Taketomi island's rules: Please understand the meaning of sacred

The Yaeyama Islands are each uniquely distinct. After experiencing the bustling tourist vibe of Ishigaki and the immersive natural beauty of Iriomote, a short 10-minute ferry ride across the Sekisei Lagoon brought me to the tiny island of Taketomi. Here, I found beautifully restored traditional Ryukyu villages that felt like a journey back in time—were it not for the ubiquitous rules reminding me that this is a popular day-trip destination.

The rules themselves were interesting, offering insight into how the island manages tourism while striving to balance the preservation of daily life with the needs of visitors. They provided a glimpse into the delicate equilibrium Taketomi maintains.

“Please keep the following rules in mind,” they said:

1. Taketomi has many visitors. Please take any rubbish home with you. {apparently 12 thousand plastic bottles are collected every month!}

2. The villages are where residents live their daily lives. Do not walk through villages in revealing clothes or swimwear.

3. Do not enter areas bounded by rock walls around houses. They are the residents' private spaces. {hard to resist, they look like a film set}

4. Flowers, plants, shellfish, fish, and butterflies are to be observed only, not touched. Each one is a tiny life. {my favourite!}

5. “On” are sacred sites. Do not enter. Please understand the meaning of sacred. {not sure the average tourist will!}

   {According to legend, Taketomi Island was founded by the island's creator god, Shinmin Ganashi. He then built the adjacent island of Ishigaki with the help of Omoto-gami, the mountain creator god. Together, the two gods created the remaining islands of the Yaeyama archipelago.}

6. Spending the night anywhere except in accommodation facilities is forbidden. You may not camp or sleep outside.

Taketomi, a small island of less than 6 square kilometers with around 350 inhabitants, was designated a National Park in 1972. In 1987, the majority of its three villages were collectively recognized as a National Important Preservation District for groups of traditional buildings. Its visitors center close to the port is superb!

The island is stunning. The island Foundation charges 300 yen as entry ticket that helps them manage trash etc and in return you get a small gift, a turtle made from an upcyed bottle (the sacred deity of the sea). With cars prohibited, visitors are encouraged to explore by bicycle. I loved cycling along the village’s sand-covered lanes, flanked by high garden walls built of coral stone, and spotting dragons on the roofs. I avoided the tourist spot where visitors are carted around by water buffalos (wtf?!)

It was a hot day, and I was grateful for the island café’s bursting with flavor invigorating mango smoothie!

https://taketomijima.okinawa/en