Taketomi is 10–20 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, the closest and most frequently served island in Yaeyama. The preserved village of red-tile houses and white coral-sand lanes can be toured by water-buffalo cart, and Kondoi Beach is a short bicycle ride away. A half day to a full day covers the island, but staying overnight gives you the village after the tourists leave and a sky with very few streetlights.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 5.42 km² |
| Population | 362 (191 households) |
| Municipality | Taketomi Town |
| Ferry from Ishigaki | About 10–20 minutes |
| Fare (adult) | ¥970 one way (child ¥510), ¥1,880 round trip |
| Frequency | Winter timetable (from October 2026): 18 departures a day from Ishigaki between the two companies, 7:30–17:30. Last boat from Taketomi 17:50 |
| Entry fee | ¥300 per person, paid at ticket machines at Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal (between berths 4 and 5) or at Taketomi Port |
| Getting around | Rental bicycles (free pickup from the port), water-buffalo carts, walking. No rental cars |
Every departure time for both ferry companies is on the Ishigaki ferry timetable page.
Getting there
Anei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry both run this route and both sell tickets online and at the terminal. With so many departures you can usually turn up and board, but note the last boat back (17:50 from Taketomi). The route rarely cancels even in winter north winds.
Getting around
At Taketomi Kanko Center, a regular bicycle costs ¥2,000–2,200 a day and an electric one ¥4,000–4,400 (regular season; it varies with rental hours). The water-buffalo cart tour takes about 25–30 minutes and costs ¥3,300 for adults (¥3,900 in peak season) and ¥2,200 for elementary-school children (¥2,900 peak). Kondoi Beach is the only beach for swimming; Kaiji Beach is for hunting star sand, and Nishi-sanbashi pier is the sunset spot.
Staying overnight
The reason to stay is the village in the evening, after the day-trippers leave, and the night sky with almost no streetlights. Camping is banned by the island charter. See the guesthouses and the resort below.
Questions
Is a day trip enough?
Yes. Even in winter there are 18 boats a day, and a buffalo cart plus Kondoi Beach fits in half a day. Stay a night if you want the evening village and the stars.
Which beach can I swim at?
Only Kondoi Beach. Kaiji Beach (the star-sand beach) is for beachcombing, and Nishi-sanbashi pier is for sunsets.
How much is the water-buffalo cart?
At Taketomi Kanko Center, ¥3,300 for adults (¥3,900 in peak season) and ¥2,200 for elementary-school children (¥2,900 peak), about 25–30 minutes.
Figures and schedules change. This page was last checked in October 2026.
