Taketomi Island-Taketomi Island warehouse ruins

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 the Site of the Former Sake Brewery on Taketomi Island?

The site of the first administrative office (bancho) during the Yaeyama period.

Located near the entrance to Kaiji Beach (Star Sand Beach), this is the site that the Nishitō clan—the first chieftains who once ruled the Yaeyama Islands—used as their administrative office.

Although it has been designated as a prefectural cultural property, it was moved to Ishigaki Island in 1543, and today only the stone walls remain.

How to Get to the Site of the Former Sake Brewery on Taketomi Island

The site of the former Taketomi Island Sake Brewery is located about a 30-minute walk from Taketomi Port.

Leave Taketomi Port and head straight toward the village.

When you reach the T-intersection where Nakasuji Well is directly in front of you, turn right.

Also, turn left at the T-intersection at the end of the road, then turn right at the Y-intersection and continue straight ahead.

If you follow the road for a while, you’ll find the site of the former Taketomi Island Sake Brewery on the left, just before Kaiji Beach.

Things to Do at the Site of the Former Sake Brewery on Taketomi Island

Since it's located at the entrance to Star Sand Beach, let's visit it along with Star Sand Beach.

You can go swimming at Star Sand Beach and collect star-shaped grains of sand.

Also, since Taketomi Island is home to Nishitō Utaki—a sacred site dedicated to the first head steward—we recommend visiting that as well.

Details on the Site of the Former Sake Brewery on Taketomi Island

"Kuramoto" refers to a warehouse used to store tax revenues, and this term came to mean "government office"; during the Ryukyu Dynasty, the government offices on Kumejima, Miyako, and the Yaeyama Islands were called "Kuramoto."

The ruins of the sake brewery on Taketomi Island were built by Nishitō, who was once the leader of the Yaeyama Islands.

The old stone monument is inscribed with the words "Lord Seito, Guardian of the Island," and the new information board contains explanations about the brewery and Lord Seito.

During the Oyake Akahachi Rebellion of 1500, Nishitō was discovered by General Ōsato of the Ryukyu Royal Court army and went on to serve the Royal Court.

After completing his studies, he became an architect in the Ryukyu Kingdom and was involved in the construction of the stone gate at Sonohyan Utaki, the restoration of the walls of Shuri Castle, and the construction of the stone gate at Ben-ga-dake.

According to legend, Nishitō, who was deeply devoted to his hometown, vowed to enshrine the deity of Sonihamu Utaki on Taketomi Island when he built the stone gate of Sonihamu Utaki.

After that, Nishitō returned home as the leader (kashira) governing the Yaeyama Islands.

They established their administrative headquarters on Taketomi Island and governed the entire Yaeyama region from there.

Because the island was small and frequently plagued by drought—making it unsuitable as a political base for the Yaeyama region—he decided to move his headquarters to Ishigaki Island to spend the rest of his life there; however, a grave was erected on the site of what had once been Xitang’s residence.

He was later enshrined as the island’s guardian deity.

It is said that after moving his brewery to Ishigaki Island, Nishitō composed the song “Shikita Bon” after catching sight of Taketomi Island from Ishigaki Island.

It is considered a song that symbolizes Taketomi Island and is still frequently sung at festivals and gatherings today.

It is also said that to the north of the brewery lies Kaiji-no-Mitake, where Nishitō is said to have established his blacksmith’s workshop.

As mentioned above, the final line of the inscription on the old stone monument in front of Nishitō Utaki reads: "The stone gate of Shuri-en Hiyama Utaki, which has been designated a National Treasure, was built by Nishitō."

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Site of the Former Sake Brewery on Taketomi Island

Neilan stone

Niran Rock is located south of Nunusha Beach, and since the West Pier is nearby, it’s the perfect spot to explore both at the same time.

The word "Niran" in "Niran Stone” means “the land of the gods far out at sea,” and legend has it that when the gods visited Taketomi Island, they tied the ropes of their ship to this stone before coming ashore.

On the 8th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, a ceremony called "Yomukai" is also held.

Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach)

Hoshisuna Beach (Kaiji Beach) is the most famous beach on Taketomi Island, located near the site of the former sake brewery.

The crystal-clear waters are home to an abundance of coral and tropical fish, making this the perfect spot for snorkeling.

There are lots of star-shaped grains of sand scattered across the beach.

This unusually shaped star sand is said to be the shell of a foraminifer.

This star sand makes the perfect souvenir from Okinawa, so please be sure to check it out.

Kondoi Beach

Condoi Beach is located on the island's west coast, north of Star Sand Beach, and is known for its pristine white sands and emerald-green waters.

With the unobstructed view, you can gaze all the way to the horizon, and the sea, shimmering like glasswork, is so beautiful that you can enjoy the scenery on its own.

In addition, the water is shallow and the currents are gentle, and the beach is equipped with showers and restrooms, so families with children and those who aren’t strong swimmers can enjoy playing in the ocean with peace of mind.

Details on the Site of the Former Sake Brewery on Taketomi Island

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