Taketomi Island-Aiyaru Beach
Check it out and make a reservation early☆.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also rapidly gaining popularity☆.
What Is Ayaru Beach?
Aiyaru Beach is a beach located in the eastern part of Taketomi Island.
"Ayaru" means "Eastern Beach" in the local dialect, and as the name suggests, it was named for its location in the eastern part of Taketomi Island.
It is also famous as a sunrise spot because it is located on the east side of Taketomi Island.
There are no facilities such as restrooms or showers; it is a pristine beach.
In addition, the area around Ayar Beach is part of a high-speed ferry route, and swimming is prohibited there due to strong currents.
How to Get to Ayar Beach
Aiyaru Beach is located about a 30-minute walk or a 12-minute drive from Taketomi Port, and about a 40-minute walk from the West Pier, Kondoi Beach, and Kaiji Beach.
Leave Taketomi Port and head straight toward the village.
Go past the Taketomi Island Bike Rental and turn left at the intersection just past the T-junction.
Turn left at the first intersection, and if you just keep going straight along the road, the beach will come into view ahead of you.
Click here to book a ferry to Taketomi Island
How to Have Fun at Ayar Beach
At Ayaru Beach, we recommend watching the high-speed ferries traveling between the outlying islands and going beachcombing to collect seashells.
You can see the town of Ishigaki Island across the water, so you can just gaze out at the view and savor the island pace of life.
Since there isn't much shade from trees to protect you from the sun, be careful to avoid heatstroke and bring drinks with you.
The gravel road leading to Ayar Beach is also famous for the butterflies that flit about there—a sight unique to the tropics.
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Details on Ayaru Beach
Aiyaru Beach is located at the easternmost tip of Taketomi Island, which is part of the Yaeyama Islands.
"Aiyaru" means "Eastern Beach" or "Eastern Plain" in the local language, making it a name unique to Aiyaru Beach, which is located at the easternmost tip of the island.
Located on the east coast, it’s one of Taketomi Island’s most popular spots for watching the sunrise, and the sunrise over this pristine, natural beach is simply breathtaking!
It is a beach that remains in its natural state, and since it is unmanaged, there are absolutely no facilities such as showers or restrooms.
In addition, swimming is prohibited due to the strong currents and the nearby shipping lane.
Since this spot has a lot of driftwood, it’s a great place to enjoy a laid-back, tropical lifestyle—whether you’re beachcombing or watching the boats sail by right in front of you.
Across the sea, you can see the town of Ishigaki Island on the opposite shore.
Compared to other beaches, Ayar Beach is a hidden gem with fewer tourists and a greater sense of freedom; the narrow, unpaved road leading to it is overgrown with vegetation.
Because there are so many insects, insect repellent is a must, and we recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants.
It feels like a private beach that hardly anyone visits, but since there’s no shade where you can rest, be careful not to get heatstroke.
Also, as mentioned above, not only are there no facilities such as showers or restrooms, but there are also no jellyfish-proof nets installed, so please do not swim under any circumstances.
On the way to Aiyaru Beach—a hidden gem—you’ll pass the luxury resort hotel Hoshinoya Taketomi Island.
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island is one of the island’s premier resort hotels, located in the eastern part of Taketomi Island, and offers the perfect setting for a relaxing stay.
While you can sense the distinctive Yaeyama-style design throughout the hotel, it also features spots that exude the luxurious atmosphere of a resort.
The hotel rooms are cottage-style, and there are two types available: rooms with Ryukyu tatami mats and rooms with hardwood floors. The grounds are very spacious.
You can also enjoy water sports, as well as the pool and spa. Since guests can fully enjoy the activities on offer, this hotel is extremely popular.
Be sure to enjoy the finest service Taketomi Island has to offer!
Address: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 30-minute walk from Taketomi Port
Check-in: 3:00 p.m.
Check-out: 12:00
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Ayar Beach
Kitochi Beach
Kittochi Beach is located at the easternmost tip of Taketomi Island, halfway between Aiyaru Beach and Narasa Beach.
This beach is located due north of Ayar Beach, so it might be a good idea to take a stroll along both Ayar Beach and Narasa Beach.
Like Ayyar Beach, it is located on the east coast and is famous for its beautiful sunrises.
The white sand is incredibly beautiful, and it is even said that the sand from Kitochi Beach is the most suitable for use on the village roads.
Address: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 28-minute walk from Taketomi Port
Nalasa Beach
Narasahama Beach is located further north from Kittochi Beach, on the opposite side from Kondoi Beach.
Because it's far from the city center and the road leading to the beach is in poor condition, this spot attracts few visitors—both tourists and locals alike.
That's exactly why it's the perfect spot to relax and take it easy.
You might also want to take a stroll along Ayaru Beach and Kitchi Beach to see how they differ from other beaches.
You can even find star sand at Narasa Beach, so be sure to look for it!
Address: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 24-minute walk from Taketomi Port
Hanashiro Ontake
Since there are almost no Shinto shrines in the Yaeyama Islands, including Taketomi Island, there are instead sacred sites called “Utaki” where Okinawan deities are enshrined.
There are 28 sacred sites on Taketomi Island, known as “Utaki” or “Otake.”
Hanack On is the deity enshrined by Hanack Village on Taketomi Island, and is one of the Six Mountains (Mūyama) that form the center of the Shinto rituals performed on the island.
At this Hanashiro Utaki, Takindun—the tutelary deity of Hanashiro Village—and a deity invited from Okinawa Island, the place of origin of the villagers, are enshrined.
Since this is a sacred place, you are not permitted to enter beyond the torii gate.
The origin of the construction of Hanashiro Utaki is recorded in the *Ryukyu Kokudo-yurai-ki*, compiled by the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1713.
Address: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture, Taketomi Island
Directions: About an 18-minute walk from Taketomi Port
Toilet: None
Restaurant: None
Details on Ayaru Beach
| Location | Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | A 12-minute drive from Taketomi Port |
| parking lot | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
Related columns are here↓.
How to get to Taketomi Island, how to play, and a list of recommendations!
30 Beautiful Beaches Scattered in the Yaeyama Islands
See all activities
Ishigaki Island Tours
←To the list of basic information and recommended spots on Taketomi Island
