Taketomi Island—Ne Usui Utaki—

Ishigaki Island Tourist Information

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

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◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!

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What is Ni-Usui Ontake (Ni-Usui-on)?

Ni-Usui Utaki is a sacred site located in the western part of Taketomi Island, north of the entrance to Kondoi Beach. This sacred site is known as the place where the gods of Taketomi Island hid the seeds brought by the god Ni-Ran, without him noticing.
The area is densely overgrown with vegetation, making it hard to spot at first glance, and since there is no torii gate, it can be quite difficult to access. We recommend asking a local for directions before visiting.

How to Get to Neusui Ontake

Neusui Utaki is located about a 28-minute walk or a 7-minute drive from Taketomi Port. Leave Taketomi Port and head toward the village. After passing the Taketomi Island Bike Rental on your right, go past a T-intersection and the next intersection, then turn right at the following intersection. Continue along the road for a while, turn right at the intersection where the Nitta Kanko Water Buffalo Cart Ride is on your right, and then turn left at the intersection at the edge of the coastline. Continue south along the road for a short while, and you’ll find it on your right.

How to Enjoy Neusui Ontake

Since Neusui Ontake has no torii gate or anything else, it doesn’t really look like an Ontake when compared to other Ontakes. That said, it’s an important and sacred place for the islanders, so please refrain from entering the area. It might be worth stopping by while you’re exploring the island.
To the south of Neusui Ontake is Kondoi Beach, where the calm waters are home to coral reefs and plenty of tropical fish, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. With showers and restrooms on site, you can relax and fully enjoy the ocean around Taketomi Island.

Details on Neusui Ontake

According to legend, Ne-Usui Ontake was built at the spot where the god Niran took a rest. As mentioned earlier, it is also known as the place where the gods of Taketomi Island hid the seeds that Niran had brought to the island, so that Niran would not discover them. Since the deity of the seeds hidden in this grassy area is called Ne (Ni) Usui, this sacred site came to be known as Ne Usui Ontake (Ni Usui On). “Ne Usui” means “covering the seeds with grass roots,” a name that aligns perfectly with the legend described above. Since Hon-Utaki is located slightly north of the entrance to Kondoi Beach, you can also enjoy the ocean at Kondoi Beach.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Neusui Ontake

Kondoi Beach

As mentioned above, Kondoi Beach is located south of Neusui Utaki. The contrast between the crystal-clear, emerald-green sea and the sparkling white sand is truly beautiful.
With the unobstructed view, you can gaze out over the ocean stretching all the way to the horizon, and at dusk, you can watch the sun gradually sink into the sea. It’s one of the island’s most breathtaking views, so be sure to visit with someone special.
With its shallow waters and gentle currents, as well as fully equipped shower and restroom facilities, this beach is perfect for swimming and other water activities. Families with children and those who aren’t strong swimmers can enjoy themselves here with peace of mind.

west pier

To get to Nishi Pier from Neusui Ontake, leave Neusui Ontake and head north on the road directly in front of you. Follow the road for a while, then turn left at the first intersection, and you’ll find it straight ahead.
The West Pier is a large pier, stretching 105 meters in length, located in the western part of Taketomi Island. It was once used for unloading cargo from ships arriving from Iriomote Island. Since Taketomi Island was not suitable for farming, residents had to travel to Iriomote Island to cultivate crops. The West Pier was therefore built to accommodate these boats. Although it is no longer in use, it was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2005, along with the Iko Pier on Kurojima.
The West Pier extends 105 meters out into the sea, and as you walk along it, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the exceptionally clear “Taketomi Blue.” Thanks to the water’s exceptional clarity, you can even see colorful corals and tropical fish from right on the pier. It’s also a popular spot for watching sunsets and stargazing, offering a variety of breathtaking views depending on the time of day.

Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach)

To get to Hoshisuna Beach (Kaiji Beach) from Neusui Ontake, head south from Neusui Ontake. Follow the road for a while, and you’ll find Hoshisuna Beach (Kaiji Beach) on your right.
Hoshisuna Beach (Kaiji Beach) is the most popular beach on Taketomi Island, and the sand is dotted with countless star-shaped foraminifera shells. Because of their cute shape, they are called “star sand” and are also known as a popular souvenir from Okinawa.
In addition, although the waters are shallow, they are home to coral and tropical fish, so you can safely enjoy snorkeling and diving.

Details on Ni-Usui Ontake (Ni-Usui-on)