Discover a fairy-tale world in the tiny isle of Taketomi Island
Just off the coast of Ishigaki Island, Taketomi is a tiny, beautiful island within Yaeyama District of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. With only 10 minutes by boat from Ishigaki, this island is a popular destination for day trippers looking for an authentic island life vibe in Japan. Its main attraction is the beautifully preserved, traditional Ryukyu village with old one-storied Okinawan houses, stone walls, and sandy streets. Many of the traditional homes inside the village now serve as restaurants and shops selling local items. You can take an ox-cart ride through the village, explore on foot or enjoy biking around the island while taking in the natural scenery and the quaintness of the village. Slightly further away, you’ll find Iriomote Island, one of Japan’s last true wildernesses. This large island is covered by dense jungle and mangrove forests that make for fine sea and river kayaking or fishing tours. Iriomote also offers several nice beaches for diving and scuba diving, as well as various hiking trails through the interior of the island.
