Taketomi Island (竹富島, Taketomi-jima) is positioned on the Ryukyu Islands, which is about 6 kilometers southwest of Ishigaki Island. A 10-minute excessive-velocity boat trip from Ishigaki Island will deliver you to this serene haven. While the call "Taketomi" got here into not unusual use most compelling in contemporary instances, in the course of the Meiji length, it was often referred to as "Tofu." Today, the island's citizens also frequently use the name "tedun."
The village is situated inside the northern primary part of the island, with most homes comprised of wood and roads adorned with white sand, keeping the early environment of Okinawa.
Taketomi Island has a circumference of about 9.2 kilometers and is encompassed by a lovely seascape, evoking the primal appeal of Okinawa's panorama.
In this article, we will discover and pick out advocated sightseeing spots on Taketomi Island, ranging from beaches to scenic viewpoints and historical landmarks. Renting a bicycle to explore these points of interest while basking in the tropical air adds a further layer of enjoyment to your adventure.
Map of Taketomi Island
| Name | Taketomi Island (Japanese: 竹富島, Taketomi-jima) |
| Country | Japan |
| Prefecture | Okinawa |
| Coordinates | Coordinates: 24°20′N 124°05′E |
| Area | 5.42 km2 (2.09 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+9 |
| Population | 335 (2024) |
| Airport | N/A |
How to Get to Taketomi Island
- To get to Taketomi Island, you first want to move to Ishigaki Island, where ferries depart for Taketomi.
- There are direct flights to Ishigaki Island from 5 towns in Japan: Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Naha. For areas without direct flights, flights will join through Naha Airport on Okinawa Main Island.
- Upon arriving at Ishigaki Airport, make your manner to Ishigakikorito Terminal, from wherein you will board a ferry to Taketomi Island. If you prefer to pass immediately from the airport to the terminal, we suggest taking a direct bus. You can reach the terminal in about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Taketomi Island is ready 6 kilometers from Ishigaki Island, and the ferry ride from Ishigaki Port's terminal to Taketomi Island takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- You can book Ferry Transfers at Klook.com.
Here's an example of the travel process from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Taketomi Island:
| Travel Process from Haneda Airport to Taketomi Island | Duration |
|---|---|
| Haneda Airport → Ishigaki Airport | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Ishigaki Airport → Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Ishigaki Port → Taketomi Port | 10 to 15 minutes |
This breakdown gives you an idea of the time required for each leg of the journey.
7 Recommended Attractions on Takeshi Island
Indulge in the azure splendor of Kondoi Beach
Kondoi Beach (コンドイ浜) features pristine white sands and cerulean waters, making it the best swimming seashore on Taketomi Island. While you may take a bus from Taketomi Port to reach here, leisurely taking walks across the island on a rented bicycle is also a lovely choice.
The seaside is shallow and tranquil, with slight waves, making it safe even for younger kids to frolic approximately. During low tide, witness the enthralling phenomenon of the "phantom seaside" as the shoreline extends, supplying clean get admission for a stroll.
Facilities, including converting rooms and showers are available, but please be aware there are not any coin-operated lockers, so you may be charged for safeguarding your valuables.
Superstar Sand, Kaiji Beach!
Also called Star Sand Beach (星砂の浜), Kaiji Beach is named after famous star-like sand grains shaped by using tiny marine organisms called foraminifera. While it is not feasible to acquire celebrity sand from Kaiji Beach, you should buy it as a souvenir from nearby memento stores to commemorate your ride.
The swings mounted at the beach are ideal for shooting lovely photos! Swing below the shade of trees and unwind. Star Sand Beach is placed next to Kondoi Beach, however please know that swimming is unlawful here because of strong currents.
Enjoy the Beautiful Sunset from Nishi Pier!
Nishi Pier (西桟橋) is a pier that extends approximately 105 meters into the ocean and is used for boats transporting rice to Taketomi Island. Although it is not operational anymore, it remains a scenic attraction that draws many visitors.
The surrounding seawater is crystal clean, permitting you to look at colorful fish swimming about. It's quite recommended to go at some stage in the sunset!
Please be aware that there aren't any regular boat services all through sunset on Taketomi Island, so you'll want to live in a single day to witness the unique sundown. As you watch the solar slowly sink underneath the horizon, soak in the romantic environment of this picturesque setting.
The Symbol of Taketomi Island - Nagominoto Tower
Nagominoto Tower (なごみの塔) stands about 4.5 meters tall atop a small rocky hill. It was once used as a place to bring messages to residents from the tower's pinnacle. Designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural asset, the tower offers panoramic views of the village with its terracotta-tiled roofs from the remark deck. In 2016, because of the growing older of the tower, hiking up or down it turned into prohibited. However, even now, it remains a symbol of Taketomi Island and a famous enchantment.
Today, you can enjoy views of Taketomi Island's beyond beauty from the neighboring Akayama Observatory, so make sure to go sightseeing on Taketomi Island.
The "Buffalo Car" Takes You on A Leisurely Tour
When it comes to Taketomi Island, many people think of the buffalo car. You can take a leisurely journey across the island on a buffalo car for about 30 minutes, as the buffalo's tempo is slower than strolling. The view of the terracotta-tiled roofs and the roadside flora from the buffalo automobile is charming.
As you revel in the first-rate swaying motion and the slowly converting surroundings, you'll quickly adapt to the leisurely tempo of existence on Taketomi Island. Additionally, if you loosen up and pay attention to the manual playing the Sanshin and making the song "Asatoya Yunta," you will be completely immersed in the rhythm of Taketomi Island.
The Pristine Scenery of Okinawa! Taketomi Village
In 1987, the villages on Taketomi Island had been unique as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. It consists of three villages: Ainota in the east, Innota in the west, and Nakasuji in the south. The villages are characterized by their terracotta-tiled roofs and paths paved with white coral sand! Here, colorful tropical vegetation blooms, making strolls a lovely revel.
Thanks to the warm tropical weather and colorful vegetation, which includes bougainvillea and morning glory, blooms year-round. Water buffalo on foot alongside the streets and shisha statues positioned atop houses make for picturesque scenes. Whether you pick out to leisurely walk, journey a buffalo vehicle, lease a bicycle, or overlook from the hills, that is a village of infinite charm.
Imbued with Tropical Allure - the Taketomi Post Office!
As the only post office on Taketomi Island, it embodies the architectural fashion of the island's villages with its red-tiled roof structure. Its outside showcases the standard Taketomi Island aesthetics, offering a purple circle mailbox at the entrance and a shisha with an open mouth adorning the roof, making it a trendy spot for photos.
To commemorate your journey, make sure to write a letter to your family and reap a scenic stamp presenting perspectives of Taketomi Island and celebrity sand. However, if you drop your letter into the crimson circle mailbox at the doorway, it will receive an ordinary postmark, so make sure to inquire on the counter. Additionally, they promote postcards bearing the call of the Taketomi Post Office.
Climate of Taketomi Island
■ Taketomi Island's Temperature
Surrounded by hot ocean waters, Taketomi Island studies minimum temperature variations. The daylight is excessive, and the humidity stages are excessive. Although a part of Okinawa, Taketomi Island has a higher average annual temperature than Okinawa Main Island.
The standard wind velocity through the 12 months is around 5 m/s, which facilitates preserving a fab environment even in hot and humid conditions. Perhaps because of the presence of purple-tiled houses in the village and plenty of windbreaks, it is challenging to sense strong winds inside the town.
■ Lowest and Highest Temperatures on Taketomi Island
Even on Taketomi Island, wintry weather mornings may be pretty bloodless. Besides a sweater, you may want to prepare a jacket. On the coldest winter mornings, temperatures drop below 15°C.
However, summers on the island are not as sizzling as in mainland areas, with temperatures attaining over 35°C. In the summer season, Taketomi Island typically sees temperatures around 30° to 31°C.
■ Rainfall on Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island is like other islands in Okinawa, falls underneath the standard subtropical region, and reports heavy rainfall events known as "bō（飑）," where rainfall can be as intense as pouring from a bucket.
The wet season is from May to June. Apart from the rainy season, October additionally sees multiplied rainfall because of seasonal modifications.
Taketomi Island's Resort & Hostel
1. HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island Resort
HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island is a tropical lodge village that gives pinnacle-notch lodging experiences while retaining landscapes that have remained intact for centuries, along with the particular culture and customs of the island.
The villa-fashion guestroom function designs are stimulated by using architectural history, with low stone walls and white coral sand courtyards. The layout of the dwelling spaces permits sunlight and cool breezes to flow into the rooms, following the architectural style of the island while presenting both comfort and convenience.
2. Taketomijima Guesthouse and je Taime
Taketomijima Guesthouse and je Taime offer budget-pleasant dormitory-fashion motels with Asian-inspired decor. It's a 20-minute walk from Kondoi Beach and Star Sand Beach, and guests can rent bicycles to explore the island.
Here, you will encounter amiable hosts and fellow guests! Everyone enjoys island-hopping adventures at the same time as watching the natural world: massive coconut crabs, fireflies, and even owls and snakes!
3. Travelers House おーさんてぃん青空舎
Affordable, quaint, comfortable, and imparting awesome privateness, Travelers House おーさんてぃん青空舎 is the best pick. While there is no trip carrier to the inn, you can without difficulty attain it by taking the island bus (which additionally serves as transportation around the island).
The owner is an amiable lady who serves delicious homemade breakfasts for guests to revel in during their lives. Complimentary bicycle rentals are available, imparting handy transportation.
