Getting to Taketomi Island is easy from Ishigaki Island. It take about 20 minutes by ship from Ishigaki Port Departure Terminal. Upon arrival, a car comes down to the impressive village with red tiled wooden houses, coral stone walls, and white coral sandy white roads all over. The scenery is representative of Taketomi Island. Which has been identified as a conservation group of traditional ancient buildings. National key The island also has services Ride the cart, use the buffalo to drag. Around the village one more round or let the buffalo donkey go into the water Taketomi Island has a shallow sea surrounded by calm waves. And has views representing the islands Authentic Okinawa The state of the country that has been set in the past since the setting sun that has helped to dye the sea red. And the stars that shine in the silent night sky This island that gave birth "Asadoya Yunta" which is widely known among the Okinawan folk songs. It is a wonderful island that invites people to enter into eternal time.

I wanted to like it but there are a few small things which add up to an unsatisfactory experience. For example, the beaches are beautiful but rocky so not good for swimming. The water buffalo ride is cute but they literally just take you on a slow ride around the block, it's done in 20 minutes. There are no sights to see. Also, there are vending machines to buy drinks but not enough (it gets HOT in the summer) and almost zero trash cans. I understand the 'take your trash with you' message in theory, but if you're going to take the money from people buying drinks, you have to give them a place to dispose of them, otherwise you get families lugging around massive trash bags all day. The first ferry gets you there at 7:45ish but there is *nothing* open on the island in the morning. Nowhere to buy food at all until lunchtime, and even then only a couple of shacks (half the ones listed on Google didn't bother to open on the day I was there) and nowhere to buy drinks except the aforementioned vending machines. Rental bicycles are the only way to get around the island, but the roads aren't maintained so it's a pain. Also there really isn't anything to "see" or "do" on the island except take the 20 min buffalo tour and sit on a rocky beach, so you probably don't need to get around anyway. Finally, when you arrive you have to pay an extra ¥300 "entrance fee" for the island. What? I've already flown to Okinawa, taken a boat to Taketomi, spending money on overpriced tours, and meals, putting all that money into the local economy - just feels like I'm being nickel and dimed or just ripped off. Another reviewer said you can "feel traditional okinawa" here...if by that they mean "sit on the rocks and stare at the ocean" then I agree. But the old buildings don't seem to have been especially well maintained either. I feel like the local authorities need to decide if they actually want tourists to visit (in which case actually put some standards in place) or just keep it as a "heritage" place (in which case don't offer boring overpriced tours there).

Well worth a visit. 20 minute ferry ride from Ishigaki harbor. We rented bikes and spent about three hours touring the island. Lots of great spots for pictures. Very different vibe from Ishigaki. Authentic but well set up for tourism with rental bikes and water Buffalo taxis. Etc.

“A jewel in the crown-Taketomi Island” If you go to Ishigaki or Kohamajima make sure you visit Taketomi Island, it is a little jewel, take a water buffalo tour, this doesn't last for very long but it's comical and informative, after that hire a cycle and just explore, one tip though make sure you have plenty of water if visiting during summer. I absolutely loved my short visit to Taketomi and cannot wait to return.

A must see place for anyone who wants to experience what “real Okinawa” felt like for hundreds of years. Traditional Okinawan style homes and architecture, beautiful beaches, delicious quaint little cafes. This residential little island is no Disney theme park. Aside from the ox driven carts and couple cafes catering to tourists, most of the island is made up of the homes of locals living their peaceful island life. A beautiful place to to spend a day.

Taketomi island is a beautiful island that’s about 20 minutes away by a Ferry from Ishigaki Island Japan. The island have several nice beaches that are walking distance from the ferry terminal. Quaint town with traditional Okinawan style homes and architecture. There are several cafes and small restaurants in the islands serving traditional Japanese foods and desserts. A nice place to visit if you’re in Ishigaki Japan.

Nice place for the day, the beach is beautiful. Bike rentals are crazy expensive, hop on the buses to make your way around.

Beautiful island well worth a trip. It's very easy to book tickets for the ferry at Ishigaki. The island has great restaurants and there are several great options for renting bikes so you an explore the island.