Taketomi Town "Responsible Tourism"

Honor and respect your hosts. When you meet them, greet them with a smile. Please refrain from peeking into private properties or filming with drones, as their privacy matters as much as yours. Be mindful of their quiet way of life.

Do not enter any sacred sites (Utaki) or graves where people's ancestors are buried. Please keep a respectable distance. You may gently press your palms together (prayer hands) to show extra respect.

Because the island has limited capacity to process waste, the islanders are very consciencious about producing rubbish in their daily lives. To help with their efforts, avoid bringing items that will become rubbish, and/or bring along a litter bag to take your rubbish back with you whenever possible.

It is not uncommon for visitors to experience heatstrokes. And because there is typically one small clinic per island, these facilities can quickly become overwhelmed. Please drink plenty of fluids such as sports drinks, and take effective measures to prevent overheating and sunburn.

Outside of the beach, swimwear and revealing clothing are strongly discouraged. Before entering shops, restaurants, or public transportation please make sure your clothing and footware are dry and free of sand and dirt.

There are hardly any systems for rescue and first aid on the islands. Many of the beaches are natural coastlines and potentially hazardous. Avoid swimming alone, and we recommend wearing flotation devices, such as life jackets in the ocean. Never swim while intoxicated or feeling unwell. Please check the weather, currents, and information about dangerous marine life beforehand.

There are hardly any systems for rescue and first aid on the islands. Avoid climbing alone, and we recommend acquiring proper safety equipments in the mountains. Please refrain from capturing or collecting wildlife, as it may be against the law depending on the location and species. Please be aware that everyone is required to notify the Forestry Agency before entering any national forests.

Traffic accidents involving endangered species such as the Iriomote Wildcat and the Crested Serpent Eagle have become a concern, especially on Iriomote Island. Speed limits are 40 kilometres on the island's roads and 30 kilometres within settlements. Rather than swerving to avoid the animals, you should be driving slow enough to come to a full stop at any time.