Taketomi Island
What is Taketomi Island?
Taketomi Island is a small remote island in the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, about 10-15 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island. It is a tourist destination that retains a strong sense of traditional Ryukyuan culture, with old houses with traditional Okinawan red-tile roofs, roads paved with white sand, and the sight of buffalo carts slowly making their way around the island.
Taketomi Island Sightseeing," "Taketomi Island Access," "Taketomi Island Buffalo," "Taketomi Island Beach," etc., have very high search demand and are popular stops for many people visiting Ishigaki Island.
Why Taketomi Island is popular and how to enjoy it
Taketomi Island is popular because of its laid-back pace of life and the original Okinawan scenery that can be experienced. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the entire island is beautifully maintained as if it were a theme park, making it a perfect place for tourists seeking healing.
Main ways to enjoy
Buffalo Car Sightseeing
This is a standard activity on Taketomi Island. Listening to the guide play the sanshin (Okinawan guitar) and talk about the island's history while being pulled by a buffalo is truly an extraordinary experience. It is a luxurious time to tour around the island in a relaxed manner.
Tour of the island by renting a bicycle
Bicycling is also a popular way to freely explore the compact island. The island is dotted with red-tiled villages, Kaiji Beach famous for its star sand, and Kondoi Beach with its shallow waters.
Relax on a beautiful beach
Kondoi Beach is particularly popular. It is a spectacular spot with shallow waters, calm waves, and crystal clear waters. It is a great place to swim and take pictures.
Strolling around the photogenic city
The scenery with bougainvillea blooming along the white sand roads, red-tiled roof houses, and stone walls is as beautiful as a picture postcard. Just a leisurely walk around the island is relaxing.
Experience Okinawa's culture and traditions.
There are also stores where visitors can taste the island's folk crafts and local cuisine, allowing them to experience the local culture firsthand.
Details of Taketomi Island
| name | Taketomi Island |
| Location | Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture, JapanView on Map) |
| parking lot | No (rental bicycles and buffalo carts are the main means of transportation) |
| toilet | Yes (located in the village and at major beaches) |
