part! The local bus system might be different from your country.
1. Identify the Bus & Boarding
Look for a white bus with green lines at Stop No. 2.
The destination sign will say "Kuzaki" (国崎).
In Japan, you must enter from the BACK door (second door).
Caption: There are two doors on the bus. You have to enter the second door.
2. When You Enter
(1-Day Pass or IC Card vs Cash)
The process is different depending on how you pay.
【For 1-Day Pass Holders】
You don't have to do anything! Just go through the entrance and relax in your seat.
【For IC Card Users】
Touch your card on the IC reader at the entrance (back door).
【For Cash Users】
Take a small white ticket called a "Seiriken" (Numbered Ticket) from the orange machine at the entrance.
Keep this ticket!
You will need it to pay the correct fare.
Caption: IC Card users tap at the entrance. Cash users take a numbered ticket.
Step 4: During the Ride
Enjoy the 40-minute ride along the coast.
When you hear the announcement "Next is Osatsu (Ishigami-san)," press the stop button on the wall or handrail.
Caption: When your stop is announced, press one of the buttons located throughout the bus to signal the driver.
Step 5: How to Pay & Exit
Please exit from the FRONT door near the driver.
【For 1-Day Pass Holders】
Just show your pass to the driver when you get off. That's it!
【For IC Card Users】
Touch your card again on the reader located on the fare box.
Caption: Tap your card on the fare box to exit.
【For Cash Users】
1. Check the Screen: Look at the screen at the front of the bus.
2. Match Number: Find the number printed on your ticket (e.g., "5").
3. Check Price: The fare is shown under your number (e.g., "200").
Caption: The fare shown under your ticket number increases at every stop.
4. Need Change?:
The fare box does NOT give change.
If you only have 1,000 yen bills, use the change machine attached to the fare box before you pay.
Caption: Need change? Use the machine in advance. Insert 1,000 yen bill.
5. Pay:
Drop both your ticket and the exact cash into the coin box.
Caption: Drop both your cash and ticket into the coin box to exit.
Useful Information
List of Accepted IC Cards
You can use the following major Japanese IC cards:
- Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, PiTaPa, manaca, TOICA, Kitaca, SUGOCA, nimoca, Hayakaken.
[ Images: Please check the end of this page ]
Important Note: Bus Schedule
Japanese public transportation is generally very obedient to the timetable. However, please note that buses may be delayed by 5 to 10 minutes or more depending on road conditions.
The English timetable for "Kamome Bus (Toba - Osatsu)" is available at the bottom (PDF).
Summary
Riding the local bus is part of the Osatsu Ama Hut adventure.
If you use Cash or IC cards, be sure to keep this guide handy.
However, the smartest choice is the "1-Day Kamome（sea gull） Bus Pass."
With this pass, you don't need complex steps—just hop on, chill, and show the pass to the driver.
We look forward to seeing you at Osatsu Kamado.