Taketomi Island-Taketomi Tourist Center
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
About the Taketomi Tourism Center
A tourist information center located within the village on Taketomi Island.
It also serves as a visitor center and is the place where you can experience Taketomi Island’s famous tourist attractions and take a water buffalo cart tour.
On the water buffalo cart tour, you’ll take a leisurely 30-minute ride through the village, where the old-fashioned charm still remains.
During the water buffalo cart tour, the old man tells us about the history of Taketomi Island and sings songs accompanied by the sanshin.
If you're lucky, they might even sing the Taketomi Island folk song "Asariya Yunta" for you.
How to Get to the Taketomi Tourist Information Center
The Taketomi Tourist Information Center is located about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Taketomi Port.
From Taketomi Port, head straight toward the village, and turn right at the intersection where Maruhachi Bike Rental is on the left.
It's on your left after you pass two intersections.
The Taketomi Tourist Information Center operates a free shuttle bus that runs in conjunction with the ferry schedule, so please be sure to take advantage of it.
Click here to book a ferry to Taketomi Island
Things to Do at the Taketomi Tourist Center
It serves as the tourist information center for Taketomi Island and is also used as a departure point for water buffalo cart tours and other local attractions.
Also, since it’s located within the village, it’s a great place to visit on foot or by rental bike.
The water buffalo cart ride is the most popular attraction on the Taketomi Island tour, so be sure to give it a try.
Details of Taketomi Tourist Center
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Taketomi Tourist Center
Nishitō Ontake
To get to Nishitō On from the Taketomi Tourist Center, exit the center, turn right, and then turn left at the first intersection.
If you turn left at the intersection immediately after the left turn, and then turn left again, you'll find Xitang Yutai on your left.
Nishitō Utaki is a sacred site dedicated to Mr. Nishitō, a distinguished figure from Taketomi Island.
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.
Their advanced civil engineering skills enabled them to design the Shuri Castle walls and construct the stone gate at Sonohyan Utaki.
Because he was deeply devoted to his hometown, he was enshrined on Taketomi Island after his death, and his grave became what is now known as Nishitō Utaki.
Location: Taketomi Island, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Taketomi Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Birthplace of Asatoya Kuyama
To get to Asatoya Kuyama’s Birthplace from the Taketomi Tourist Center, exit the center, turn left, and turn right at the second intersection; you’ll find Asatoya Kuyama’s Birthplace on your left.
Kuyama was a woman of unparalleled beauty from Taketomi Island, and Asatoya is the place where she was born.
Because she was such a peerless beauty, she is even mentioned in “Asariya Yunta,” a folk song representative of the Yaeyama region.
This folk song depicts the strong-willed character of Asatoya Kuyama, who was resolute enough to reject the advances of an island official.
Asariya is a traditional Ryukyuan house typical of the Yaeyama Islands, and it has a very beautiful exterior.
The West Coast is home to some beautiful sights, including the tomb of Asatoya Kuyama, so be sure to stop by there as well.
Location: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes on foot from Taketomi Higashi Pier
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
tower of peace and quiet
To get to Nagomi Tower from the Taketomi Tourist Center, exit the center, turn left, and then turn right at the first intersection.
After passing the T-intersection, turn left at the next intersection, then turn right at the following intersection, and you'll see Nagomi Tower on your left.
Nagomi Tower is located in the center of the village on Taketomi Island. It was once said to be the highest point on the island, and offers a panoramic view of the entire village.
Unfortunately, it was closed to the public in 2016, so you can’t go inside now, but since you’re here, why not take a closer look from nearby?
Location: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 min. walk from Taketomi Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Click here for related activities
Details of Taketomi Tourist Center
| Location | 441 Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture (View on Map) |
| Access | 5 minutes by free shuttle bus from Taketomi Port |
| parking lot | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| toilet | ant |
| Business Hours | - |
Related columns are here↓.
How to get to Taketomi Island, how to play, and a list of recommendations!
See all activities
Ishigaki Island Tours
←To the list of basic information and recommended spots on Taketomi Island
