Taketomi (竹富島) is an island in the south of Okinawa. The island is only accessible via boat from Ishigaki island. With a population of approximately 360 and an area of 6.32 km, it really is a peaceful, undeveloped get away. Taketomi is known for its traditional Ryukyuan style houses, stone walls, and sandy streets. Popular activities on the island include relaxing on the white sand beaches, snorkeling, and taking a water buffalo ride around the village. Cars aren’t allowed onto the island so rental bicycle is the most convenient way to get about this gorgeous island village.
- 1 min read
Taketomi Island
A tiny, undeveloped and beautiful island village
![Ben Beechey Ben Beechey](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/434/240x240!/565e87c967ba810c868b61c9.jpg)
By Ben Beechey
Community writer
![The warm, clear waters of Taketomi Island make this island the perfect getaway](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1998-11908/1000/okinawa-taketomi-island-11908.jpg)
The warm, clear waters of Taketomi Island make this island the perfect getaway
![Taking your bicycle off the beaten track will always lead you to somewhere special](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1998-11910/1000/okinawa-taketomi-island-11910.jpg)
Taking your bicycle off the beaten track will always lead you to somewhere special
![A typical street in Taketomi village](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1998-11871/1000/okinawa-taketomi-island-11871.jpg)
A typical street in Taketomi village
![A popular way to get about the island is by water buffalo](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1998-11873/1000/okinawa-taketomi-island-11873.jpg)
A popular way to get about the island is by water buffalo
![Houses in Taketomi bear a distinctive Ryukyu style architecture](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1998-11872/1000/okinawa-taketomi-island-11872.jpg)
Houses in Taketomi bear a distinctive Ryukyu style architecture
![A local man takes five minutes from his work to play his sanshin guitar](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1998-11874/1000/okinawa-taketomi-island-11874.jpg)
A local man takes five minutes from his work to play his sanshin guitar
![A slightly more primitive sanshin guitar](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1998-11909/1000/okinawa-taketomi-island-11909.jpg)
A slightly more primitive sanshin guitar
![Taketomi boasts a vast array of beautiful wildlife and plants](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1998-11876/1000/okinawa-taketomi-island-11876.jpg)
Taketomi boasts a vast array of beautiful wildlife and plants
![Looking out over the entire village from a watch tower](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1998-11877/1000/okinawa-taketomi-island-11877.jpg)
Looking out over the entire village from a watch tower
Join the discussion
Olga
9 years ago
Nature is so beautiful there! Especially sea.
Thanks for the positive comment Joy, I'm happy you like the pictures. That part of Japan really is special, I whole heartedly recommend a trip there if you are looking to kick back and relax in beautiful surroundings.
![Anonymous Anonymous](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/300390/100x100!/1721629308.jpg)
Anonymous
12 years ago
sounds amazing- seeing those beautiful pictures on miserable rainy days really inspires, thanks for the uplift :)
3 comments in total
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