Taketomi Island-Taketomi Island Visitor Center Yugafukan
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
About the Taketomi Island Visitor Center, Yugafu-kan
The Taketomi Island Visitor Center, which opened on June 24, 2004.
It was opened as a facility to introduce the history, nature, and traditional culture of Taketomi Island.
It also features a large theater and serves as an information center for Taketomi Island.
Directions to the Taketomi Island Visitor Center, Yukabu-kan
The Taketomi Island Visitor Center, Yukabu-kan, is located about a 1-minute walk from Taketomi Port, right outside the Taketomi Port Terminal.
Click here to book a ferry to Taketomi Island
Things to Do at the Taketomi Island Visitor Center, Yugafu-kan
Located right next to Taketomi Port, this facility also serves as a visitor center.
So, it’s a good idea to head straight to Taketomi Island, and since bike rentals and water buffalo cart tours often start from here, it’s also a good idea to stop by before your tour.
Click here for related activities
Details on the Taketomi Island Visitor Center, Yukabu-kan
The Taketomi Island Visitor Center, Yukabu-kan, opened on June 24, 2004 (Heisei 16), and is a facility that introduces the nature, traditional culture, and performing arts of Taketomi Island.
The name of the facility, "Yukabu," is derived from "Yugafu," which means "to be blessed with a bountiful harvest through divine protection.” It is not only a place where visitors can learn about Taketomi Island but also serves as a venue for interaction between visitors and island residents.
Located right next to Taketomi Port—the island’s only gateway—it also serves as the information center for the Taketomi Island Field Museum, providing information about the island that varies by season and current events.
If you visit Taketomi Island, be sure to stop by first.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Taketomi Island Visitor Center "Yukabu-kan"
Hanashiro Ontake
Hanashiro Utaki is the deity who founded Hanashiro Village on Taketomi Island. It is one of the Six Mountains (Mūyama), which serve as the focal point of the Shinto rituals performed on Taketomi Island. On Taketomi Island, this sacred site is called “On,” while on the main island of Okinawa, it is known as “Utaki” or “Otake.”
There are 28 utaki scattered across Taketomi Island, and at Hanashiro Utaki, Takindun—the tutelary deity of Hanashiro Village—and a deity invited from Okinawa Island, the place of origin, are enshrined.
The origins of its founding are recorded in the *Ryukyu Kokki* (Chronicles of the Ryukyu Kingdom), which was compiled by the Ryukyu Royal Court in 1713.
As this is a sacred site, please refrain from entering the area inside the torii gate.
Address: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture, Taketomi Island
Directions: About an 18-minute walk from Taketomi Port
Toilet: None
Restaurant: None
Former Yonaguni Residence
The former Yonaguni Family Residence is the site of a house built in 1913, located along the path leading from the Taketomi Island Visitor Center, Yukabu-kan, toward the village.
This house is at the heart of the Taketomi Island Traditional Buildings Preservation District, offering insight into the island’s modern housing styles and way of life; it was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2007.
It is a split-level house consisting of the main living area, "Fūya," and the kitchen, "Tōra," which are connected.
Location: 536, Taketomi Aza, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 7 minutes by car from Taketomi Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Yumochi Utaki (Yumochi Ontake)
Since Yumuchi-utaki is located in the center of Taketomi Island’s village, to get there from the Taketomi Island Visitor Center “Yukabu-kan,” turn your back to the harbor and walk straight ahead, keeping the Fuyana Ruins and the Taketomi Island Bike Rental on your right.
At Yomochi Utaki, ceremonies honoring the gods of fire and agriculture are held, and many of Taketomi Island’s annual events take place at this site.
The April Grand Vow, the Nishitō Festival, the Vow-Fulfillment Festival, the September Grand Vow, and the Seed-Harvest Festival are held primarily at the Main Ontake.
In addition, the Tanedori Festival, Taketomi Island’s largest event, will be held.
The Seed Harvest Festival is held around October to pray for a bountiful harvest of the five grains and the prosperity of the islanders.
Yomochi Utaki is one of the most famous sacred sites on Taketomi Island and a popular spot for tourists.
Since it’s located within the village, you can visit on foot, by rental bike, or by water buffalo cart, so please be sure to stop by sometime.
Location: Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 12 min. walk from Taketomi Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
Details on the Taketomi Island Visitor Center, Yugafu-kan
| Location | Taketomi Island, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa PrefectureView on Map) |
| Access | A 1-minute walk from Taketomi Port; right outside the Taketomi Port Terminal |
| 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
