Taketomi Island - Nbufuru Hill

Ishigaki Island Tourist Information

◆Ishigaki Island for sightseeingRental car required.Oh my god!!!
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What Is Nmbfulu Hill?

A hill on the relatively flat island of Taketomi.

The story goes that a cow I used to keep escaped one night and used its horns to form this hill.

It was named Nmbful Hill because that cow was mooing “Nmbful, Nmbful” early in the morning.

On this hillNbufuru ObservatoryThere is an observation deck at an elevation of 20 meters, offering views of the townscape of Taketomi Island, as well as Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island.

Also, nearby iswelland ... andmonument to waterworksSince there's that, let's go check it out together.

How to Get to Nmbfulu Hill

Nambuhuru Hill is located about a 30-minute drive from the new Ishigaki Airport, about a 15-minute ride on a scheduled ferry from the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal (disembark at Taketomi East Port), and about a 30-minute walk from there (bicycle rentals are available).

The Nmbuhuru Observation Deck is located about a 16-minute walk from Taketomi Port.

From Taketomi Port, head straight toward the village; turn left at Nakasuji Well, then turn right immediately afterward, and you’ll see Nbufuru Hill on your left.

How to Have Fun on Nmbful Hill

When you visit Nmbfulu Hill, be sure to head up to the observation deck.

It costs just 100 yen to go up, and five minutes is plenty of time to enjoy it, so you can have a great time even if you're short on time.

You can walk there, but I recommend renting a bike.

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Details on the Hills of Nmbfulu

Nbufuru Hill is located slightly south of the center of the Taketomi Island settlement, and the Nbufuru Observation Deck—the highest point on Taketomi Island—has been built there.

Since the Tower of Nagomi is so famous, there may be many people who aren’t familiar with it, but there’s an interesting anecdote about Nmbful Hill.

Can you guess where the name “Nmbfulu”—which is used for Nmbfulu Hill and the Nmbfulu Observation Deck—comes from?

There are many unfamiliar spots throughout the Yaeyama Islands—including Taketomi Island—that have names derived from the local dialect, but this hill has a rather unusual name.

Long ago, a cow that was being raised in Nakasuji Village ran away and, using its horns to dig up dirt and stones, created a tall hill overnight.

It is said that the cow climbed that hill and mooed, "Moo-hoo, moo-hoo."

Upon seeing this scene, the chief built a watchtower on this hill, which has since become the current observation deck.

Based on the sound this cow makes, it came to be called “Nmbufuru,” and is also known as Ushimuru (Cow Hill).

The observation deck atop Nmbufuru Hill resembles a traditional Yaeyama-style house.

There is a staircase on the side, so you can climb up.

Admission is 100 yen for adults and 50 yen for children. If there is someone at the ticket window, please pay the admission fee directly; if not, please place your payment in the can next to the stairs.

The observation deck at the top of the stairs is equipped with telescopes and other viewing aids, so you can take in a panoramic view of Taketomi Island and even see Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island across the sea.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Nmbfulu Hill

well

The Nakasuji Well is located right next to Nmbfulu Hill, and due to its abundant water supply, it served as a vital lifeline for the villagers until the public water system was established.

There is a legend associated with this well.

Taketomi Island is frequently hit by droughts, and the islanders are struggling.

Amid that drought, the villagers were puzzled when a dog they kept in the village returned with a wet tail, so they followed it and discovered this well.

I guess you could say it’s exactly like “Dig here, Woof-Woof!”

Because it was a well with an abundant water supply, its water was cherished for uses such as the “New Year’s first water” and the “first water after childbirth.”

Kohamoto Utaki

The Sachimoto (Kohamamoto) Utaki is located on the right-hand side as you head south from Nmbuhuru Hill.

A "Mitake" is similar to a Shinto shrine; it is a sacred place where Okinawan deities are enshrined.

There are 28 utaki on Taketomi Island, six of which are called “Mūyama” and are considered the most important; the Sachimoto (Kohamoto) Utaki is one of these Mūyama.

There are several sacred sites within the village, including Nishitō-On, so be sure to visit them all while you're there.

Former Yonaguni Residence

The Former Yonaguni Family Residence, built in 1913, is a traditional building on Taketomi Island that offers insight into the modern housing styles and lifestyles of the island.

The house consists of a series of connected wings—the main house (Fūya) and the kitchen (Tōra)—and was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2007.

Details on the Hills of Nmbfulu

Related columns are here↓.
How to get to Taketomi Island, how to play, and a list of recommendations!

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