Taketomi Island - Neelan Stone

Ishigaki Island Tourist Information

◆Ishigaki Island for sightseeingRental car required.Oh my god!!!
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What Is a Neelan Stone?

Nishi Pier andKondoi BeachA lone stone sitting there.

"Niran" means "the land of the gods" in the local language, and legend has it that the gods moored their boats here by tying their ropes to this rock in order to bring a bountiful harvest of five grains to Taketomi Island.

Here, the “Yomukai” ceremony is held on the 8th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar to welcome the gods of Niraikanai.

How to Get to Neeran Stone

Niran Stone is located about 27 minutes on foot or about 6 minutes by car away.

Leave Taketomi Port and head toward the village.

When you see "Taketomi Island Bike Rental" on your right, go past the next T-intersection and turn right at the following intersection.

Continue straight along the road for a while, and after you see the Taketomi Island Regional Natural Assets Foundation (a general incorporated foundation) on your left, turn right at the next intersection.

Turn left at the next intersection and follow the road; you'll see the Niran Stone on your left.

How to Play with Neeran Stones

It’s located between Nishi Pier and Kondoi Beach, but it’s such a small rock that you might miss it if you don’t know where it is, so make sure you know exactly where it is before you go to see it.

As for the order of sightseeing,Tomb of Ansariya Kuyama...This is the typical route to Nishi Pier, Niran Rock, and Kondoi Beach.

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Details on Neelan Stone

As mentioned earlier, the word "Niran" in “Niran Stone” means “a country far out at sea,” and on Taketomi Island, legends have been passed down about this stone as a sacred object.

Legend has it that long ago, when the gods came from Niran (a land far across the sea) to pray for a bountiful harvest on Taketomi Island, they cast a net from the sea onto this rock as they landed on the island.

For this reason, it came to be known as the "Niran Stone." Because the prayers to the gods brought bountiful harvests and abundant catches, ever since then, on August 8 of the lunar calendar each year, the “Yomukae” ceremony has been held in front of the Niran Stone on Taketomi Island as a gesture of gratitude and welcome to the gods.

Situated between Kondoi Beach and the West Pier, this spot looks like nothing more than a rock, so it’s easy to overlook.

However, since this stone is very important to the people of Taketomi Island, it might be worth seeing at least once while you’re there.

There are beaches and villages nearby, so you can easily visit them on foot or by rental bike.

Learning about the Yomukae ceremony and the history of Niran beforehand will help you enjoy your visit to Taketomi Island even more.

You might feel some kind of spiritual power emanating from the stone at Niran, which is considered the gateway to the gods.

In addition, the ocean stretches out before you, and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset in the evening.

In addition to the Niran Stone, there are many other historic sites on Taketomi Island, so I’d like to introduce a few of them.

Historic Sites on Taketomi Island

Nishitō Ontake

Nishitō-utaki is a shrine dedicated to Mr. Nishitō, a distinguished figure from Taketomi Island who was a civil engineer and architect.

Nishitō was discovered by a general of the Ryukyu Kingdom during the Okaya Akahachi Rebellion of 1500 and went on to pursue his studies in Ryukyu.

In particular, he excelled in civil engineering and designed the Shuri Castle walls and built the stone gate at Sonohyan Utaki.

He later became the leader (Kashira) of the Yaeyama Islands and, for a time, administered the government from Taketomi Island.

However, because the Yaeyama Islands were prone to drought and consisted of small islands, he moved the political center of the Yaeyama region to Ishigaki Island, where he spent the rest of his life.

Even after moving his base to Ishigaki Island, Seito—who remained deeply attached to his hometown—continued to think of Taketomi Island.

For this reason, after his death, he was enshrined on Taketomi Island, and his grave became Nishitō Utaki.

Site of the Former Taketomi Island Brewery (Taketomi-jima Kuramoto-ato)

The Site of the Taketomi Island Kuramoto (Taketomi-jima Kuramoto-ato) is the site of the first administrative office (banto) established by Seito during his rule over the Yaeyama Islands, as mentioned above.

It has been designated as a prefectural cultural property, and since it was moved to Ishigaki Island in 1543, only the stone wall remains today.

Kaiji Beach (Star Sand Beach) is also nearby, so be sure to stop by when you go snorkeling or swimming.

Meena Well (Meenakar)

The Mina Well (Mina-ka) is a well located within the village; at that time, it served as a vital lifeline for the villagers, who used it as a source of drinking water.

It is pitch dark inside the well, and since it can be dangerous without a light, it is best to bring a flashlight or some other source of light when you visit.

Also, the ground is very slippery due to rocks and dirt, so please watch your step carefully.

At Mina Well, there is a stone marker engraved with the instruction: "Throw a small stone into the well to signal that you are about to enter, and then enter." Please follow these instructions when visiting.

Niisatomura Ruins

The Shinzato Village Ruins are the remains of a settlement believed to be the birthplace of the settlements on Taketomi Island; they are a very valuable archaeological site where artifacts such as swords and iron tools dating from around the 12th century have been unearthed.

Currently, only the stone walls remain, and the layout of the estate differs from that of the present-day settlement on Taketomi Island.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Neeran Stone

Kondoi Beach

To get to Kondoi Beach from Niran Stone, turn right after leaving Niran Stone.

Follow the road and turn right at the first intersection; Kondoi Beach will be right in front of you.

Kondo Beach is located on the west coast of Taketomi Island; it’s a beach where the contrast between the pure white sand and the emerald-green sea is truly beautiful.

With the unobstructed view, you can gaze out at the beautiful, sparkling sea stretching all the way to the horizon, and at dusk, you can watch the sunset gradually sink below the horizon.

With its shallow waters and gentle currents, as well as showers and restrooms on site, families with children and those who aren’t strong swimmers can enjoy playing in the water with peace of mind.

west pier

To get to the West Pier from Neeran Stone, turn left after exiting Neeran Stone.

Follow the road for a while, then turn left at the first intersection, and you'll see the West Pier straight ahead.

The West Pier is used for unloading cargo from ships arriving from Iriomote Island, and is a large pier measuring 105 meters in total length.

Taketomi Island is not suitable for farming, so the West Pier was built to allow boats to dock at Iriomote Island for farming purposes.

Although it is no longer in use, it was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2005, along with the Iko Pier on Kuroshima.

Since the pier extends about 105 meters out into the ocean, as you walk along it, you’ll be surrounded by crystal-clear water.

If you look down, you can see lots of colorful coral and tropical fish on the seafloor.

Popular as both a sunset spot and a place to stargaze, the West Pier is the place to go if you want to take in the breathtaking views of Taketomi Island!

Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach)

To get to Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach) from Neeran Stone, exit Neeran Stone and turn right.

Continue straight along the road, pass the intersection, and keep going a little further—you’ll find Hoshisuna Beach on your right.

Hoshisuna Beach is the most popular beach on Taketomi Island, and you can find star-shaped foraminifera shells on the sand.

Because of its star-shaped appearance, it is called "Star Sand Beach" and is a popular souvenir from Okinawa.

You can also go snorkeling and diving, so be sure to try those activities as well.

Details on Neelan Stone

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

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