Many people may have heard the name Taketomi Island, but are probably wondering, "Where is it?" or "Isn't it far from Ishigaki Island?"Taketomi Island is a small island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture. Actually,Approximately 15 minutes by high-speed boat (ferry) from Ishigaki IslandIt's located in a very close area.
This article provides a clear and easy-to-understand guide to Taketomi Island, from its geographical location to access from various locations and how to take the ferry, making it perfect for first-time visitors.
1. Where is Taketomi Island? Actually, it's only about 15 minutes from Ishigaki Island.
Taketomi Island belongs to the Yaeyama Islands, along with Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, and Kohama Island.Since Taketomi Island does not have an airport, it is not possible to visit it directly by plane from Honshu or Okinawa Main Island.Take a plane to Ishigaki Island, then transfer to a ferry at Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.That is the most common way to access it.
The journey from Ishigaki Port to Taketomi Port takes approximately 15 minutes. You might think, "It's a hassle to travel even further after coming all the way to Ishigaki Island," but in reality, the time spent on the boat is very short.
2. The geographical relationship between Okinawa Island and the outlying islands
If you're planning a trip to Okinawa, you might find the relative locations of Okinawa Main Island, Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island, and Taketomi Island a little confusing.The Yaeyama Islands, where Taketomi Island is located, are situated much further southwest than Okinawa Island.
In order of proximity to Honshu:Okinawa Main Island (Naha) → Miyako Island → Ishigaki Island/Yaeyama IslandsAnd it is positioned facing southwest.Taketomi Island is located very close to Ishigaki Island.is.
Ishigaki Island is the gateway to sightseeing in the Yaeyama Islands, which include Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, Kohama Island, and Kuroshima Island.
3. What are the unique characteristics of each of Okinawa's remote islands?
Even within Okinawa Prefecture, each island has its own unique charm and offers different ways to enjoy it.
Okinawa Main Island
Okinawa Island is the largest island in Okinawa Prefecture.Naha offers a wide variety of sightseeing options, from strolling along Kokusai Street and exploring Ryukyu history at Shuri Castle Park to enjoying the rich natural beauty of the north, as well as visiting aquariums and theme parks. With marine activities, shopping, gourmet food, history, and culture to enjoy, Okinawa is perfect for first-time visitors.
Miyako Island
Miyako IslandIt is about one-eighth the size of Okinawa Island.Popular ways to enjoy the sea and nature include exploring the beautiful ocean, such as Yonaha Maehama Beach, taking an exhilarating drive across the Irabu Bridge, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You can also rent a car and leisurely enjoy the ocean, known as "Miyako Blue," and the expansive scenery as you explore the island.
Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is about one-fifth the size of Okinawa Main Island.Enjoy the scenery of Kabira Bay, explore the mangroves by canoe or SUP, and take in the abundant natural beauty of the mountains, sea, and rivers. The town also boasts a concentration of restaurants and shops, offering the best of both worlds. Furthermore, it serves as a hub for ferries to Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, Kohama Island, and other islands, making it a gateway to exploring the Yaeyama Islands.
Taketomi Island
Taketomi IslandIt is a small island, about 0.4% the size of Okinawa Island.From touring the red-tiled village in a water buffalo cart, to spending time on the white sandy beaches of Kondoi Beach, which boasts some of the clearest waters in the world, to taking a trip out to sea in a traditional wooden boat called a sabani, this small island is packed with experiences that are uniquely Taketomi Island.
There are hardly any large-scale tourist facilities, making it a place where you can leisurely explore and experience the island's nature, history, culture, and the lives of its people. It's also appealing because it's only about a 15-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki Island, making it an easy stop during a trip to Ishigaki.
Iriomote Island
Iriomote IslandIt is about a quarter the size of Okinawa Island, and about 90% of the island is covered in subtropical nature.The area offers a wealth of activities that allow you to experience nature firsthand, such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding on rivers lined with mangroves, trekking, and tours to waterfalls. It's more suited to a trip where you want to experience nature in its rawest state rather than visiting tourist attractions.
In addition, the westernmost point of JapanYonaguni IslandIt is also known as "Cow Island".Kuroshima"Hateruma Blue" is famousHateruma Islandetc.The Yaeyama Islands offer a variety of landscapes depending on the island.Enjoy traveling to various remote islands, using Ishigaki Island as your base.Thinking of it this way might make it easier to visualize.
4. How long does it take to get to Taketomi Island from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or Fukuoka?
If you're heading to Taketomi Island, your first destination should be Ishigaki Island and Ishigaki Airport.Direct flights to Ishigaki Airport are available from all major cities.
Flights to Ishigaki Airport also depart from Naha Airport and Miyako Airport, making it possible to travel across Okinawa.Flight schedules and durations vary depending on the season, airline, and operational status, so please check the latest information before traveling.
5.How do I get from Ishigaki Airport to Taketomi Island?
Accessing Taketomi Island involves three main steps.
STEP 1: Ishigaki Airport → Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal (approx. 40 minutes)
STEP 2 Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal → Taketomi Port (approx. 15 minutes)
STEP 3: Arrival at Taketomi Port
From Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal,Approximately 30 minutes by taxi, approximately 40 minutes by bus.。Once you arrive at Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, transfer to the ferry bound for Taketomi Island, which takes about 15 minutes.Even if you head straight to Taketomi Island from the airport, there are no particularly complicated transfers.
6.Access from Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal
The main ways to get from Ishigaki Airport to the outlying island terminal are by bus and taxi.
If you use the bus
The bus"Curry Tourism"と"Higashi Bus"There is,Only Karri Kanko operates a bus that goes directly to the outlying island terminal.is.Tickets can be booked in advance, but payment can also be made with cash or credit card upon boarding.There are approximately two trains per hour.It takes about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Airport to the remote island terminal.is.
Higashi Bus operates multiple routes and stops at major hotels and tourist attractions. If you plan to sightsee along the way or want to enjoy the scenery of Ishigaki at a leisurely pace, Higashi Bus is a good option.
*This bus stop is the landmark for the Curry Sightseeing direct bus.
When using a taxi
The taxi ride takes about 30 minutes, the same as the direct bus.That's a guideline.If you have a lot of luggage or want to minimize transfers, a taxi is a convenient option.There is a taxi stand located just outside the airport arrival gate.
When using a rental car
If you rent a car near Ishigaki Airport, park your rental car at the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal parking lot and walk to the ferry terminal.During peak season, the parking lot can get full, so in that case, park in a nearby parking lot.In all cases, it's recommended to allow plenty of time for travel.
7. From Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island. Approximately 15 minutes by ferry.
From Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal to Taketomi Island, it takes about 15 minutes by high-speed ferry.is. The Taketomi Island ferry route is"An'ei Kanko"とYaeyama Sightseeing FerryIt is operated by these two companies.Tickets can be purchased on the day of departure or in advance at the ticket counter at the remote island terminal.
If the ferry is fully booked, an extra ferry will be added, so we recommend purchasing your ticket on the day of travel to allow for flexibility in changing your reservation.In all cases, it's best to arrive at the remote island terminal approximately 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Ship schedules and fares vary depending on the season, so please check the latest timetables of each ferry company once your travel dates are decided.
8. Important things to know before boarding the ferry
Although Taketomi Island is close to Ishigaki Island, it is an isolated island where the only means of transportation is by boat.Before boarding the ferry, be sure to check the following points.
first,Ferry operating statusDue to strong winds, high waves, and other factors, ferries may be cancelled or schedules may be changed. If you have any concerns about the weather on the day of your trip, be sure to check the ferry company's website in advance.
An'ei Kanko: Ferry Service StatusYaeyama Tourism: Ferry Service Status
and,Return flight time。In addition to checking the outbound flight, be sure to also check the return flight to Ishigaki Island beforehand.If you miss the return ferry, there are hotels and guesthouses on Taketomi Island, but they may be fully booked depending on the season.
An'ei Kanko: Ferry Timetable Yaeyama Tourism: Ferry Timetable
Taketomi Island is a remote island that can be reached in 15 minutes from Ishigaki Island.Make sure you prepare thoroughly beforehand, but on the day of your visit, come to Taketomi Island with a relaxed attitude. Immerse yourself in the townscape with its red tiled roofs and the leisurely pace of island life, and it's sure to be an unforgettable and special trip.
Related article: Now you can relax! A guide to your first trip to Taketomi Island
9. Other frequently asked questions
Q. Do ferries to Taketomi Island operate on rainy days?
It's unlikely that a ferry will be cancelled just because it's raining. Wind has a stronger impact on ship navigation than rain. If sea conditions worsen due to strong winds and high waves, some or even all-day ferries may be cancelled.On the day of departure, please check the latest operating status on each ferry company's official website before heading to the remote island terminal.
An'ei Kanko: Ferry Service Status Yaeyama Tourism: Ferry Service Status
Q. I get seasick easily, so I'm worried.
The journey to Taketomi Island by high-speed boat is short, taking only about 15 minutes, but you may experience some rocking depending on the waves, wind, and your physical condition on that particular day.If you are worried about seasickness, it's best to avoid sleep deprivation and hunger, and take motion sickness medication beforehand if necessary.
*While there are snack shops and souvenir shops at Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, motion sickness medication is not sold there.
Q. Are there coin lockers or luggage storage facilities?
Yes. There are coin lockers inside the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.Additionally, An'ei Kanko offers a paid luggage storage service at their counter. Currently, the rates are 500 yen for large luggage and 300 yen for small luggage.Prices and service details are subject to change, so please check the latest information before using the service.
Q. How much time should I allow between arriving by plane and boarding the ferry?
The journey from Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal takes approximately 30-40 minutes by taxi or bus. This doesn't include the time needed for baggage claim, traffic, or boarding procedures.Allow at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, preferably around 2 hours, for extra time.That's reassuring.
Q. Can I bring large suitcases or strollers on board?
While you can travel with large luggage, luggage space and congestion levels on board vary depending on the ship. Yaeyama Kanko Ferry advises passengers to bring their own luggage onto the ship.If you have large suitcases or a stroller, it's a good idea to check with the ferry company in advance to be on the safe side. There are also coin lockers available in the terminal, so be sure to use them.
Q. Don't you get lost inside the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal?
It's a small terminal, so you're unlikely to get lost, but I recommend arriving with plenty of time to spare.Inside the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, there are counters for each ferry company. After purchasing and confirming your boarding pass, you proceed to your designated boarding area.Normally, departures are from piers 3 and 4, but this can change on the day of departure. Therefore, it is best to check your boarding pass and the information signs in the terminal, and if you are unsure, ask the staff of the respective ferry company.
Q. Are there toilets on the high-speed ferry?
The facilities vary depending on the vessel in operation.If you're concerned, it's a good idea to use the restrooms at Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal before departure.For detailed information about onboard facilities, please contact the respective ferry company.
- Anei Kanko Official Website Yaeyama Tourism Official Website
Q. After arriving at Taketomi Island, can I catch a taxi at the port?
Previously, taxis on Taketomi Island were only available by reservation, but as of October 2026, this service is suspended.Reference: Tomori Kanko Co., Ltd.
On the island, you can use walking, rental bicycles, shuttle buses, or shuttle services provided by various tourist operators.Walking around the island takes 2-3 hours. Also, since the shuttle bus service is infrequent, renting a bicycle is recommended.
Bicycle rental companies:Tomori Kanko Co., Ltd. Official Website Taketomi Tourism Center Official Website
Q. What are some recommended tourist spots on Taketomi Island?
Take a leisurely stroll through the village with its red-tiled roofs."Water buffalo cart tour"Yes, the water is clear and the water is shallow and beautiful.Kondoi BeachSwimming in Okinawa, traditional wooden boats"Sabani"Tours that include rides on these vehicles are popular.This small island is packed with many unique charms that only Taketomi Island can offer.
Related article: Now you can relax! A guide to your first trip to Taketomi Island
Related article: How to enjoy Kondoi Beach on Taketomi Island
Article publication date: October 15, 2026
