Taketomi Island (Taketomi Town, Okinawa Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Taketomi Island is a small inhabited island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, and is part of Taketomi Town. Its traditional village landscape, with red-tiled houses, coral stone walls, and white sand roads, which have been passed down since the Ryukyu Kingdom era, remains well-preserved, and its greatest charm is that it strongly evokes the atmosphere of an old-fashioned island. The sea around the island is a clear blue, and it is dotted with beaches famous for their star sand (hoshizara) and shallow beaches. Many people visit with the aim of "relaxing" away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and even a short time here allows you to experience the richness of Okinawa.

Highlights

• Walking around the town (red roof tiles and coral stone walls): The village, with its old houses with red tiled roofs, white sand roads, and stone walls made of coral, is perfect for taking photos. Just walking around will let you experience the lifestyle of the past.
• Water buffalo cart sightseeing: A leisurely tour around the village on a traditional water buffalo cart is a popular activity. The driver will guide you through the history and lifestyle of the island.
• Kaiji Beach (Star Sand Beach): It is famous for the star-shaped sand "Hoshizuna" that can be found here. The beautiful shells and small grains of sand make it a popular spot for observation and photography (though picking too much is bad manners).
• Kondoi Beach: A shallow, white sand beach with gentle waves. Perfect for swimming and relaxing.
• West Pier - Evening view: The sunset seen from the western pier is beautiful, so it is recommended to visit in the evening.
• Nagomi Tower (observation spot): A small observation tower overlooking the entire island and the surrounding sea. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the horizon.
• Local cuisine and craftsYou can enjoy local cuisine such as Yaeyama soba at restaurants and guesthouses on the island. There are also folk craft and souvenir shops scattered around the island.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

There is no train service. The most common ways to get there are:

• First, fly to Ishigaki Island (Painushima Ishigaki Airport).
• Travel from the airport to Ishigaki Port (Remote Island Terminal) by bus or taxi (approximately 30-40 minutes by bus, 25-30 minutes by taxi).
• To get to Taketomi Island from Ishigaki Port, take a ferry or high-speed boat (the journey takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on the boat). There are a relatively large number of boats operating during the day, but please check the timetable in advance as this may change depending on the season and weather.
• The main ways to get around the island are on foot, rented bicycles or motorbikes, or by water buffalo cart. There are few cars, and the roads are narrow and sandy in places.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: Half a day to 3-4 hours (visiting the main spots in a short time).
• Relaxing sightseeing + relaxing on the beach: 1 night (we recommend staying 1 night if you want to enjoy the sunset and the quiet village in the morning).
• If you want to experience island life and explore further: 1 to 2 nights.

Nearby spots

• Ishigaki Island (Kabira Bay, etc.): There are plenty of beautiful scenic spots, restaurants, and accommodations. It is common to combine sightseeing with Taketomi Island.
• Yaeyama Islands including Kohama Island, Iriomote Island, and Hatoma Island: There are many nearby remote islands that can be accessed by ferry, so you can enjoy island hopping.
• Around the remote island terminal (Ishigaki city)Convenient as a shopping and transportation hub.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Weather and flight status: Ferries may be canceled during typhoon season (summer to autumn). Be sure to check the weather and ferry operation information before traveling.
• Busy period: During summer vacation, Golden Week, Obon, and other holidays, the number of tourists increases, and ferries and beaches become crowded. If you want a quieter time, it's best to go for a walk on a weekday or in the early morning or evening.
• Cash and equipment: There are only a limited number of commercial facilities on the island, and some stores do not have ATMs or accept credit cards. It is a good idea to prepare any cash you may need on Ishigaki Island.
• Nature Conservation and MannersPlease take action to protect the island's natural environment and scenery by not touching the coral or marine life, not collecting large amounts of star sand, and taking your trash home with you. As settlements are also places of daily life, please remember to be considerate of local residents by limiting noise and parking your bicycle on the street.
• Sunburn and heat protection: The glare and sunlight are strong, so please bring a hat, sunscreen, and a drink.
• Caution for pedestrians and cyclists: The road is sandy and slippery in places. If you are using a rental bicycle, please do not go too fast and be careful of pedestrians.

Taketomi Island is an island where spending time relaxing is a pleasure in itself. When visiting, please be respectful of the local environment and lifestyle, and prepare accordingly for the season and weather.