A tropical getaway perfect for winter! Taketomi Island, just 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island, can be enjoyed as a day trip

Hello. I'm Mai Ito, an FBS announcer.

A new year has begun.

Are there any of you who are thinking about traveling, taking advantage of the so-called "New Year sales"?

So, this time I would like to introduce you to a place that is perfect for traveling during this season! I recently traveled to a "tropical island" with my family.

Taketomi Island is just a 10-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki Island! You can enjoy it even on a day trip!

Our destination was Taketomi Island, located about 6km from Ishigaki Island.

We head there by ferry from the Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal in the city center of Ishigaki Island. This place is also known as the "gateway to the Yaeyama Islands" and connects Ishigaki Island with the surrounding remote islands of Yaeyama.

At the terminal, there is also a monument to Yoko Gushiken, who was born on Ishigaki Island!

Image: Mai Ito

There are ferries to Taketomi Island once or twice an hour.

Image: Mai Ito

It took about 10 minutes by ferry to get there.

It is a small island with a circumference of approximately 9.2 km.

Image: Mai Ito

Stone walls, red tiled roofs, and colorful flowers! A village where you can experience the good old "original Okinawan scenery"

The village is about a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal towards the center of the island.

Traditional houses with red tiled roofs and colorful flowers.

This area has been designated as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" by the government, and you can experience the original scenery of good old Okinawa. About 350 people live here, preserving their culture.

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The climate here is mild, with an average temperature of around 18°C even in winter, so you can enjoy the vibrant colours of tropical flowers all year round.

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I visited in early November, and the temperature rose to nearly 30°C during the day. With the sun shining brightly, I was drenched in sweat after just 15 minutes of walking.

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As I was walking around, I came across the famous water buffalo cart. It was a peaceful sight as it moved along slowly.

Image: Mai Ito

There are many shisa on the red tile roofs and on the fences.

The shisa of Taketomi Island in Okinawa are said to be particularly unique, and I even came across a cute shisa giving a double peace sign.

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White sand and crystal clear water! Recommended spots on Taketomi Island: Kondoi Beach and Nishi Pier

Kondoi Beach is the only swimming beach on Taketomi Island.

Image: Mai Ito

Since it was November, there was no one swimming in the sea, but we spent some time relaxing on the beach and even took off our shoes and dipped our feet in the sea.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying their time on the island in their own relaxed way.

Image: Mai Ito

The white sand, blue sky and sea were amazing.

Nishi Pier is about a 15-minute walk from Kondoi Beach. Unfortunately, the weather started to turn bad as we were leaving, but the view surrounded by the ocean was still exceptional!

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Beyond this pier are the Yaeyama Islands of Kohama Island and Iriomote Island.

In the past, residents of Taketomi Island would travel by boat from here to Iriomote Island and practice rice cultivation, something that was not possible on Taketomi Island.

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It was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2005, and is now famous as a spot to watch the sunset.

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To get around the island, rent a bicycle or use the shuttle bus.

Although it is possible to get around the island on foot, we recommend using a bicycle or a shuttle bus!

There are several bicycle rental shops, but please check in advance as some shops may have limited numbers of children's bikes or tandem bikes or may not sell them at all.

There are shuttle buses for each bicycle rental shop at the ferry terminal, so just get in the car of the shop where you want to rent a bicycle and they will take you to the shop.

Image: Mai Ito

The shuttle bus has several bus stops within the village, and also travels around major spots such as the port, Kondoi Beach, and Kaiji Beach, which is famous for its star sand.

The system allows you to make a reservation by phone up to 15 minutes before the time indicated on the bus stop, and the fare is 330 yen per ride.

As it is a small island, there are vending machines and cafes, but not many of them. It's a good idea to bring some drinks and snacks with you! And be sure to take your trash home with you!

By the way, I visited a cafe located right at the entrance to the village.

Image: Mai Ito

In addition to shaved ice ranging from the classic strawberry to Okinawan flavors such as passion fruit and shekwasha, there was also parfaits and other options.

Image: Mai Ito

Taketomi Island, where you can fully enjoy the tropical atmosphere, is recommended as a winter travel destination!

You can visit on a day trip from Ishigaki Island, or you can stay overnight at one of the several accommodations on the island.

Image: Mai Ito

Spending time relaxing on the island surrounded by warm air was the ultimate relaxation. I hope this article will be helpful for your trip. (Text by Mai Ito)
*This article contains information current at the time of publication.

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