"Closing my eyes and giving myself over to the sabani was a special moment that made me forget everyday life."
Carried by the wind, bathed in light, into seas you have yet to know
Aboard the sabani,
Taketomi Island's
traditional wooden sailing boat.
1Tour,1Group.
Fully Private.
Feel the rhythm
of the calm sea and the wind,
and trace the island's nature
and culture with all five senses
on a voyage unlike any other.
Nature, just as it is, is the ultimate relaxation
The sabani, a wooden sailing boat passed down in Okinawa since ancient times, moves by the power of nature alone.
The wind of Taketomi Island fills its sail, carrying you slowly across the shallow sea.
All you have to do is surrender to its rhythm.
Waves so clear you can see forever. A soft breeze brushing your cheek.
The sound of the waves and the calls of seabirds sink quietly, ever so quietly, into your ears.
When the journey ends, your heart somehow feels lighter.
That is the experience waiting for you here.
Book a Tour
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Give yourself to the waves and wind
Sabani Tour
A fully private tour of about two hours, limited to one group. With the sail raised and only the wind to carry you, the sea and sky of Taketomi Island surround you aboard the sabani. We also stop at a sandbar island, with time to gaze out at the sea from a shaded beach.
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Into the untold stories of Taketomi Island
Island Walking Tour
Walk with a guide and discover the history and daily life of Taketomi Island that no tourist map can convey. The tour visits the island's historic spots, Kondoi Beach, Nishi Pier and more.
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Land and sea: all of Taketomi Island
Island Walk & Sabani Tour
A winter-only course: explore the history and culture of Taketomi Island on foot, then head straight out to sea aboard the traditional wooden sabani. Experience the island from both land and sea—recommended for those who want to take in all of Taketomi.
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Meet Your Guide
Your tour is led by a guide (and boatman) who loves Taketomi Island with all his heart.
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Akira Uesedo
Akira Uesedo
Born on Taketomi Island. He studied the sea at Tokai University's School of Marine Science and Technology, honed his skills as a kayak guide on Okinawa's main island, and then returned home. When he realized that the sabani that once raced around this island were disappearing, he wanted to pass this culture on to the next generation—and so he started the Sabani Tour. Ask him anything about the sea or the island.
Guest Reviews
Sample Itineraries for Taketomi Island
Formed from uplifted coral reef, Taketomi is a small island about 9 km around—
small enough to explore every spot by bicycle or on foot.
Day Trip
day1
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9:00 Arrive on
Taketomi IslandA 15-minute ferry ride to Taketomi Island
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10:00 Stroll around the port
Take a walk near the port until your Sabani Tour begins
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11:00~14:00
Shu-kaji TourEnjoy the sabani, island walking, or other tours
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15:00 Explore the island
Wander freely through the timeless scenery of Taketomi
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18:00
Return to Ishigaki Island
Overnight Stay (1 night on Taketomi Island)
day1
day2
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Arrive on
Ishigaki Island,
prepare to
cross to Taketomi -
15:00
Arrive on
Taketomi Island -
16:00
Evening walk on TaketomiRelax as the sun sets over the horizon
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Overnight on
Taketomi Island -
7:00
Morning walk on TaketomiSurrounded by the fresh morning air
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9:30~12:00
Shu-kaji TourEnjoy the sabani, island walking, or other tours
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13:00 Explore the island
Wander freely through the timeless scenery of Taketomi
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18:00
Return to Ishigaki Island
Access
Direct flights to Ishigaki Island operate from cities across Japan. From there, a high-speed ferry takes you to Taketomi Island.
From the Tokyo area
Narita Airport
Direct flight4h
Direct flight4h
Haneda Airport
Direct flight3h 30m
Direct flight3h 30m
From the Kansai area
Kansai Airport
Direct flight2h 40m
Direct flight2h 40m
From the Nagoya area
Chubu
AirportDirect flight3h
Airport
Direct flight3h
From the Fukuoka area
Fukuoka Airport
Direct flight2h
Direct flight2h
From Okinawa
Naha Airport
Direct flight1h
Direct flight1h
Miyako Airport
Direct flight1h
Direct flight1h
Ishigaki Island
High-speed ferry,15m
Taketomi Island
FAQ
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Taketomi Island is located in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, about a 15-minute high-speed ferry ride southwest from Ishigaki Island. It's easy to incorporate into an Ishigaki Island trip itinerary, and you can easily visit it on a day trip.Access pageIt is explained in detail there.
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You may get splashed when boarding and disembarking or depending on sea conditions, so please come in clothes that are easy to move in and that you don't mind getting wet. The sun is strong, so we recommend wearing a rash guard or similar. On windy days it can feel cooler than expected, so it's a good idea to bring a light layer to put on.
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Yes, you can. The tour is spent mostly on board, and everyone wears a life jacket, so even those who are not confident swimmers can enjoy it with peace of mind.
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Yes—please bring them and feel free to take photos. However, there is a risk of water damage or dropping them at sea, so we recommend using a waterproof case, neck strap, or similar. (Please note that we cannot compensate for damage to or loss of devices.)
Column
Nishi-sanbashi Pier, Taketomi | Sunsets, Island History, and the Sabani That Crossed the Sea
Nishi-sanbashi Pier is Taketomi's best-known sunset spot. Stretching straight out into the emerald-blue sea, it…
…Read more
How to Enjoy Kondoi Beach, Taketomi Island | Another Breathtaking View Seen from a Sabani
Kondoi Beach is Taketomi Island's signature scenic spot. With its white sand and crystal-clear water, this…
…Read more
A Day Cycling around Taketomi Island | My Favorite Views and Experiences
Just 15 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki, Taketomi Island is an easy day trip that…
…Read more
Worry-Free Travel: A First-Timer's Guide to Taketomi Island
For first-time visitors to Yaeyama and Taketomi Island: ferries, what to wear, etiquette, weather and…
…Read more
How It Works
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01
Apply via the booking form
Please apply using the "Book Now" button.
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02
Your guide will contact you
Within two days, your guide will get in touch to say hello and share pre-tour information.
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03
Final contact from your guide
By the day before the tour, your guide will send final details including the weather outlook.
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04
Tour day
Please wait at the meeting point. Your guide will come to meet you.
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05
Payment of the tour fee
Payment can be made on site (credit card, e-payment, or cash) or in advance (credit card).
The sea and wind of Taketomi Island
are waiting for you.
Aboard a sabani, why not create a memory that will stay with you for life?
