Taketomi Island sightseeing is fun for both children and adults! 6 popular tourist spots
Taketomi Island is one of the remote islands of the Yaeyama Islands, located about 400 km from the main island of Okinawa. It takes about 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island. This small island, with a circumference of about 9 km, is designated as a national park in its entirety and is a treasure trove of nature. Water buffalo carts walk slowly through the village, where houses with Ryukyu red-tiled roofs line the streets and white roads paved with coral fragments stretch out. It is an island where you can enjoy a laid-back time. In this article, we will introduce popular tourist spots on Taketomi Island that can be enjoyed by both adults and those with children.
1Kondoi Beach
A beach with some of the most beautiful white sand and blue water in the Yaeyama Islands
A beach in the western part of Taketomi Island that represents the Yaeyama Islands. It is a beautiful sea with white shores and transparent cobalt blue water. This is the only beach on Taketomi Island where you can swim. There are showers, changing rooms, and toilets, and during the summer season, parlors open to rent parasols and sell shaved ice. Because the sea is very shallow and calm, even small children can enjoy swimming with peace of mind. Also, since the pure white sandy beach continues, it is fun to draw pictures in the sand or play in the sand. The changes in color that shift with time and the gradation of the sea's colors are breathtakingly beautiful.
After the last boat departs, it becomes a quiet beach with a beautiful sunset
The last boat to Ishigaki Island is in the 18:00 hour, even in summer. After the boat leaves, Taketomi Island is left only to those staying overnight and the islanders. You will feel refreshed by the quiet beach, which is different from the bustle of the daytime. You can see Ishigaki Island, Kohama Island, and Iriomote Island in the distance, and the setting sun is also beautiful. The pure white sandy beach is smooth, and it is a pleasant moment to walk barefoot. When the tide goes out a little, a small beach appears in the sea, and you can walk out to it. It is also recommended to enjoy the changing scenery, as the appearance changes depending on the time of high or low tide.
Local
Supporter
When you come to Kondoi Beach, I want you to just relax and zone out. You will be moved by the gradation of the sky and sea, realizing how many different shades of blue there are!
- Kondoi Beach
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Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP 
Approx. 10 minutes by bicycle from Taketomi Port
There is a shuttle bus from Taketomi Port. Get off at Kondoi Beach and it is right there.
Open every day
0980-82-5445 (Taketomi Town Tourism Association)
2Kaiji Beach
A popular spot also known as Star Sand Beach
A beach next to Kondoi Beach. After passing through the trees that grow like a tunnel, a clear blue sea and white sandy beach spread out. Also known as "Star Sand Beach," it is famous for being able to find star-shaped sand. If you press your palm into the sand and look closely at the sand that sticks to your hand, you can find small star-shaped grains. They are actually the shells of foraminifera that attach to seaweed. You cannot take them home, but you can purchase keychains containing star sand at souvenir shops. Swimming is not allowed due to strong currents, but there is shade and a swing where you can spend time relaxing.
Relax in the shade while gazing at the clear blue sea
In the shade of the subtropical trees, you can find small hermit crabs with colorful shells. If you turn over rocks on the beach, you might even discover some creatures. You can also see children enjoying interacting with the wildlife by building paths and houses for the hermit crabs in the sand. From Kaiji Beach, you can watch boats traveling between Ishigaki Island and other islands, making it a relaxing spot for families with children. Walking north along Kaiji Beach leads to Kondoi Beach, so a stroll along the shore is also a pleasant way to spend your time.
Local
Supporter
If you walk to the far end of the beach, it is easier to find star sand. It is said that star sand brings good luck, so please try to find some.
- Kaiji Beach
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- Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- About 15 minutes by bicycle from Taketomi Port
- There is a shuttle bus from Taketomi Port. Get off at Kaiji Beach and it is right there.
- Open every day
- 0980-82-5445 (Taketomi Town Tourism Association)
3Nishi Pier
Watch the beautiful sunset from the pier stretching out into the sea
Located on the west side of Taketomi Island, this pier stretches straight out into the sea. Built in 1938, it was once used as a landing for boats traveling to Iriomote Island and for fishing. It was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2005. Because it extends westward, it is known as a famous spot for viewing spectacular sunsets. If you visit in the evening, you can see a beautiful sunset that changes its appearance from day to day. Even after the sun has set, the time spent watching the sky glow with a reddish hue is exceptional—a privilege enjoyed only by those staying overnight.
Enjoy the scenery of the sea as it changes throughout the day
During the day, the calm waves and pale blue sea create a view that will captivate you. When you walk to the end of the pier that stretches straight out toward the sea, you can experience the sensation of becoming one with the ocean and the sky. With Iriomote Island in front of you, you can also spot creatures like crabs and fish if you look into the water from the pier. In season, you can see islanders coming to harvest local marine delicacies like sea lettuce and mozuku seaweed, allowing you to feel the closeness of island life.
Taketomi Town, which includes Taketomi Island, and parts of Ishigaki Island have been designated as Japan's first "Dark Sky Preserve." The starry sky viewed from the West Pier at night is truly a magnificent sight.
Local
Supporter
A place that changes its expression depending on the time of day. We also recommend lying down at night and being enveloped by the starry sky.
- Nishi Pier
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- Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- About 15 minutes by bicycle from Taketomi Port
- There is a shuttle bus from Taketomi Port. Get off at "Taketomi Village" and walk for about 5 minutes.
- 0980-82-5445 (Taketomi Town Tourism Association)
4Taketomi Island Yugafu-kan (Taketomi Island Visitor Center)
Experience the culture and nature of Taketomi Island
Located near Taketomi East Port, this island visitor center was established by the Ministry of the Environment. It introduces the traditional culture, nature, and daily life of Taketomi Island through the words of the islanders themselves. The building, which opened in 2004, utilizes traditional Ryukyu architectural techniques, featuring a comfortable wooden texture and a spacious, open ceiling. "Yugafu" means "to be blessed with a bountiful harvest by the grace of heaven." The name embodies the wish for interaction between visitors and the islanders. It is a place to take your time looking at exhibits and books, and to connect with what Taketomi Island holds dear.
Suggestions for island walks starting from Yugafu-kan
Inside the building, numerous folk crafts such as "Minsa" weaving, which has been passed down on the island, and baskets made from plants are on display, along with a loom. There are also video and audio exhibits, making it a place to enjoy with all five senses. Books and picture books about Taketomi Island are also available, making it popular with children and islanders alike.
Taketomi Island has a 6km-long "Nature Study Trail" that begins at Yugafu-kan, where you can encounter butterflies, flowers, birds, and other living things, as well as wells, buildings, and other structures. We recommend taking a leisurely walk while feeling the island breeze.
Local
Supporter
A place where you make new discoveries every time you read each panel. There is also a rest area with tables and chairs, making it a comfortable place to relax.
- Taketomijima Yugafu-kan
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- Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- About 3 minutes on foot from Taketomi Port
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM- During typhoons
Free- 0980-85-2488
The theater and audio guides are currently suspended due to infectious disease control measures
5Akayama Park / Nagomi Tower
A park loved by local children as well
Located in the western settlement of Taketomi Island, "Akayama Park" is said to be the site where Heike refugees who drifted to Taketomi Island built their castle. The small park, which was developed by the residents of the western settlement in 1949, contains the "Hoshimi-ishi" (star-viewing stone) used to determine the dates for sowing crops, the "Taiko-ishi" (drum stone) that makes a sound when struck, and the "Sekiba" (stone horse). On the turtle-shell-shaped hill, you will find the "Nagomi Tower," a symbolic presence on Taketomi Island.
A symbol of Taketomi Island, registered as a Tangible Cultural Property
Nagomi Tower was built in 1953 as a facility to convey announcements within the settlement and stands 4.5 meters tall. It is one of the highest points on the generally flat Taketomi Island and was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2006. Previously, it was possible to climb to the top of the tower to get a panoramic view of the settlement's red-tiled houses, but this is no longer permitted for safety reasons. You can still climb to the base of the tower on the hill, where you can feel the history and breeze of the island.
Local
Supporter
A place cherished by the islanders. At Akayama Park, you can see children running on the grass.
- Akayama Park / Nagomi Tower
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- Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 10 minutes by bicycle from Taketomi Port
- 0980-82-5445 (Taketomi Town Tourism Association)
6Nitta Kanko Water Buffalo Cart Tours
Enjoy the atmospheric streets while riding a water buffalo and listening to the sound of the sanshin
The village of Taketomi Island is beautiful with its red-tiled roofs and roads made of white coral sand. On the Nitta Kanko water buffalo cart tour, you will take a leisurely 30-minute ride around the village. You will visit spots where you can feel the island's culture and history, such as the birthplace of the legendary beauty Asato Kuyama, where the famous Okinawan folk song "Asadoya Yunta" originated, and Yumuchi-utaki, the venue for the Tanadui festival, which is the island's largest event and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Your guide will explain the island's history and architecture while playing the sanshin and singing island songs.
Recommended for families with children. Water buffalo cart tours where you can feel the history of the island
Water buffalo cart tours on Taketomi Island began over 40 years ago, shortly after Okinawa's reversion to Japan. It started when a guesthouse began using them to transport guests to the beach. At that time, cars were rare on the island, and water buffalo were used to move people and goods. Water buffalo are gentle and adorable, making them recommended for those with children. The water buffalo travel around the island at a slower pace than humans. Taketomi Island retains the original scenery of old-fashioned Okinawa. The time spent sightseeing at a relaxed pace while gazing at the beautiful scenery and feeling the history and culture is a unique "island time" experience that can only be found here.
Local
Supporter
After getting off, it is also fun to take a commemorative photo with the water buffalo!
- Nitta Kanko
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- 97 Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- About 8 minutes by bicycle from Taketomi Port (shuttle bus available from the port)
- Wednesday, during the Tanadui Festival
- Adults 1,500 yen, Children (elementary school age and up) 750 yen
- 0980-85-2103
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island
Taketomi Town, Okinawa Prefecture
Far south of the Ryukyu Islands, a remote coral island
Access About 10 minutes by shuttle bus from Taketomi Port
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥20,130