Spend 3 days and 2 nights like an islander at HOSHINOYA TaketomiIsland|Recommended Model Course
TaketomiIsland, a 10-minute high-speed boat ride from Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama Islands, is a remote island with a circumference of 9.2 km formed by rising coral reefs. Three villages with Ryukyu red tile roofs, coral stone walls called guku, and white sand roads connecting them have been designated as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
HOSHINOYA TaketomiIsland is said to be the fourth village on the island where the original landscape of Okinawa remains. Guest rooms are lined up in accordance with the island's traditional architectural standards and blend into the island landscape as a resort where you can stay as if you were living there.
We will take you on a 3-day/2-night island trip where you can experience the performing arts and food culture handed down on TaketomiIsland, and encounter beautiful beaches and island handicrafts.
Points of the model course
- Getting to know TaketomiIsland and visiting famous places and villages
- Stay at a house and enjoy the island's performing arts and food culture
- Select souvenirs from tableware and sundries that reflect the island's life
Day 1
13:00 Ishigaki Port Terminal
10 minutes by either "An-ei Kanko" or "Yaeyama Kanko" high speed boat
*TaketomiIsland has introduced an entrance fee of 300 yen per person (optional) for the conservation of the natural environment. Entrance tickets (Utsugumi Ticket) can be purchased from ticket vending machines at Ishigaki Port Terminal, Taketomi East Port, and various places in TaketomiIsland. Showing the ticket offers discounts and other services at some Properties and stores on TaketomiIsland.
13:10 TaketomiIsland, Taketomi Port
About 2 minutes walk
13:15 TaketomiIsland Yugafukan (Taketomi Island Visitor Center)
Touch the charm of the island at the exchange spot between islanders and visitors
Picture books depicting island life and festivals are also on display. Don't miss the panel of "Utsugumi", a collection of islanders' words.
The first thing to visit in TaketomiIsland is this Visitor Center, a 2-minute walk from the port, which was opened by the Ministry of the Environment in 2004 and introduces the nature, traditional culture and performing arts of TaketomiIsland.
Inside the high-ceilinged and open space, maps of TaketomiIsland, panels explaining a year in the island's history, handicrafts and textiles of the island, and photos taken in 1959 are displayed. There is also a corner where visitors can watch a video on the theme of "Utsugumi (united cooperation)," the spirit that the people of TaketomiIsland have cherished, and listen to old songs and stories of the islanders.
The "Yuntaku Corner," with tables and chairs, is lined with books about the islands and can be used as a rest area. By learning more about the island before sightseeing, you can enrich your stay.
- TaketomiIsland Yugafukan
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Taketomi Town, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
8:00-17:00
During typhoon
Free of charge
0980-85-2488
5-10 minutes walk to each bike rental store (luggage storage is available at some stores)
5-10 minutes by bicycle from each store
14:00 Kondoi Beach (Kondoi Beach)
A beach representing Yaeyama with beautiful cobalt blue and white sand
The only beach where you can swim in TaketomiIsland. It is characterized by shallow water and calm waves.
The beach is one of the most beautiful in Yaeyama. The contrast between the dazzling pure white sand and the clear blue sea is wonderful, and Ishigaki, Kohamajima, and Iriomote Islands can be seen in the distance. Located on the west side of TaketomiIsland, it is also famous for its spectacular sunset view.
It is also popular as the only bathing beach in TaketomiIsland because of its shallow water and almost no waves. It is equipped with showers, changing rooms, toilets, etc., and parasol rentals are available during the summer season. The smooth sandy beach is comfortable to walk barefoot. Just taking a leisurely stroll along the beach is enjoyable.
- Kondoi Beach (Kondoi Beach)
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Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
No holidays
0980-82-5445(Taketomi Town Tourist Association)
Returning rental bicycles
Take a bus bound for "HOSHINOYA TaketomiIsland" from each bus stop (free of charge, about 5 minutes from "Entrance to the East Village").
15:00 HOSHINOYA TaketomiIsland
A resort where you can live in harmony with the island as if you were living on the island
Guest rooms are lined up in accordance with the island's traditional architecture on a site of approximately 20,000 tsubo (approximately 2.5 acres) based on the concept of "Raku-do on Utsugumi Island," and the gazebo offers a panoramic view of the village landscape of HOSHINOYA TaketomiIsland. The "Gathering Hall" with lounge and dining area, swimming pool, and spa building provide an extraordinary Experience of the island's nature and culture.
Gajoni
All 48 Guest rooms follow the traditional architecture of TaketomiIsland, with Ryukyu red tile roofs watched over by Shisa, stone walls (gukku) made of Ryukyu limestone, and a garden of coral white sand. From the south-facing porch, the south wind (paikaji) that brings happiness blows through. Guest rooms with a bathtub in the center of the room have a modern feel with a sense of openness that is typical of the southern islands.
15:30 "A Moment on the Island
Relax with island snacks
Seasonal island snacks such as girmami tofu are available.
The Yuntaku Lounge is a relaxing space that can be used at any time during your stay, and from 2:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. (L.O.), you will be served a snack that is a familiar Okinawan treat. Also available are "nuchigusa," medicinal herbs such as chomei-so and gingko that were indispensable for the health of the islanders. Enjoy your own original herbal tea by blending them as you wish.
16:45 Viewing of "Song of the Evening Calm
Watching the sunset and listening to the sound of sanshin (three-stringed instrument)
Enjoy the evening view of the tropical island and the tasteful sound of sanshin (Okinawan traditional three-stringed instrument) with its unique musical scale.
At dusk, when the sky is changing every moment, the lounge is filled with the music of Okinawan performers playing the sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument). The sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) performs folk songs from TaketomiIsland and other islands in the Yaeyama archipelago, famous as "the island of performing arts," and other tunes that will allow you to experience island time.
18:00 Dinner "In-Room Dining
Enjoy dinner in a Guest room of a house without hesitation.
The view outside the window also adds to the gastronomic experience. Awamori, local beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are also available.
In-room dining is a new style of dining that allows you to taste the delicacies of Okinawa while relaxing in your Guest room. We recommend the "island hot pot," which can be arranged as a cold shabu-shabu with ice cubes of life grass.
20:00 "Evening Hour - Awamori Cocktails on a Moonlit Night
Tropical nights with Awamori and the moon
Awamori is served daily with carefully selected brands. Syrup can be mixed with soda water to make a non-alcoholic cocktail.
After dinner, go to the lounge to enjoy "Awamori," Okinawa's representative alcoholic beverage. You can enjoy an original awamori cocktail with syrup made from Okinawan ingredients such as shikwasa and island chili peppers. You can spend a relaxing evening on the island while sipping on a glass of Ryukyuan style Awamori.
21:15 "Tinnu Deep Breath
Sleep well while feeling the energy of the moon
Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park in the Yaeyama Islands, which includes TaketomiIsland, was recognized as Japan's first "starry sky protected area" in 2018. As many as 84 of the total 88 constellations can be viewed.
Tinnu" means "heavenly" in the Okinawan language. Under the moonlit and HOSHINOYA night sky, deep breathing and stretching on the grass by the pool will lead you to a comfortable sleep. After stretching, lie down and watch the stars in the sky.
*May be cancelled due to weather or lawn conditions.
Day 2
07:00 Breakfast "Dining
Shimanchu's Breakfast" incorporating Okinawa's bounty
The "Island Nine-Piece Breakfast" is an arrangement of "Usanmi," a traditional stacked box dish that is an essential part of Okinawan events.
Breakfast in the dining room, where the morning sun shines in, is a selection of two Japanese and two Western breakfasts, including the "Island Nine-Piece (Kunushina) Breakfast" and "Yushi Tofu Porridge Breakfast," which are nine Okinawan dishes in a stacked box. The menu follows the eating habits that support the vitality of the islanders, and will energize you in the morning.
08:30 Morning Buffalo Cart Walk
Ride on a buffalo cart through a village in the morning filled with tranquility
The tour guides you through the narrow roads and curves without difficulty, and also takes you to the village's famous landmarks. After the ride, a commemorative photo with a buffalo dressed up in hibiscus flowers is also available.
The village in the morning, beautifully swept clean by the islanders, is quiet with few tourists. The famous buffalo cart will take you around the village of red-tile-roofed one-story houses. The tour guide will lead you through the village, singing songs and playing the sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument), and you will enjoy the seasonal atmosphere.
10:00 Pool
Slumbering in a pool of water mirror reflecting the sky
The surface of the water, reflecting the blue sky and clouds during the day and the moon and stars at night, looks like a painting.
The pool in the center of the Property is kept at an appropriate temperature all year round and is open 24 hours a day (until sunset for children). The inside of the pool is mortar-shaped, so you are free to swim, enjoy the shallow water, or relax on chairs inside the pool. There is also a poolside terrace with a tarp to block out the sun, so you can spend your time as you wish.
Take a bus bound for "Beach" only for guests, about 10 minutes, get off at "Kaiji Beach" and walk for a short time.
11:15 Kaiji Beach
Search for happy "star sand" at the "star sand beach" (also known as "star sand beach")
Kaiji Beach is a popular place to look for star sand.
The beach is also known as "Hoshi-suna-no-hama" (star sand beach) because star-shaped sand can be seen here. The star sand is actually the shells of foraminifera attached to seaweed, and if you press the palm of your hand against the sand, you will find small star-shaped grains in the sand on your hand. You cannot take them home with you, but you can buy key chains filled with star sand at a souvenir shop near the beach entrance.
Swimming is not allowed on the beach due to the fast currents, but visitors can relax in the shade of the subtropical trees, enjoy the swings set up in the trees, and watch the boats that come and go between Kaijihama and the other islands.
- Kaiji Beach
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Taketomi Town, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
No holidays
0980-82-5445(Taketomi Town Tourist Association)
Approximately 22 minutes on foot or 8 minutes by rented bicycle
12:30 Buckwheat Noodles Restaurant Takenoko
Enjoy traditional Yaeyama soba noodles at a long-established soba restaurant
Yaeyama Soba & Jyushi (Okinawan cooked rice) Set" for 1,200 yen. This limited-quantity menu comes with mozuku vinegar, pickles, and dessert.
This long-established Yaeyama soba restaurant, established in 1975, stands near the tourist spot "Nishi Pier". For about half a century, the restaurant has been dedicated to the pursuit of soba flavor, and it is well known and loved by both islanders and tourists.
The soup, based on pork and chicken bones and cooked over wood for six hours, is rich in flavor and aroma. It has a clean and elegant flavor that goes well with the straight noodles. In addition to "Yaeyama Soba" topped with chopped pork, "Soki Soba" and "Sanpaebi Soba" are also popular. You can also enjoy the change of taste with the homemade island pepper "piyashi," which was passed down from the previous grandmother, and "kuchu," island chili peppers soaked in Awamori (Okinawa Okinawa rice wine). Although you must be prepared to wait in line for a table at this popular restaurant, the soba noodles are a must-try even if you have to wait in line.
- Soba Restaurant Takenoko
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101-1 TaketomiIsland Taketomi, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
10:30-15:00 (close when soba is sold out), 18:30-21:00 (L.O. 20:00)
Reservations required for evening hours (same-day reservations only).
Open irregularly (check the website)
0980-85-2251
Approximately 15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by rented bicycle
14:00 Atelier Gokaya
The only pottery on TaketomiIsland that is rooted in the island and reflects its climate
From mugs (from 3,800 yen) to bowls, buckwheat noodle cups, small plates, and large plates, you can find Yachimunun with a lot of individuality.
Yachimun (pottery), which is made of Yaeyama clay and depicts the nature of TaketomiIsland and the lives of the islanders in a generous manner, is on display at the pottery in Nakasuji Village. The "chrysanthemum design" in underglaze blue like the ocean, the "Minna design" reflecting island life such as fishermen and farmers, and the "Paterna design" depicting island goats and buffaloes in Western style are exciting to look at.
The cups and bowls are "light" to hold in the hand, while the plates are designed with a sense of weight. The dishes are designed to be easy to use and add color to daily life, making them attractive enough to be used for a long time. Why don't you find your favorites among the expressive Yachimun in the peaceful island time that flows in the atelier?
- Atelier Gokaya
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1478-1 Aza-Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
10:00-12:00, 13:30-17:00
Closed on weekends and holidays
0980-85-2833
Closed during lunch break of Staff/staff members
Take a bus bound for "HOSHINOYA TaketomiIsland" from each bus stop (about 20 minutes from "Minami no Shuraku").
15:00 "Island Time Spa
Superb spa to relax your body and mind
The spa building is a little apart from Guest room area, so you can enjoy the treatment in a private space.
Select your favorite fragrance from among three types of aromas made from materials popular on the island. The treatment is performed to the rhythm of slowly rolling waves, leading you to a deep relaxation of body and mind.
18:00 Dinner "Dining
Island terroir" spun by island ingredients and French techniques
The island's unique seasonings and ingredients are expressed with French techniques. The wine pairings, selected from a wide variety of brands, are also noteworthy.
The food culture and ingredients unique to the islands of Yaeyama are sublimated into a unique gastronomy with French techniques and innovative ideas. Seafood such as tiger prawns grown on TaketomiIsland, colorful tropical vegetables and fruits, and shimahitati (island soy sauce) made by the island's unique method, the menu reflects the people of TaketomiIsland's passion for food, and is a continuous source of surprise and mouth-watering delight.
Day 3
07:00 Breakfast "Dining
Breakfast to nourish your energy with the bounty of the sea and life grass
The "Sea Breeze Breakfast" with bouillabaisse as the main dish. The salad of life grass, which is also grown in the fields of HOSHINOYA TaketomiIsland, is also delicious!
The "Shimanin no Asagohan (Breakfast of the Islanders)," a choice of two Japanese and two Western-style breakfasts, is full of the seasonal flavors of Okinawa. The Western breakfast includes "Sea Style Breakfast," a rich bouillabaisse with the rich flavor of seafood, and "Cereal Breakfast," which incorporates grains familiar to the island.
10:30 "Weaving
Learn the traditional handicrafts of the island at Hatanori Experience.
Threads dyed with island plants such as indigo, fukugi, and shell gingko are in gentle colors, and it is fun to think of combinations!
In one corner of the lounge, a traditional wooden foot-pedal loom from TaketomiIsland catches the eye. The loom was actually used by the islanders, and visitors can weave bookmarks on it during the Experience. The rhythmical thumping sound of the loom and the patterns that gradually emerge will allow you to experience the joy of weaving by hand.
12:00 Check out of HOSHINOYA TaketomiIsland
10 minutes by bus to "Taketomi Port" for guests only
12:15 Kariyushi Kaikan
Handicrafts of TaketomiIsland as souvenirs of your trip
Takonoki "Yami basket" 6,000 yen, "Eco bag" 450 yen, "Tenugui" 1,200 yen, half-size "half tenugui" 600 yen
The boat passenger waiting area in Taketomi East Port. In addition to selling boat tickets, it also provides tourist information on the island.
Folk crafts and local specialties made from materials of TaketomiIsland are sold at the store in the Property. The baskets and pouches woven from the island's native Takonoki and shell gingko trees are individually different in taste and warmth of handcrafts. The cute eco-bag with an illustration of Taketomi Town's town bird "Akashobin" is an original product with a gusset that is convenient for both daily use and travel. Tenugui hand towels and T-shirts decorated with traditional "Taketomi mincer" patterns and "Kaidar characters," which were once used on the island, are also recommended. While waiting for the boat, why not enjoy picking out memories of your trip?
- Tetodon Kariyushi-kan (NPO Takidon)
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Inside Taketomi Higashi Port, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
7:30~last boat time (depends on the season)
During typhoons and Tanedori Festival
0980-84-5633
MAP
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby



