Taketomi Island: 5 Must-See Spots That Will Truly Move You! Discover Hidden Gems and How to Explore Them

Taketomi Island Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings

📍 Address: Japan, 907-1101 Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa

When you think of Taketomi Island, this beautiful village scenery is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Selected as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings in 1987, this area features private houses with red-tiled roofs surrounded by coral stone walls, and white sand paths swept clean by islanders every morning.

This miraculous pristine landscape is a testament to the strong will of the islanders who have preserved it under their unique ‘Taketomi Island Charter’: ‘Do not sell, do not defile, do not disturb, do not destroy, make use of.’ During the day, typical ways to enjoy the village include riding a water buffalo cart while listening to the sounds of sanshin, or cycling through the village on a rental bike. (Please note that cycling shirtless within the village is considered a breach of etiquette, so dress appropriately.)

However, the ‘true face’ of this village can only be seen after the last ferry carrying day-trippers departs for Ishigaki Island. The hustle and bustle disappear as if by magic, and the island’s inherent simple pace of life begins to flow. Since there are almost no streetlights at night, a flashlight is essential if you go out. But you can enjoy the warm glow spilling from the village houses and a sky so full of stars they seem to be about to spill out. This is why many travelers unanimously say, ‘If you want to experience the true charm of Taketomi Island, you must stay overnight.’

Akayama Observatory

📍 Address: Japan, 379 Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa 907-1101

For a high vantage point to overlook Taketomi Island’s village, Akayama Observatory is currently the most recommended spot. Nagomi Tower used to be famous for offering panoramic views of the village, but it has become off-limits due to aging. This observatory, located right across from it, has now become a popular alternative for superb panoramic views.

The observatory utilizes the rooftop of a souvenir shop building. You pay a 100-yen usage fee at the entrance and climb a steep staircase. Those with mobility concerns should ascend slowly, but the view that unfolds the moment you reach the rooftop is breathtaking. The 360-degree panorama of traditional red-tiled roofs stretching as far as the eye can see, contrasted with the shimmering emerald green sea beyond, is truly a paradise in the tropics.

Unlike Nagomi Tower, the rooftop space is wide, allowing you to take your time and enjoy commemorative photos, which is a nice bonus. Additionally, there’s a cafe space downstairs offering light meals like Yaeyama soba and shaved ice. It’s a perfect location to cool down after a village stroll and savor the lingering impression of the magnificent view.

Taketomi Island Nishi Pier (West Pier)

📍 Address: Japan, Taketomi Chisaki, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa 907-1101

Stretching straight out into the emerald blue sea, Nishi Pier (West Pier) is a scenic spot representative of Taketomi Island, designated a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2005. Its history dates back to 1938. At that time, with limited farmland on Taketomi Island, people would board small boats from this pier and travel all the way to Iriomote Island for rice cultivation. It is an important historical structure that supported the island’s livelihood.

Today, having completed its role as a pier, it captivates many travelers as the island’s best sunset spot. The sunset, slowly sinking towards Iriomote Island beyond the unobstructed sea, is breathtakingly beautiful. However, the most stunning sunset and magic hour often occur after the last ferry to Ishigaki Island has departed, making this spectacular view a privilege exclusively for those who stay overnight on Taketomi Island.

During the day, a stroll feeling the exceptionally clear sea beneath your feet is pleasant. Walking with the sea breeze stimulating your core is also a refreshing experience. For a slightly more niche enjoyment, at low tide (especially during spring or neap tides), you can observe coral and fossilized shell communities in the shallow waters around the pier, truly realizing that Taketomi Island is an uplifted coral reef island.

Phantom Beach

📍 Address: Japan, 83GF+35 Taketomi, Okinawa Prefecture

Appearing offshore from Kondoi Beach, Taketomi Island’s most popular swimming spot, is the ‘Phantom Beach’ (Sandbar), which manifests with the ebb and flow of the tide. It is a secret scenic spot known to those in the know, accessible by walking from Kondoi Beach without needing to join a tour.

If you visit during low tide, a pristine white sandbar emerges beyond the shallow sea. Walking several tens of meters through the calm, waveless sea, where the water reaches your knees to your hips, you arrive at another world surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters. A space where all you see 360 degrees is sea, sky, and sandy beach, offering an overwhelming sense of freedom and liberation, as if you are the only one on Earth.

Important notes for visiting: always check the tidal chart (tide graph) beforehand for low tide times. Also, while the footing is fine sand, there are some rocks and areas with currents, so wearing marine shoes instead of beach sandals is strongly recommended for safety. If bringing a camera or smartphone, use a waterproof case and proceed cautiously.

Kaiji Beach

📍 Address: Japan, Taketomi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa 907-1101

Kaiji Beach, nationally known as ‘Star Sand Beach,’ is a beautiful beach located on the west side of Taketomi Island. The true identity of star sand is the shells of tiny marine organisms called foraminifera, washed ashore by the waves. Sitting on a shaded bench and sifting through the sand in your palm to find star sand is a classic scene on Taketomi Island.

Once, you were almost guaranteed to find star sand with every scoop, but its numbers have decreased, and taking scooped sand home is now prohibited. If you absolutely wish to have star sand, you can purchase it in small bottles at the unmanned sales stand at the entrance. Precisely because it’s harder to find now, the joy of discovering star sand like a treasure hunt, kneeling on the beach, is all the more special.

Kaiji Beach has strong currents and many rocky areas, so swimming is prohibited. However, simply walking barefoot on the sandy beach, the unstable footing stimulates the soles of your feet, making it perfect for light exercise and core refreshment. While being soothed by the sight of cats napping peacefully, the correct way to spend time at this beach is to surrender yourself to the sounds of nature until it’s time for your ferry.

Summary: To Deeply Savor Taketomi Island’s Time

Each of Taketomi Island’s tourist spots offers far more charm when you don’t just view the scenery but feel the history and natural rhythm inherent in them. From the ‘Phantom Beach’ created by the ebb and flow of Kondoi Beach to the breathtaking views from Nishi Pier, born from the islanders’ challenging history, each spot reveals a completely different face depending on the time of day you visit.

While day trips are enjoyable enough, the ultimate secret to experiencing the island’s inherent ‘tranquility and starry skies’ and ‘breathtaking sunsets’ is to spend a night on the island. While observing manners and respecting the island’s charter, we encourage you to discover your own favorite spots on Taketomi Island.