Packed with real Okinawan charm, Taketomi is a small island with beautiful ocean landscapes and the unique “star sand”. Explore the picturesque village on a unique tour with buffalo, lounge on white-sand beaches or scuba dive at some of Japan’s largest coral reefs.

Things to do

Stroll around the charming Taketomi village and its narrow lanes. You’ll see a collection of single-story traditional houses with red-tiled roofs that feature statues of Okinawa lions, thought to bring luck to its inhabitants.

Soak up the sunshine at one of the sandy beaches on Taketomi. Perfect for swimming and snorkeling, Kondo Beach is a white-sand beach backed by shallow emerald waters. Admire the island’s rare “star sand” at Kaiji Beach, which is actually the skeletons of tiny crustaceans.

For a bird’s-eye view of Taketomi, head to the Nagominoto Tower. The 4.5-metre-tall monument sits in the center of the village on a hill, which actually gives you a view from 10 meters high.

If you want a unique glimpse of the island’s beauty, join one of the scenic water buffalo tours. Pulled by a water buffalo-drawn cart, you’ll learn about the island’s history from expert guides and hear traditional Okinawan music played on a “sanshin” stringed instrument as you cruise the traditional streets.

Getting around

Taketomi is a car-free island, small enough to be explored on foot or bike. The only way to reach Taketomi is by boat, with a journey from Ishigaki taking 10 minutes. Located on Ishigaki, New Ishigaki Airport offers both domestic and international flights.