A journey to the traditional Okinawan island of Taketomi, guided by white sand paths—a guide to sightseeing spots and transportation within the island—

The Yaeyama Islands boast some of the finest coral reefs in Japan. These seven islands are brimming with the charm to truly experience the essence of Okinawa.

Among them, Taketomi Island is a place where you can escape from reality and experience a slower pace of life. Taketomi Island is famous not only for its beautiful sea but also for preserving ancient traditions, and once you set foot on it, you are sure to encounter scenery and emotions you have never experienced before.

This time, I'd like to give you a detailed guide to Taketomi Island, including its highlights, how to get there, transportation options on the island, water buffalo carts, and great cafes, restaurants, and accommodations perfect for a break. I hope you'll experience the charm of Taketomi Island!

*Some content was updated in September 2024.

<Contents>
1. Main tourist attractions on Taketomi Island
2. How to get to Taketomi Island and how to enjoy it
3. Relax and unwind on the island! Food & Cafe
4. Stay on Taketomi Island
Final thoughts

1. Main tourist attractions on Taketomi Island

Touring a village with red-tiled roofs by water buffalo cart

The most iconic landscape of Taketomi Island is its traditional Okinawan village, characterized by red-tiled roofs and white sandy paths. Many people have likely seen this quintessential Okinawan scenery in photographs or videos. In this village with its red-tiled roofs, water buffalo carts are in operation, allowing visitors to tour Taketomi Island in a cart pulled by a water buffalo. While there are several places in Okinawa where you can ride a water buffalo cart, Taketomi Island is the only place where you can do so within a traditional village.

Nagomi Tower (Akayama Observation Deck)

The Nagomi Tower, an observation tower offering views of the village lined with red-tiled roofs, is no longer accessible due to its age and deterioration. However, the rooftop of the adjacent HaaYa nagomi-cafe has been opened as the Akayama Observation Deck. From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the traditional village scenery unique to Taketomi Island, making it an essential spot for Taketomi Island sightseeing.

Kondoi Beach

Kondoi Beach is a representative beach of Taketomi Island. With its white sandy beach and cobalt blue sea, it offers a breathtaking view. The shallow, crystal-clear waters create a landscape of only blue sky, sea, and clouds, a beauty that will leave you speechless. At low tide, a sandbar appears from the sea, earning it the nickname "phantom beach." Showers, toilets, and changing rooms are available, and snorkel sets can be rented, making it a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy marine leisure.

West Pier

This pier, once used as a landing point for boats traveling to and from Iriomote Island, is now a popular spot for enjoying stunning ocean views. The pier stretching out into the blue sea, especially the sunset viewed from it, creates a picturesque scene that continues to captivate many tourists. It is a place that tells the history of Taketomi Island and is registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

Kaiji Beach

Located next to Kondoi Beach, this beach is also known as Star Sand Beach. Here, you can find star sand, which is the skeleton of foraminifera (a type of bioluminescent organism) that lives in the sea. If you want to look for star sand, try pressing your hand against small ledges or rocks. You might find spiky star sand in the sand that sticks to your palm. Taketomi Island is said to be the birthplace of star sand, and it is believed to bring good fortune. At the souvenir shops on the beach, you can buy keychains and small bottles containing star sand.

Aiyaru Beach

As its name, Aiyaru (Eastern Beach), suggests, this beach is located in the eastern part of Taketomi Island. The daytime scenery created by the shallow sea is wonderful, but it is also famous as a spot to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Swimming is prohibited due to the strong currents, and there are no facilities such as toilets or showers. Enjoy the peaceful time typical of a remote island by gazing at the crystal-clear sea or collecting seashells.

The birthplace of Asatoya Kuyama

"Asatoya Yunta," an ancient folk song from Taketomi Island that tells the story of the exceptionally beautiful Kuyama, is a well-known and classic Okinawan folk song that was once recorded and released. Kuyama's birthplace is located on Taketomi Island. It is not open to the public as her descendants still live there, but the stone wall that Kuyama built by picking up stones on her way home from the fields remains intact.

Taketomi Island Yugafu Museum

This is the tourist information center and museum of Taketomi Island. It features exhibits showcasing the island's culture, history, and nature, and provides information on traditional red-tiled houses and stone-walled townscapes. Visitors can learn about the island's culture and lifestyle, and also pick up tourist information and maps. Local crafts and specialty products are also sold, making it an ideal spot to gain a deeper understanding of Taketomi Island's charm.

Taketomi Post Office

This is the only post office and financial institution on Taketomi Island. Located within a traditional Okinawan house with a red tiled roof, Shisa statues on the roof, and stone walls, it's a popular spot for tourists to take photos standing in front of the mailbox. Another fun feature is that when sending a letter, you can ask the staff at the counter to have it stamped with a scenic postmark featuring motifs of Taketomi Island.

2. How to get to Taketomi Island and how to enjoy it

① Access to Taketomi Island

The only way to access Taketomi Island is by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Island.
The journey from Euglena Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal to Taketomi Port takes approximately 15 minutes. There are about 10 round trips per day (the number of trips varies depending on the season), and the round-trip fare is ¥1,520 per person (as of September 2024).
Many flights operate daily, making it possible to visit Ishigaki Island on a day trip. However, flight schedules vary depending on the season, so it is recommended to check in advance.
Image provided by: Taketomi Town Tourism Association
There are two ferry companies operating regularly: "Yaeyama Kanko Ferry (YKF)" and "An'ei Kanko," and tickets can be purchased online in advance.
<Regular ferry service companies>
[Yaeyama Sightseeing Ferry]
[An'ei Kanko]

In addition, there are various tours available that combine Taketomi Island with other outlying islands, as well as rental bicycles, water buffalo cart rides, and island sightseeing tours.
As for islands other than Taketomi Island and Ishigaki Island, there are fewer ferry services and access is not very convenient, so it is recommended for people who want to visit multiple islands at once.
Some sightseeing tours include transportation from designated hotels to Ishigaki Port, so you can explore the area conveniently and affordably.

<Travel Agency>
[Ishigaki Island Dream Tourism Co., Ltd.]
[Ishigaki Island Travel Center]
[Hirata Tourism]

② Transportation within Taketomi Island

The main tourist hub on Taketomi Island is a village located about a 20-minute walk from the port.

A minibus service operates from the port to coincide with the ship's arrival. The minibus fare is 300 yen for adults (150 yen for children) per ride. Reservations are not required for boarding from the port (advance reservations are required for boarding from locations other than the port).

If you plan to use a water buffalo cart or rent a bicycle, you can also use the shuttle service provided by the company offering the service.

If you have a reservation for accommodation, contact them before you head to the island and they will come to pick you up!

2-2-1. Ride in a water buffalo cart

If you want to take a water buffalo cart tour,Taketomi Tourist CenterWhen sightseeing on Taketomi Island, which retains a strong Okinawan atmosphere even among the Yaeyama Islands, I think the most memorable thing is the water buffalo cart ride. The journey, accompanied by stories about the island's history and plants, and the playing of the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument), is an experience that can only be enjoyed here.

The price, which includes transportation from the port, is 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children.

<Water buffalo cart sightseeing information>
[Taketomi Tourist Center]
Address: 441 Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-85-2998
*Each activity takes approximately 30 minutes.

2-2-2. Ride a rental bicycle

While the village is easily explored on foot, renting a bicycle is recommended for those who also want to enjoy the surrounding scenery, such as the beach and sandy shores. Shuttle vehicles from each rental shop are waiting at the port; simply inform them you'd like to rent a bicycle and board the vehicle, and you'll be taken to the shop within the village. *Please note that individual advance reservations are generally not accepted.

Rental bicycles on Taketomi Island typically cost around 1,000 yen per bike for the first two hours if rented by the hour, and 2,000 yen per bike for a full day.

Taketomi Island has a circumference of approximately 9.2 kilometers. You can cycle around the entire island in about an hour! You can comfortably ride through the villages and along the small paths at your own pace, so it's definitely something worth trying.If you have children under 3 years old, you can choose a model with a child seat, so families can use it with peace of mind.Taketomi Island has a large number of rental bicycle users, so be sure to remember the number attached to your bicycle to avoid problems such as getting on the wrong bike.

<Rent a bicycle on Taketomi Island>
[Nitta Tourism]
[Tomori Rent-a-Cycle]
[Maruhachi Rent-a-Cycle]
[Taketomi Tourist Center*Only available to those riding in the company's water buffalo cart.

2-2-3. Boarding a tour bus

Taketomi Island offers one sightseeing bus route, departing from and returning to the port, visiting Kaiji Beach, Kondoi Beach, and the village. The fare is 1,800 yen per person. It's recommended for those who prioritize efficiency, as it covers the main sights of Taketomi Island while ensuring transportation between the port and the village.
reference:Taketomi Island Transportation

3. Relax and unwind on the island! Food & Cafe

3-1. Parlor Painu Island

~Dense on the inside! Fluffy on the outside! Enjoy this shaved ice that's like snow!~

Parlor Painushima on Taketomi Island is very popular not only for its filling meals like Yaeyama soba, but also for its shaved ice.

The refreshing coolness of shaved ice, which goes down your throat on a hot summer day, is not just any ordinary ice.

The shaved ice is evenly coated in syrup and layered in multiple layers, making it incredibly fluffy! Furthermore, it's densely packed, so it doesn't melt easily, demonstrating a level of quality far superior to the shaved ice you'd find just anywhere.

Furthermore, there are so many varieties to choose from, it's a real dilemma!

My top recommendation is the mango. It has pieces of mango in it, and the moment you take a bite, all you'll say is "Delicious!" Other options include the zenzai with milk, where the zenzai is hidden under the shaved ice and the milk is just perfect. Choose your favorite and cool off!

Parlor Painu Island

Address: 417 Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-85-2505

Business hours: 10:00-17:30 Irregular holidays

3-2. Soba Restaurant Takenoko

Do you know the difference between "Okinawa soba" and "Yaeyama soba"?

Surprisingly, it's not widely known, but Okinawan soba noodles are thick and slightly twisted, while Yaeyama soba noodles are mainly thin, straight, and round. The noodles also have a round cross-section, and a distinctive feature is the use of hibachi (island pepper), a spice unique to the island. As a side note, Miyako soba noodles are flat and straight.

While ingredients like kamaboko (fish cake) and soki (pork ribs) are common, Okinawan soba often includes pickled ginger, whereas Yaeyama soba usually does not. The toppings are mainly thinly sliced pork belly!

Recently, variations with vegetables have appeared, and a wide variety of menus have emerged, but at Takenoko, you can enjoy authentic Yaeyama soba. If you have the chance, be sure to try Yaeyama soba!

Soba Restaurant Takenoko

Address: 101-1 Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://soba.takenoko-taketomi.com/

TEL: 0980-85-2251

Business hours: 10:30-15:30 (Last order 15:00) Irregular holidays

Remarks: We are open irregularly from 18:30 PM to 20:40 PM. Please inquire before visiting.

4. Stay on Taketomi Island

4-1. Hoshinoya Taketomi Island

~A resort where you can stay as if you were living there, based on the concept of living in harmony with the local community.~
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island is a resort that skillfully utilizes the island's strict rules without destroying the charm of Taketomi Island, which continues to preserve its traditions and history.

Building in the same style as the village, with Ryukyu red tile roofs and stone walls called "gukku," this completely isolated resort showcases the craftsmanship of artisans and is just like a village. All rooms face south, ensuring the privacy of guests, and the interior of the buildings, where the breeze flows through, is also superb.

And a major draw of staying on Taketomi Island is the Star Walk.

You can see 84 out of 88 constellations, and all 21 first-magnitude stars are visible in the night sky. Because there is little atmospheric turbulence, the stars are clearly visible, so be sure to enjoy stargazing!

Stay at Hoshinoya and experience the true essence of Taketomi Island at a leisurely pace.

Hoshinoya Taketomi Island

Address: 1955 Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 050-3134-8091

In/Out: 15:00-21:00/12:00

HP: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyataketomijima/

Please make your hotel reservation here.

<This article also features this topic>
7 Popular Okinawan Cottages You'll Want to Stay at at Least Once!

4-2. Hotel Peace Island Taketomi Island

Hotel Peace Island Taketomi Island, with its beautiful contrast of bright blue skies and red tiled roofs, is a popular resort with cottage-style accommodations perfect for families and couples. The relaxing courtyard is a great space to unwind after a long day of travel, ideal for reading or taking a break.

The rooms range from standard twin rooms to connecting rooms, and they are very accommodating to small children. If you're worried about your children making noise and disturbing other guests at a guesthouse, you can stay here with peace of mind!

And above all, I would like to recommend the food.
The secret to its popularity lies in its cuisine, which makes ample use of local island ingredients, and the thoughtful touch of ensuring that the menu doesn't repeat even for guests staying multiple nights. The fact that each dish is served only once is a sophisticated and exceptional service that requires a great deal of conscious effort to achieve.

In addition, we highly recommend stargazing at night. Spread a sheet in the courtyard and lie down on your back, or take a 5-minute walk to the West Pier and lie down on the bridge... Enjoy stargazing that you absolutely cannot experience in the city!

Hotel Peace Island Taketomi Island

Address: 112-1 Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-84-5955

In/Out: 15:00-18:00/11:00

HP: https://peace-k.jp/taketomi/

Please make your hotel reservation here.

4-3. Staying at a guesthouse

These guesthouses offer a chance to interact closely with the islanders. In the case of Taketomi Island, they welcome guests in a traditional style, renting out rooms known as "Ichibanza" and "Nibanza," which are characteristic of Okinawan houses.

While some accommodations offer dormitory-style rooms, the most distinctive feature is the emphasis on interaction between islanders and guests. Some hostels will offer guests drinks and play the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument), while others allow guests to start drinking and chatting on their own without any intervention from the host, resulting in a truly enjoyable evening.

This is a unique way to experience life at a guesthouse, allowing you to create memories that can only be made on that day and in that place! It's highly recommended for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. Be sure to interact with the islanders together with your travel companions.

Summary

Taketomi Island is a truly wonderful place that I would like to visit again and again. The islanders are all very kind people, and I felt soothed by their warm hospitality and the beauty of Taketomi Island. It's not a tourist destination in the sense that tourist spots have been artificially created, but rather a place where you can visit places that remain in their original, ancient form.

So, I'd like to summarize the "traveler's considerations" I noticed when I visited Taketomi Island. Please try to keep them in mind.
・Never enter sacred sites known as Ontake or Haisho.
There are no convenience stores, and public shops close early, so buy anything you need in advance.
There are no banks on Taketomi Island; the only place you can use them is the post office. However, it is closed on Sundays.
• There are no places to exchange money for small items like juice, so try to carry as much small change as possible. (There is a chronic shortage of small change.)

With just a little thought and care, you can reduce the chances of making a mistake! Please do visit Taketomi Island, which is truly the perfect place to create memories.