Taketomi Island is a small island located in the Yaeyama Islands with a circumference of about 9 km. Accessible by a 10-minute high-speed boat ride from Ishigaki Island, it is surrounded by beautiful cobalt blue sea and white sandy beaches.
The island’s villages retain the ancient Okinawan landscape of white sand paved streets and red-tiled wooden houses.
The entire townscape is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and the original Okinawan landscape of red roofs and shisa (Okinawan Okinawan lion) still remains.
The houses on Taketomi Island are surrounded by stone walls, so the area below the eaves is not noticeable. Therefore, the roofs of private houses are an important element of the village landscape.
In the case of Taketomi Island, most of the roofs of private houses have red tile roofs, with female and male tiles covered with plaster. This was developed under the climatic conditions of the region to prevent tiles from flying off in strong winds.
The reddish-brown color of the tiles contrasts vividly with the white of the plaster, and a lion “shisa” is placed on top to ward off evil.
The islanders have preserved their traditional way of life, and the dedicated performing arts have continued for more than 600 years.
Taketomi Island is a coral reef island with many beautiful beaches and world-famous diving spots.
The sunset from the “West Pier” is also known for its beautiful scenery.
Taketomi Island is also famous as a location for the drama “Tsurukame Midwifery Clinic - From the Southern Island.
10 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Buses to the village and beach are available from the port