Taketomi Island, only 10 minutes from Ishigaki Island, is thoroughly explained!

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10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island!
Let's go to "Taketomi Island" where the original landscape of Okinawa remains☆.
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Ishigaki Island】Taketomi Island Sightseeing (Buffalo Car) One Day Tour Taketomi Island is a small island of 9 km in circumference that can be reached in 15 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island, where the original landscape of Okinawa still remains. This time, we will introduce how to get to Taketomi Island (ferry information) and sightseeing spots [...]. (9 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

What is Taketomi Island?

Taketomi Island is surrounded by beautiful beaches.A small island where the original landscape of Okinawa remainsIt is Located about 6 km from Ishigaki Island, it is a high-speed ferry toAccessible in just 10 minutesThe following is a list of the most common problems with the

Therefore, you can easily leave Ishigaki IslandDay tripis also attractive!

Taketomi Island is known as an island where ancient traditions are preserved. You can enjoy many photogenic sceneries that are typical of Okinawa♪

In this article, we will introduce in detail the basic information of Taketomi Island and how to enjoy it. Please take a look at it for your reference!

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How to get to Taketomi Island from Ishigaki Island (Ferry)

Taketomi Island can be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal on Ishigaki Island.

The latest timetable is also available at
◆Click here for today's operation

*There are many flights, but it is recommended to make reservations in advance as it is expected to be very crowded.

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Ishigaki Island-Taketomi Island Ferry Information [Timetables, Fares, and Web Reservations! Thorough explanation of the charms of sightseeing in Taketomi Island!Contents1 It takes about 15 minutes from Ishigaki Island by ferry! What kind of island is Taketomi Island? 2 How to get to Taketomi Island (Ferry Information) 2.1 Ferry Ticket Price List 3 Advance Purchase of Ferry Ticket is Required! 4 Advantages of Advance Purchase of Ferry Ticket 4. [...

10 Sightseeing Spots on Taketomi Island

Now, here are 10 sightseeing spots on Taketomi Island, and we will show you the many attractions packed into this small island.

1) Private Houses and Villages on Taketomi Island
(Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)

Taketomi Island is the most pristine island in Okinawa and has been designated as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The roofs of private houses are particularly noteworthy, and are characterized by their red-tile roofing style!

This roof was designed to suit the climate of Taketomi Island and serves to protect the tiles from the wind. The red tiles of the roof and the white of the plaster create a beautiful contrast, creating a unique landscape throughout the island.

A stroll around Taketomi Island will warm your heart.

Basic Information on Homes and Villages on Taketomi Island

Name: Taketomi Island's private houses and villages
Access: 15 minutes on foot from the port

Taketomi Island - Village of Taketomi Island   What is the village of Taketomi Island? The contrast of Taketomi Island's red-tiled houses, stone walls made of coral, and white sand roads is beautiful. In addition, it was designated as a national preservation district for traditional buildings in 1987. Everyone imagines the old-fashioned Okinawan original style [...].

(2) Nagomi Tower

One of the main tourist attractions on Taketomi Island is an observation tower overlooking the village with its red-tiled roofs. This tower is 4.5 meters high, and by climbing it, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of houses and the coastline.

Installed in 1953, the tower was initially used to contact residents. It is also a simple tower made of concrete, with steep stairs that require great care when ascending and descending.

*Currently, due to its decrepit condition, it is not safe to climb.

Basic Information on Nagomi Tower

Name: Nagomi Tower
Location: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 min. walk from Taketomi Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None

Taketomi Island - Nagomi no To (Tower of Tranquility) About Nagomi no To (Tower of Tranquility) Nagomi no To (Tower of Tranquility) is located in Akayama Park, which was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan on March 27, 2006. The top of the observatory is quite narrow, but from the top you can see the original landscape of Taketomi Island. It is now closed due to aging. [...].

(iii) Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach)

Hoshi-suna beach, also known as Kaiji beach, is a beautiful sandy beach. This name comes from the star-shaped foraminifera shells buried in the white sandy beach.

Star sand is one of the typical souvenirs of Okinawa, and many people take it home with them. Please note, however, that star sand is protected and cannot be taken home!

Star sand is sold at souvenir shops, so check it out☆.

Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach)

Name: Star Sand Beach (Kaiji no Hama)
Location: Aza-Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

Taketomi Island - Kondoi Beach   About Kondoi Beach One of the best beaches in the Yaeyama Islands, ranked 6th in TripAdvisor's Japan's Best Beaches by Travel Lovers in 2017. It is a popular beach on Taketomi Island along with Hoshi-suna-no-hama, but this one has more tourists [...].

(4) Kondoi Beach

The white sandy beaches and emerald green sea stretch out and can be seen all the way to the horizon. Its sparkling sea and pure white sandy beaches are as beautiful as glasswork, a typical scene of a tropical island.

The beach is shallow and the tides are gentle, and there are showers and toilets available, so children can enjoy playing in the ocean without worry.

Basic Information on Kondoy Beach

Name: Kondoi Beach
Location: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 25 minutes on foot from Taketomi Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

Taketomi Island - Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach)   Taketomi Island - About Hoshi-suna-no-hama (Kaiji Beach) "Hoshi-suna-no-hama" is the second most famous beach after Kondoi Beach on Taketomi Island. Generally, star sand is small grains of sand in the shape of stars or the sun on the beach sand. Star sand is actually the shell of a foraminifera organism [...].

(5) Nishitang Utaki

Saidang Utaki is the place where "Saidang", a great man born in Taketomi Island, is enshrined.

Today, as the island's guardian deity, he is regarded as an important place to pray for a bountiful harvest, and many people visit the island on New Year's Day to pay their first visit to him. On the island, his spirit is honored and respected as "Seitang spirit". Please stop by and pay your respects.

Basic Information on Nishitang Utaki

Name: Nishitang Utaki
Address: Taketomi Island, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Taketomi Port

Taketomi Island - Nishitang Utaki What is Nishitang Utaki? Nishitang is the name of a person, and this Utaki is dedicated to Nishitang, a great man from Taketomi Island. Nishitang was a great man of Taketomi Island who excelled in civil engineering, designed Shuri Castle Wall and built Sonohiyamu Utaki Stone Gate. Later, he became the administrative chief of Yaeyama [...].

6) Kihoin Shushukan (Collection Museum)

The Shushukan, attached to Kihoin, exhibits folk crafts and other items. Here, you can see "straw arithmetic" using straw, which is rare in the world, basho cloth woven in Taketomi Island, folk tools and farming tools.

The director and staff will also tell you interesting stories about the "warasan (tying rope)," which was used in the days when there was no writing, and the origin of the mincer weaving pattern.

It is a valuable place where you can experience the history of Taketomi Island, so please visit.

Basic Information on Kihoin Shushukan

Name: Kihoin Shushukan
Address：108 Aza-Taketomi, Taketomi Town
Access: 15 min. walk from Taketomi Port
Phone number: 0980-85-2424 (fax only)
Fee: Adults 300 yen, children 150 yen
Business hours: 9:00-17:00

Taketomi Island - Kihoin Shushukan About Kihoin Shushukan (Kihoin Shushukan) is a temple on Taketomi Island, located at the southernmost tip of Japan. About 4,000 pieces of folk art are on display, many of which were collected by the abbot, Toru Uesedo, over a period of 60 years. Of the 2,000 items, 842 are Take [...].

(7) Ngubuhuru Observatory

Nbufuru Observatory is located at the highest point on Taketomi Island. Its name comes from the fact that in the past, the residents' cows would make a high hill in the middle of the night by pushing up dirt and stones with their horns, and on top of the hill, they would make "Nbufulu, Nbufulu" sound.

For this reason, a watchtower was built on top of this hill and maintained as an observatory. If the weather is fine, you can see Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, and it is a must-see sightseeing spot.

Basic Information on Nbufuru Observatory

Name: Nbufuru Observatory
Location: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 min. walk from Taketomi Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None

Taketomi Island-Nbufuru Observation Deck   About Nbufuru Lookout *Nbufuru Lookout was closed in 2024. Please refrain from entering the site as it is privately owned. The observatory stands on Nbufuru Hill, the highest point on Taketomi Island at 20m above sea level. The cows that used to be kept in this village in the old days were kept at night [...].

Taketomi Post Office

Taketomi Post Office was relocated to its current location in 1993, at which time the current building was constructed. The building is a one-story structure with a distinctive Ryukyu red tile roof and log pillars, in the style of traditional Ryukyu architecture.

Surrounded by stone walls made of Ryukyu limestone, the red of the roof and the white of the stone walls create a beautiful contrast. In front of the building, a shisa (Okinawan lion) stands guard over visitors, and a round post box serves as a landmark. It is well known as a building with modern functions while respecting the landscape typical of Taketomi Island.

It is also worth visiting the Taketomi Post Office, where you can purchase commemorative stamps and landscape seals that are not available elsewhere.

Basic Information of Taketomi Post Office

Name: Taketomi Post Office
Location: 500 Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 5 minutes by car from Taketomi Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

Taketomi Island-Taketomi Post Office Taketomi Post Office is the only post office on Taketomi Island. Unlike most post offices on the mainland, it is made of wood with a red-tiled roof, a shisa (Okinawan lion), and a traditional red post box. As an event unique to Taketomi Island, if you tell the staff when you send a letter here, you will receive a red-tiled roof and a [...].

(9) West Pier

Taketomi Island has limited land suitable for agriculture, so rice fields were built on Iriomote Island on the opposite shore, and the West Pier was constructed as a port for Taketomi Island residents to commute by boat.

This stone pier, registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2005, is no longer in use, but is a popular tourist attraction as a sunset spot on Taketomi Island.

When visiting Taketomi Island, we recommend that you take time to stay to watch the beautiful sunset.

West Pier Basic Information

Name: Nishi-Sanbashi (West Pier)
Location: Taketomi Island, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by bicycle from Taketomi Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None

Taketomi Island - West Pier   The West Pier was built in 1938 for people going to Iriomote Island for rice cultivation and other work. It was used until 1971, but no boats come and go now. In 2005, it was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan [...].

⑩Taketomi Folk Art Museum

Taketomi Folk Crafts Museum was established in 1972 and exhibits folk crafts and traditional textiles of Taketomi Island. It is a place where visitors can experience why Taketomi Island is known as an island of folk crafts, and production panels of typical textiles such as Yaeyama mincer and Bashofu are displayed.

When you visit, you can observe the weaving production process and actually try weaving. If you have time to spare, you can also try your hand at traditional weaving.

The facility also sells textiles woven on the island, and admission is free, making it the best place to learn about the traditional culture of Taketomi Island.

Basic Information on Taketomi Folk Art Museum

Name: Taketomi Folk Art Museum
Location: Taketomi Island, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 10 minutes from Taketomi Port by other means, 10 minutes by rented bicycle
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

Taketomi Island-Taketomi Folk Art Museum Taketomi Folk Art Museum is a place where you can see traditional textiles of Taketomi Island. You can see not only the working panels but also the actual weaving process of Mincer weaving and Basho weaving, which are famous in Taketomi Island. You can also try weaving on a loom, so it is good to actually experience it... [...].

Recommended gourmet food in Taketomi Island

Soba Restaurant Takenoko

This specialty soba restaurant has been in business for 40 years. Yaeyama Soba," which has inherited the taste from the previous generation, is the signature dish. It is recommended to taste the soba with a sprinkling of piyashi (island pepper), which enhances the flavor of the soba. We recommend that you come early during lunch time to avoid the crowds. At night, the restaurant is open as an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) boasting local cuisine.

(2) Café Tadeung Shidameikan

This is a restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine of Taketomi Island. The specialty of this restaurant is "Taketomi Soba". Taketomi Soba originated from this restaurant and is characterized by the inclusion of Chomeiso (long-life grass) as well as Sanpei (three slices of meat). It is said that eating long-life herb will help you live longer. All the dishes are hearty, and since the restaurant is open as an izakaya (Japanese style bar) in the evening, there is a wide variety of menu items.

(5) "Does it look good?

Yarabo, located near the West Pier, has long been a favorite of locals in the Taketomi Island area. The restaurant has a homey atmosphere and is so popular that it is said that there is no one who does not know about it in Taketomi Island. The restaurant's favorite menu item is "Vegetable Soba with Shrimp". The prawns are fresh and the taste of the prawns soaks into the noodle as you bite into it. It has been introduced in a local tourist magazine, and there are many repeat customers not only from Taketomi Island but also from far away. Please visit there by all means.

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4 recommended activities on Taketomi Island

Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour

For those who want to efficiently tour the remote Yaeyama islands from Ishigaki Island, the Remote Islands Tour is the best choice.

You can fully enjoy the charms of the remote Yaeyama islands, such as Iriomote Island covered with nature, Taketomi Island with its traditional townscape, and Yubu Island where you can cross the sea by buffalo.

Unlike marine activities, there is a wide age range for participation, and you don't get wet.Recommended for those who don't like the ocean.It is.

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Ishigaki Island/Half-day Afternoon]Nakama River Mangrove Cruise & Yubu Island Sightseeing Course（including free pick-up & drop-off of luggage）Iriomote Cat Protection Activity Base☆(No.516)開始時間12:00-18:20所要時間Approx. 5 hours11,800 yen

No.507] [From Ishigaki/accompanied by tour guide] Very popular excursion plan! Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, Taketomi Island 3-island Tour《With Happy Lunch》（No.507)開始時間8:30-16:30所要時間Approx. 9 hours14,900 yen

Ishigaki Island Tour] Enjoy the World Natural Heritage in a Day★Nakama River Mangrove Cruise & Yubu Island Sightseeing Tour《With Happy Lunch》（No.580)開始時間9:00-15:50 / 10:30-17:20所要時間Approx. 7 hours14,900 yen

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(2) Taketomi Island Sightseeing & Snorkeling 1 Day Course

The waters near Taketomi Island are designated as Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, and its beautiful clear waters can be fully enjoyed.

You can observe colorful tropical fish and beautiful corals vividly by snorkeling. After enjoying fun in the sea, enjoy sightseeing of Taketomi Island with a free-skate tour.

Lunch is included in the tour, so there is no need to worry about lunch☆.

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Special Autumn SALE [Ishigakijima / 1 Day] Enjoy 2 remote islands! Spectacular "Phantom Island" Landing + Snorkeling & Relaxing "Taketomi Island" Sightseeing 《Photo free & Transportation included》（No.459）.開始時間8:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 6 hours19,600 yen →9,800yen

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] 120% Enjoyment☆Beginners are welcome! Snorkeling & Taketomi Island Sightseeing with Lunch Course (No.368)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours14,000 yen

(3) Free time for bicycle rental on Taketomi Island

This is a very economical, rent-a-cycle course that includes a round-trip ferry ticket from Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island.

I went there on the day of the event and couldn't rent it, so I had to walk there... It is unbearable in the intense heat! Make a reservation in advance!

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4) Taketomi Island Sightseeing & Experience Diving 1 Day Course

In this tour, you can fully enjoy the beautiful sea of Taketomi Island by experience diving. You can participate even if you do not have a diving license, so beginners are also welcome.

Why don't you observe beautiful corals and other marine life in Taketomi's sea at close range? After that, enjoy the culture and nature of Taketomi during your free time.

Lunch is included in the tour, so there is no need to worry about lunch☆.

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Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] 120% Enjoyment☆Beginners are welcome! Experience Diving + Taketomi Island Sightseeing Course (No.367)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours18,000 yen

5) Phantom Island + Experience Diving + Taketomi Island Sightseeing Tour

On this tour, you will land on Hamashima Island, known as the "Phantom Island," and experience its mysterious atmosphere.

In addition, after enjoying the experience diving in the nearby sea, you can freely explore Taketomi Island on a free-skate tour. You can freely choose and enjoy sightseeing spots according to your own tastes and interests.

You will also be given a return ticket to Ishigaki Island, so you can choose your return time freely.

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Experience Diving & Landing on Phantom Island & Taketomi Island Sightseeing Tour with Lunch (No.366)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours20,000 yen

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summary

Your commentary on Taketomi Island in this issue is very thorough and comprehensive in introducing the island's attractions.

The various aspects of Taketomi Island, including its nature, history, and culture, have been carefully explained. It will help readers to better understand and enjoy the charms of Taketomi Island when they visit the island.