Taketomi Island – Okinawa

Just a short ferry ride from Ishigaki Island lies a small coral island where time seems to have stopped.
Taketomi Island (竹富島), part of Okinawa’s Yaeyama Islands, is famous for its traditional red-tiled houses, white coral sand streets, and slow island lifestyle that preserves the charm of the old Ryukyu Kingdom.

Recognized as a Nationally Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, Taketomi offers travelers a rare chance to step into a living museum of Okinawan heritage, surrounded by turquoise seas and warm smiles.

　1. Overview

Location: About 6 km southwest of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture
Area: 5.4 km² — small enough to explore by bicycle
Population: Around 300 residents
Access: 10-minute ferry from Ishigaki Port

Taketomi Island belongs to the Yaeyama Islands, Japan’s southernmost inhabited region. Despite its size, it attracts visitors from around the world who seek authentic Okinawan scenery, peaceful beaches, and warm island hospitality.

2. History and Cultural Background

Taketomi has been inhabited for centuries and was once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879), which maintained a unique culture distinct from mainland Japan.
The island flourished as a trading and fishing village, and many customs, festivals, and songs from the Ryukyu era are still practiced today.

Residents have worked together for decades to preserve their cultural identity, maintaining strict rules about building design and village cleanliness. The entire island is protected under Japanese cultural heritage law — making it one of the best-preserved Ryukyu-style villages in existence.

3. Traditional Village and Architecture

The heart of Taketomi is its beautifully preserved village, where every house follows traditional Ryukyuan design principles:

Red-tiled roofs with “Shisa” lion-dog statues to ward off evil spirits
Coral stone walls enclosing private homes
White sand streets, swept daily by locals
Blooming hibiscus and bougainvillea adding color to every lane

Cars are rare, and the atmosphere is tranquil. The village feels like a step back in time — no billboards, no neon signs, only the sound of cicadas and the distant sea breeze.

Tip: Wear sunglasses — the sun reflecting off the white coral sand is dazzling!

4. Best Beaches on Taketomi

Despite its small size, Taketomi boasts some of Okinawa’s most scenic beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft coral sand.

Kondoi Beach (コンドイ浜)

The island’s most famous beach
Calm, shallow waters — ideal for swimming and families
Tides create a vast sandy area at low tide, perfect for strolling or relaxing
Facilities include toilets and showers

Kaiji Beach (カイジ浜) – “Star Sand Beach”

Famous for its star-shaped sand grains (tiny shells of marine organisms called Foraminifera)
Swimming is prohibited due to strong currents, but it’s perfect for photography and sand collecting
Small shops nearby sell bottles of “star sand”

Aiyaru Beach

Less crowded and natural, popular among locals and photographers
Offers a more tranquil, untouched atmosphere

5. Cultural Experiences and Local Life

Taketomi isn’t just about scenery — it’s a place where tradition lives through daily life. Visitors can experience authentic Ryukyuan culture in many ways:

Water Buffalo Cart Ride: Enjoy a slow tour of the village in a traditional ox-drawn cart while a local guide plays the sanshin (three-stringed instrument) and sings folk songs.

Village Walks: Explore coral-lined lanes, small shrines, and traditional homes.

Festivals:
- Tanadui Matsuri (October): The island’s biggest festival with traditional dances, songs, and rituals that date back 600 years.
Craft Workshops: Try making shell accessories or weaving with local materials.

Everyday life on Taketomi revolves around community, respect, and harmony with nature — a spirit that visitors are encouraged to appreciate.

6. Local Cuisine

Taketomi’s food reflects Okinawa’s healthy and flavorful island diet, using local vegetables, pork, and seafood.

Must-try dishes:

Yaeyama Soba: A local noodle soup topped with pork, fish cake, and scallions — lighter than mainland ramen.

Goya Champuru: Stir-fried bitter melon with tofu, egg, and pork.

Grilled Island Fish: Freshly caught, simply seasoned with salt.
Shikuwasa Juice: Refreshing local citrus drink.
Awamori: Traditional Okinawan distilled liquor — smooth but strong!

Small family-run cafés and guesthouses serve homemade meals featuring local ingredients and island hospitality.

7. Getting to Taketomi Island

The only way to reach Taketomi is by ferry from Ishigaki Island.

From Ishigaki Port (石垣港離島ターミナル):

Ferry Time: About 10–15 minutes
Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes (operated by Yaeyama Kisen and Anei Kanko)
Fare: Around ¥1,000 one way
Tip: No need to book in advance — just show up at the terminal 15 minutes before departure.

Nearest Airport:

New Ishigaki Airport (Painushima) — connects to Tokyo, Osaka, Naha, and other Japanese cities.
From the airport, take a 30-minute bus or taxi to the ferry terminal.

8. Getting Around the Island

Taketomi is small — walking, cycling, or water buffalo cart are the best ways to explore.

Bicycle Rental: Available near the ferry port; costs around ¥1,500–¥2,000 per day.
Water Buffalo Cart Tour: 30–40 minutes, ¥1,500 per person.
Walking: The village is compact; 15 minutes from one end to another.
Cars: Not allowed for tourists — preserving the peaceful atmosphere.

Tip: Bring sunscreen and water — shade is limited.

9. Best Time to Visit

Season	Highlights	Notes
Spring (Mar–May)	Pleasant weather, blooming flowers	Ideal for cycling and photography
Summer (Jun–Sep)	Crystal-clear seas, swimming season	Hot and humid; occasional typhoons
Autumn (Oct–Nov)	Festivals, comfortable temperatures	Great time for cultural visits
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Quiet atmosphere, mild weather	Cooler evenings, fewer crowds

The island enjoys subtropical weather year-round, rarely dropping below 18°C (64°F).

10. Where to Stay

Though small, Taketomi offers charming accommodation options — from traditional inns to boutique hotels.

Minshuku (Family Inns): Stay with locals, enjoy home-cooked meals.

Guesthouses: Budget-friendly, social atmosphere.

Luxury Option: HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island — a high-end eco-resort blending luxury with traditional architecture and island culture.

Advance booking is highly recommended, especially in summer.

11. Travel Etiquette and Tips

Respect the locals: Taketomi is a living community, not an open-air museum.
Keep quiet at night: Sound carries easily in the peaceful village.
Stay on marked paths: Do not enter private property.
Do not take coral or sand: Especially “star sand” — buy it from official shops instead.
Cash only: Few ATMs; bring yen from Ishigaki.
Wi-Fi: Limited; most travelers enjoy the digital detox.

12. Nearby Islands

Taketomi is part of the Yaeyama Archipelago, making it easy to explore other stunning islands:

Iriomote Island: Jungle treks, waterfalls, and mangroves — perfect for adventure seekers.
Kohama Island: Quiet, scenic, and great for cycling.
Ishigaki Island: Main hub for transport, dining, and nightlife.
Hateruma Island: Japan’s southernmost inhabited island — turquoise paradise.

Daily ferries connect all these islands via Ishigaki Port.

Final Thoughts

Taketomi Island is a rare place where the rhythm of modern life slows to match the sound of the waves and the creak of a water buffalo’s cart.
It’s not just a destination — it’s an experience of Okinawa’s soul, where tradition, community, and nature remain beautifully intertwined.

Whether you come for a few hours or stay for a few nights, Taketomi will remind you of the beauty of simplicity — and the warmth of island life that never fades.

Related articles