The warm, clear waters of Taketomi Island make this island the perfect getaway (Photo: Ben Beechey)

Taketomi Island

A tiny, undeveloped and beautiful island village

Ben Beechey   - 1 min read

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.

Ben Beechey

Ben Beechey @ben.beechey

I moved to Japan in late 2007 and lived in the beautiful mountainous setting of Nagano-ken for two very fun years. Although the scenery in Nagano was stunning and the snowboarding conditions second to none, I decided to try life in the fast lane and moved to Tokyo in 2009. I have been in Tokyo si...