This guide is for those visiting the Yaeyama Islands (Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island) for the first time.
We'll introduce some fun facts unique to Taketomi Island in the Yaeyama Islands in a Q&A format. These are things that are commonplace for us who live on the island, but often surprise first-time visitors, making them exclaim, "Really?!" We hope this helps you prepare for your trip!

Q1. What's the difference between "Southwest Islands," "Sakishima," and "Yaeyama" that you hear about in weather forecasts?

A. The difference lies in the "size (scope) of the group" that comprises the islands. If you narrow it down from a broad area, like a Matryoshka doll, it becomes as follows:

[Southwestern Islands > Okinawa Prefecture > Sakishima Islands > Yaeyama Islands > Taketomi Island]

• Southwest Islands: All islands from south of Kyushu to near Taiwan (including Amami Oshima, etc.)
Sakishima Islands: A collective term for the islands located further southwest of Okinawa Island.
Yaeyama Islands: An area within the Sakishima Islands that includes Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, and others (※The neighboring islands are the Miyako Islands, including Miyako Island).

The Yaeyama Islands, where we are located, are a fascinating area with Ishigaki Island as its gateway, and many other unique islands besides Taketomi Island!

*Taketomi Island, formed by the uplift of coral reefs, is a small island with a circumference of approximately 9 km. You can leisurely explore the entire island by bicycle or on foot.

Q2. How many days in advance should I book the ferry from Ishigaki Island?

A. Actually, no reservation is required! You can ride it just like a regular bus.
Many people think that you can't ride a ferry without booking in advance, but for the regular ferry service between Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Island, you can buy your ticket at the ferry terminal counter (or online) on the day of travel and board right away. There are many departures throughout the day, and the journey to Taketomi Island takes only about 10-15 minutes. You can easily go there for a short trip.

Q3. Is it okay to bring a suitcase to Taketomi Island?

A. The white sand roads, a specialty of Taketomi Island, are impassable for tires!
The villages on Taketomi Island are covered with beautiful white coral sand. The scenery is absolutely stunning, but suitcases and stroller wheels sink into the sand, making it extremely difficult to walk without having to lift them...
For day trips, you can leave your luggage in a coin locker on Ishigaki Island, or if you're participating in a sabani (traditional Okinawan boat) tour, we can store it for you in our shuttle vehicle or at our office. Please come traveling light!

Q4. It's cloudy, so is it okay if I don't apply sunscreen?

A. Don't let your guard down! The UV radiation in the Yaeyama Islands is several times stronger than in Honshu.
Some customers neglect sun protection because they think "it's cloudy today," only to find their skin bright red and painful at night, making it difficult to sleep. Even on cloudy days, UV rays are very strong, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential items. When going to the beach, even in summer, it's recommended to wear a light, long-sleeved shirt (such as a rash guard).

Q5. Is it okay to walk around the village in my swimsuit after playing in the sea?

A. Walking around in a swimsuit is against the island's rules.
Taketomi Island is a tourist destination, but it's also a place where the islanders cherish and preserve their traditional culture. Therefore, walking around the village or shops in a swimsuit or bare-chested is considered bad manners. After coming out of the sea, be sure to put on a T-shirt or dress to enjoy your time on the island.

Q6. Are there any places open for lunch on the island?

A. Beware of "lunch refugees"! It's best to act early.
There are several restaurants on Taketomi Island, but they all get extremely crowded during lunchtime (around 12:00 to 13:30). Also, due to circumstances unique to remote islands, it's not uncommon for restaurants to close early because they've run out of ingredients or to be temporarily closed because the ferry service has been cancelled and ingredients cannot be delivered.
For lunch, we recommend either shifting the time slightly or securing your spot early! (*Our affiliated restaurants"Restaurant Yarabo"We also have [other items], so please feel free to stop by!
> See directions to Yarabo (MAP)

Q7. Can I travel using only smartphone payments?

A. Please be sure to bring some cash with you!
Recently, the number of shops on Taketomi Island that accept cashless payments has increased, but there are still many places that only accept cash, such as vending machines, some small shops, and public transportation. It's a good idea to carry a thousand-yen bill and some change just in case.

Q8. The weather forecast keeps showing rain... will I not be able to enjoy my trip?

A. Weather forecasts for Yaeyama are unreliable!
While rain on Honshu often falls steadily throughout the day, rain in the Yaeyama Islands is mostly tropical squalls (passing showers) that come in localized torrential downpours followed by clear skies 30 minutes later. Therefore, even if the weather forecast shows rain, it is often sunny for extended periods.
There are few places to take shelter from the rain, so if a sudden downpour comes, please visit one of our affiliated stores."Handmade Fukugi Experience"I recommend waiting for the rain to stop while making salt!
>Learn more about the Fukugi experience

Q9. If I come across a place that looks like a torii gate while exploring the island, is it okay to enter?

A. This is a sacred place called "Utaki." Please refrain from entering.
As you walk around Taketomi Island, you'll come across several places where torii gates and incense burners are placed among the trees. These are called "Utaki," and they are very sacred places of prayer where the island's gods are enshrined.
This is not a tourist spot, but a place that the islanders cherish and protect, so entering the premises without permission is strictly prohibited. Please simply bow quietly from outside.

Q10. There are ferries going back to Ishigaki Island until late at night, right?

A. The last flight is surprisingly early! Be careful not to miss it.
You might have the impression that "nights are long in Okinawa," but the last regular ferry from Taketomi Island back to Ishigaki Island departs surprisingly early, around 5:00-6:00 PM, depending on the season.
If you miss this ferry, you won't be able to get back to your hotel in Ishigaki Island! After enjoying your sabani boat tour or cycling, be sure to check the time of the last ferry and head to Taketomi Port with plenty of time to spare.

Q11. Can you wear short sleeves in Okinawa during the winter (November to March)?

A. It's pleasantly warm on days with a gentle breeze! It's chilly on days with a northerly wind, so bring something to wear over your clothes.
While Okinawa is often thought of as having summer all year round, winter in the Yaeyama Islands can be chilly when the north wind blows. On the other hand, on calmer days, it can be pleasantly warm enough to wear short sleeves, making it a very comfortable season!
Actually, winter, with its clear air and exceptionally beautiful ocean views, is the perfect season for leisurely exploring the islands.Sabani TourWhen participating in the activities or cycling around the island, we recommend bringing a windproof windbreaker or a light jacket (such as a hoodie or cardigan) that you can easily put on to regulate your body temperature.

Q12. If I'm going to the beach, are flip-flops the best option?

A. "Sports sandals that secure the heel" are the best!
Taketomi Island's famous "Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach)" and other locations feature not only sandy beaches but also many areas where rugged Ryukyu limestone (coral rock) is exposed.
Regular flip-flops can easily cause you to slip on rocks or hurt the spaces between your toes. If you plan on cycling around the island, sneakers or comfortable, water-resistant sports sandals (marine shoes) are the most comfortable options.

In conclusion

The tips I've shared here are little things you won't find in guidebooks, things that only those of us who know the island well can tell you. The white sandy paths, the strong sunlight, the early last ferry—these are all things that would be a bit of a problem if you didn't know about them, but they're not a problem if you do know about them.

Taketomi Island is a place where you don't need to rush.
If you surrender yourself to the slow pace of island life, the sound of water buffalo carts, the wind blowing through the coral stone walls, and even the stillness of the night will become cherished memories of your trip.
Once you're ready, just come and see me, without any worries.
The island's sea and wind await you.
A trip out to sea in a traditional wooden boat (sabani) will reveal another side of Taketomi Island that you can't see from land. If you'd like, please join us for that experience.
> Learn more about Sabani tours