Taketomi Island - Une Utaki -

Ishigaki Island Tourist Information

◆Ishigaki Island for sightseeingRental car required.Oh my god!!!
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.

Ishigaki Island Car Rental Ishigaki Island Tours offers easy comparison and reservation of rental car plans for Ishigaki Island! It takes about 3 hours to go around Ishigaki Island by car. If you want to visit all the sightseeing spots efficiently, you need to rent a car! There are plans that include free pick-up from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, car navigation system, no need to return a full tank of gas, and even child seats. We also introduce other means of transportation other than rental cars! (29 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!

Ishigaki Island Rides (Bike Rental & Bicycle Rental) Activities There are many other ways to get around in Ishigaki Island☆ Ishigaki Island Vehicle Activity Feature Ishigaki Island is dotted with attractive spots such as beautiful ocean, mountains, and observatories where you can overlook the magnificent nature. With such favorable conditions, how can you not go driving touring in Ishigaki Island [...]. (22 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

What Is Une Mitake (Union)?

Une Utaki (Uni-on) is located toward the southern end of the village on Taketomi Island and is a sacred site associated with safe navigation. Taketomi Island is surrounded by the sea, and because it has long had a close connection to the ocean, there are many places of worship associated with the sea, travel, shipbuilding, and boat captains. While Une Utaki is different, this is precisely why so many utaki are built along the coastline.
Since there are few Shinto shrines in the Yaeyama Islands, these sites are revered as sacred places dedicated to the deities of Okinawa. Beyond simply being places where deities dwell, they also serve as a source of comfort for the people and as a place where the community comes together to reach a consensus. There are about 28 Utaki on Taketomi Island, so it would be a great idea to visit them all.

How to Get to Une Mitake

Une Mitake is located about a 5-minute drive or a 22-minute walk from Taketomi Port.
Leave Taketomi Port and head toward the village. Follow the road south for a while. Pass the intersection after you see the Taikan Kiln on your left. Continue along the road, and you’ll find it on your left.

How to Enjoy Une Mitake

Since Une Mitake is located toward the southern end of the Taketomi Island village, you can easily access Kondoi Beach and Hoshisuna Beach. Also, if you head toward the village, you’ll find places like Atelier GOKOUYA and Chirolin Village, making it the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs or grab a bite to eat.

Details on Une Mitake

Une Utaki is a sacred site founded as a subsidiary shrine (Fua-on) of Nibaru-on Utaki. It is said that because the ancestors of the Horikawa family of Fukai Village did not own any land, they cultivated rice fields all the way to the Hirakubo area. The shrine’s origin is said to lie in prayers offered to an “ibi” (natural stone) for safe voyages when transporting the harvested rice by boat. Since Une Utaki is located along the coastline, it offers a beautiful view of the sea surrounding Taketomi Island.
There are 28 such sites on Taketomi Island, so be sure to explore others besides Une Utaki. In particular, there’s Mūyama—the most important place of worship among the Utaki—where the island’s festivals are held, so if the timing works out, be sure to stop by.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Une Mitake

Kohamoto Utaki

Kohon (Kohama) Utaki is a sacred site located south of the central village on Taketomi Island. There are 28 utaki on Taketomi Island, six of which are the most important ones, known as “Mūyama.” The Kōmoto (Konamoto) Utaki is one of these six. In addition to this Utaki, there are other famous Utaki within the village, such as the Nishitō Utaki, so be sure to visit them as well.

Kondoi Beach

Kondo Beach is located on the west coast of Taketomi Island. It is a beach known for its stunning contrast between the pure white sand and the emerald-green sea. Because it is situated on the west coast, it is also known as one of the island’s best spots for watching the sunset. With its unobstructed views, you can take in the entire horizon stretching out before you.
Since it’s fully equipped with showers and restrooms, it’s a great choice for those looking to stay active and enjoy various activities.

Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach)

Hoshisuna Beach (Kaiji Beach) is the most famous beach on Taketomi Island. The beach’s most distinctive feature is the star-shaped foraminifera shells scattered along the shore. These shells are also a popular souvenir from Okinawa.
Although you’re not allowed to take sand from Hoshisuna Beach, you can take the star sand home, so it’s a nice idea to bring some back as a souvenir.

Details on Une Mitake (Union)