Last updated on July 17, 2026 by Krysti
Looking to experience a more traditional side of Okinawa? Don’t overlook Taketomi – this island may be small, but it’s brimming with cultural charm!
As excited as I was to visit Ishigaki, I was even more intrigued by its neighboring island, Taketomi.
I had seen so many photos of its traditional village – think red-tiled roofs, white sandy walkways, and low stone walls – that I just knew I needed to experience it for myself.
So when I finally planned my visit to Ishigaki, I made sure to include a day trip to Taketomi.
And honestly? Once I got there, I quickly realized the pictures didn’t do it justice.
Between its beautifully preserved village, stunning beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Taketomi was hands-down the highlight of my entire trip.
In fact, if I were planning my itinerary all over again, Taketomi is the one place I wouldn’t hesitate to revisit.
Fortunately, getting to this tiny yet vibrant island couldn’t be easier!
It’s located just a short ferry ride from Ishigaki, making it the perfect, stress-free day trip.
To help you plan your own getaway to this unique island, I’ve put together this ultimate guide outlining everything you need to know.
From ferry schedules and transportation to the island’s top attractions, here’s how to plan the perfect day trip from Ishigaki to Taketomi Island!
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Where is Taketomi Island?
Taketomi is located approximately 4 miles (or 6 km) southwest of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture.
Part of the Yaeyama archipelago, it lies within Japan’s southernmost region – closer to Taiwan than mainland Japan.
Despite its remote location, Taketomi is one of the easiest islands in the area to visit, thanks to its close proximity to Ishigaki, the main transportation hub for the region.
You can fly directly to Ishigaki from several Japanese cities, then simply hop on a quick ferry over to Taketomi.
In fact, the ferry from Ishigaki to Taketomi only takes about 15 minutes, making it a popular day trip destination.
🌟 Spending more time in Ishigaki? Check out my detailed Ishigaki itinerary to help plan the rest of your trip!
Best Time to Visit Taketomi Island
Taketomi is a year-round destination, so you can’t really go wrong here.
That said, the best time to visit depends entirely on your itinerary and what you plan to do.
We visited in late spring/early summer and really enjoyed it. Although this coincides with Okinawa’s rainy season, we got lucky with mostly sunny weather – and fewer crowds.
Fall is another great time to visit, with weather similar to spring, minus the rain. However, crowds can increase during seasonal autumn festivals.
For those looking for the perfect beach day, summer is the best option. The warm ocean temperatures are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, although this is also the hottest and busiest time of the year.
Meanwhile, winter offers fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere. Even though the ocean will be at its coldest, the island is still beautiful to explore around this time.
Typhoon Season in Taketomi
It’s important to note that Taketomi and the surrounding Yaeyama Islands experience a typhoon season. This technically runs from June to November; however, the most active months for typhoons in the region are August and September. If you’re planning a trip during this time, you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather and remain flexible.
When conditions at sea become unsafe, ferries between Taketomi and Ishigaki may temporarily cease operations. For this reason, always have a backup plan – and consider purchasing travel insurance – especially if you intend to visit during peak typhoon season.
How to Get to Taketomi from Ishigaki Island
As mentioned above, the easiest way to visit Taketomi is to take a ferry from Ishigaki Island.
Ferries depart daily from the Euglena Ishigaki Ferry Terminal and take about 15 minutes.
There are currently two ferry companies operating routes between Ishigaki and Taketomi:
Both companies run multiple ferries throughout the day, with schedules varying depending on the season.
When we were there in late spring, YKF was offering departures every hour, while Anei Kanko ferries run every one to two hours.
Since ferry schedules change frequently, I recommend checking the latest timetable before planning your trip. You can do this at the ferry port or online via the links provided above.
Ferry Tickets to Taketomi
We ended up buying our tickets from YKF – we purchased them right at the port on the morning of our trip.
They had ticket counters and self-service kiosks readily available. So, it was super easy and convenient to get tickets on-site.
While it is possible to purchase tickets online in advance, for most travelers, I actually recommend buying your tickets at the port.
This gives you more flexibility and allows you to confirm that ferries are operating normally before committing to your trip.
Another benefit of buying in person is that you’ll have the option to purchase round-trip tickets.
Not only is this typically a bit cheaper, but your return trip (at least with YKF) is open-ended, meaning you don’t need to select a specific return time. You can simply depart Taketomi Island whenever you are ready.
Generally speaking, round-trip ferry tickets between Ishigaki and Taketomi cost about ¥2,000 per person.
Getting Around Taketomi Island
Since Taketomi Island is so small, rental cars and public transportation are not available. Instead, most visitors explore the island by bicycle or e-bike.
We ended up renting electric bikes from Minemoto Rental Cycle, which is conveniently located just across from the ferry terminal behind the Taketomi Visitor’s Center.
There are also more rental shops available in the village, if for some reason Minemoto is closed or sold out.
You can either walk into town (it’s about a 15-20 minute walk) or take advantage of the complimentary shuttle vans that many rental shops provide.
These vans can typically be found waiting just outside of the ferry terminal. From my understanding, advance reservation is not required – you simply hop on and go!
Map of Taketomi Island
To help you navigate your way around the island, I’ve also included below a quick map overview of all the places mentioned in this travel guide.
➡️ Click here to view an interactive version of this map!
Best Things to Do on Taketomi Island
Now that we’ve got the logistics out of the way, let’s dive into the fun stuff – planning out what to do! Taketomi Island may be small, but there are plenty of ways to spend a day here. From beautiful beaches to scenic viewpoints and the island’s charming village, here are some of the best things to do during your trip!
Visit the Traditional Ryukyu Village
One of the highlights of Taketomi (and my main reason for visiting) is the island’s traditional Ryukyu village.
This is where you’ll find those iconic red-tiled roofs, stone walls, and charming sandy streets that make Taketomi feel so authentic and timeless.
As you wander through the village, you’ll come across a mix of traditional homes, small stores, and quaint cafes tucked along the quiet streets.
Be sure to stop by a few of the local shops to pick up some souvenirs to take home.
And when you’re done shopping, head over to Nagomi Tower for a different perspective.
While the top platform is closed to visitors, the lower lookout here still offers beautiful views of the traditional village landscape.
A Note on Water Buffalo Experiences
Water buffalo cart rides are a popular activity on Taketomi Island – and chances are you’ll come across them during your visit. We personally opted not to participate in this activity, as the use of animals for tourism is something that I feel conflicted about. That said, many visitors enjoy this experience as a way to see the traditional village and learn more about the island’s culture.
Explore the Island by Bike
While Taketomi has plenty of attractions to visit, some of my favorite moments came from simply biking around the island.
Rather than rushing from one sight to the next, I loved being able to slow down, wander at my own pace, and stumble across hidden gems.
There are just so many little side streets, traditional homes, and quiet corners waiting to be discovered.
It’s definitely a very different experience from the hustle and bustle of mainland Japan.
Discover the Sandbar at Kondoi Beach
I wasn’t expecting this at all, but Kondoi Beach ended up being my favorite spot on Taketomi Island.
With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, it offers that picture-perfect tropical scenery that Okinawa is known for.
What makes this beach truly special, though, is the sandbar that appears just offshore. It’s absolutely stunning – I’ve honestly never seen anything like it before.
It only appears at low tide, though, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. We got lucky and happened to catch it by chance, but it’s always best to check the tides before your visit.
Beyond the sandbar, Kondoi Beach is also a great spot to just spend a few hours relaxing.
Even though it’s one of Taketomi’s most popular beaches, it didn’t feel overly crowded during our visit.
The beach has basic facilities, including bathrooms and showers. However, there is very little natural shade, so be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen if you plan to stay a while.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’d like to take pictures at the sandbar, be sure to bring along a waterproof pouch for your phone. You’ll have to wade out into the ocean to reach the sandbar, and the water can be quite deep. I didn’t have one, and I was definitely nervous about dropping my phone in the ocean!
Hunt for Star Sand on Kaiji Beach
Kaiji Beach is famous for one very unusual reason: its star-shaped sand. In fact, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can see this natural phenomenon for yourself.
Despite its name, star sand isn’t actually sand at all.
These tiny star-shaped grains are rather the shells of microscopic marine organisms called foraminifera.
After the organisms die, their shells wash ashore, creating the distinctive star-shaped “sand” that the beach is known for.
What’s truly surprising, though, is just how small they really are!
I went into the experience expecting them to be fairly easy to find, but it was way more difficult than I anticipated.
In truth, I wasn’t even able to find any myself – it was my husband who came through for us and spotted several. That said, it was still a really fun and unique experience!
💡 Pro Tip: The easiest way to spot star sand is to pick up small handfuls of sand and examine them closely. You’ll likely need to do this several times before you find anything, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a while!
Admire the Views at Nishi Pier
Nishi Pier is one of the best photo spots on Taketomi Island.
Stretching out into the ocean, the pier offers beautiful views not only of the surrounding turquoise waters, but also of the island itself.
When we visited, we spent quite a bit of time here simply taking in the scenery.
You’ll also find a small sandy beach near the pier. While we didn’t see anyone swimming during our visit, it was another nice spot to relax and enjoy the views.
Sample the Local Cuisine
After spending a few hours biking around and exploring the island, be sure to stop by one of Taketomi’s local restaurants to grab a bite to eat.
While the island is small, you’ll find several locally owned cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the village serving a mix of Okinawa and Yaeyama specialties.
During our visit, we stopped at Taketomi 629 and tried their Ishigaki beef burgers, which were absolutely delicious.
Other popular dishes to look out for include Yaeyama soba, Okinawan tempura, taco rice, and fresh seafood.
💡 Pro Tip: Many of Taketomi’s restaurants are small, locally owned establishments with limited hours. So, be sure to check their operating times before visiting, especially if you’re arriving later in the day.
Helpful Tips to Know Before You Go
Before you set off, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when planning your visit to Taketomi Island.
- Check the Ferry Schedules in Advance: While ferries run throughout the day, you’ll still want to be mindful of departure times – especially pay attention to the last ferry of the day. Accommodations on Taketomi are limited, so you don’t want to accidentally miss your return trip to Ishigaki.
- Keep an Eye on the Weather: Ferry services may be suspended if sea conditions become unsafe. Before purchasing your tickets, it’s always a good idea to check both the weather forecast and ferry operations.
- Start Your Day Early: Not only will this give you more time to explore the islands, but you’ll also find that there are typically fewer crowds in the morning.
- Bring Cash: While some businesses accept credit cards, many of Taketomi’s smaller shops, cafes, and restaurants still operate on a cash-only basis.
- Pack Water & Snacks: There are no convenience stores on the island and only a limited number of vending machines. So be sure to bring along whatever you might want or need throughout the day.
- Come Prepared for the Beach: Taketomi’s beaches are more natural with limited facilities. If you plan to swim, be sure to bring essentials like sunscreen, towels, a change of clothes, and any beach gear you may want. Also, maybe some food (see above) – we definitely found ourselves wishing we had brought some snacks for the beach!
- Plan to Carry Out Your Trash: Like the rest of Japan, public trash cans are hard to find on the island. So, don’t be surprised if you end up carrying your rubbish around with you for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Taketomi
Here are my thoughts on some commonly asked questions about Taketomi Island!
Is Taketomi Worth Visiting?
Yes, Taketomi Island is definitely worth visiting! In fact, it’s one of my favorite places in the Yaeyama Islands. With its traditional Ryukyu village, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, it offers a unique glimpse into a quieter side of Okinawa – one that feels very different from the other islands. If you’re looking for stunning scenery, local culture, and a relaxing escape, Taketomi is well worth adding to your itinerary!
How Big is Taketomi Island?
Taketomi Island is quite small, measuring about 2.5 km wide by 3.4 km long. This makes it very easy to explore on a day trip. In fact, if you plan to rent a bicycle, you can comfortably ride around the island in about 3-4 hours.
How Much Time Do You Need on Taketomi Island?
I would recommend spending at least half a day on Taketomi Island. We had about six hours to explore, which was more than enough to see the sites. But, honestly, I wish we had more time for the beach – I could have easily spent a full day there. That said, the amount of time you’ll need really depends on your itinerary and what you’d like to do. If you simply wish to explore the village, visit the main sights, and go for a bike ride, 5-6 hours is usually enough time. However, if you’d like to relax on the beach or go for a swim, consider setting aside a full day.
Is It Worth Staying Overnight on Taketomi Island?
It can be worth it to spend the night, especially if you’d like to experience a quieter side of the island. Since the last ferry generally departs by 6 PM, staying overnight gives you the chance to enjoy Taketomi without the day-trippers. It also provides the opportunity to take in some pretty incredible sunrises and sunsets. That said, accommodation options here are quite limited, so if you do decide to stay the night, it’s best to book in advance.
Can You Buy Ferry Tickets to Taketomi Island in Advance?
Yes, ferry tickets to Taketomi Island can be purchased in advance if you prefer to plan ahead. Yaeyama Kanko Ferry offers online ticket reservations in English, although you will need to purchase separate one-way tickets for your departure and return trips.
It’s also possible to book a tour that includes ferry tickets to Taketomi Island. Just keep in mind, many of these tours are primarily designed to handle your transportation arrangements – they typically do not include a guided tour of Taketomi Island itself.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Taketomi Island From Ishigaki
If you’re planning a trip to Ishigaki Island, I highly recommend setting aside a day to visit Taketomi.
Between its Ryukyu village, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, it offers a completely different experience – one that you are unlikely to find anywhere else.
Whether you’re cycling through the island’s quiet streets, searching for star sand, or simply relaxing at the beach, Taketomi has a way of making you slow down and appreciate the simple things.
And for me, that’s what makes it one of the most memorable parts of my trip to the Yaeyama Islands.
If you’re looking to experience a more traditional and tranquil side of Okinawa, I can’t recommend Taketomi Island enough!
Planning a trip to Taketomi Island? I’d love to hear what you’re most looking forward to – or if you have any questions about the ferry, drop them in the comments below!
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KRYSTI ATKINSON
Krysti is a travel writer currently based in Okinawa, Japan. Over the past 3+ years, she has explored Japan extensively while traveling throughout Asia – from iconic cities to quiet, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Through Wanderful Horizons, Krysti shares detailed itineraries, practical travel tips, and firsthand recommendations to help travelers plan unforgettable adventures.
