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Matane! Till Next Time! Engaging in responsible touristm will bring us together!

Matane means "Till Next Time"
We believe this is something we say to eachother, between the locals and the visitors.

So that we can indeed meet again, we should all work together to protect our precious environment. By respecting our local customs, we will in turn promise to preserve the beatiful islands of Taketomi.

We hope Matane conveys our vision of our future with our visitors through responsible tourism.

Please get to know us!
Knowing about our lifestyle and customs will make your visit more rewarding.
We will feel more connected to each other.

Festivals are for thanking and praying to the gods.
We chant and dance with all our hearts.

Hear Mr. Miyara's story about the distinct "Island Language" arrow_forward

We should all do our part to appreciate what nature has given us.

Hear Mr. Morimoto's story about "Ecology of the Island" arrow_forward

Passing down our traditions to future generations.

Hear Mr. Daiku's story about "Life on the Island" arrow_forward

The spirit of Utsugumi is the heart of Taketomi Life.

Hear Ms.Shimanaka's story about "Spirit of the Island" arrow_forward

Join us in exploring our daily life on the islands.
It will make our journeys more meaningful.

For visitors to Taketomi Town:

"Responsible Tourism" is movement where the visitors also take responsibility in respecting the destination's environment, community and culture. Together, we can make better places for people to live, while making better places for people to visit.

A large number of visitors come to Taketomi Town every year, supporting the island's economy through tourism. However, this also brings about environmental and lifestyle burdens on the town. Therefore, we call for "Responsible Tourism," encouraging actions that consider these aspects.

8 actions to become a "Responsible Tourist"

Please familiarize yourselves before your visit to Taketomi Town.

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.

Taketomi Town Initiatives

The following are some examples of our efforts to make Taketomi Town a sustainable tourist destination.

  • Preserving the dark nightscape

    The islands of Taketomi Town, where there are few street lights, has been certified as one of the "International Dark Sky Places". Furthermore, enviornmentally friendly lighting has been introduced to protect the night sky.

  • Required notifications and permits for filming on the islands

    When conducting drone filming, or other filming projects within Taketomi Town, please submit a filming notification. Please respect the islands' natural environment and residential areas while filming.
    Please contact the following for further details.
    sizenkanko@town.taketomi.okinawa.jp

  • "Taketomi Town Tourist Guide Ordinance," Japan's first licencing system for nature guides, was initiated in 2020.

    "Taketomi Town Tourist Guide Ordinance," Japan's first licencing system for nature guides, was initiated in 2020.

Let's come together for a sustainable future!

またねっ!と、言いたいから。その思いが、島と人をつなぐ

タナドゥイ祭りなどの
伝統行事

たけとみたびんちゅ さん

満天の星空
またねっ!

あきら さん

アイヤル道の
蝶たち

あさぎまだら さん

海の上に広がる
満天の星空

ジョイナー さん

大きなヤシガニ。カチカチいいながら
のっそり歩いてた。また会いに行くよ。

バリミキ さん

水牛の
甚平くん

ぽっぽ さん

マングローブ
の森

アッ!? さん

綺麗な海と
ビーチ

モモンガ さん

エメラルドグリーンの海、
島を流れるゆったりとした時間

なごなご さん

竹富島ならではの
町並み

かぼちゃ さん

昔から
伝わる伝統行事

うみんちゅ さん

うつぐみの
気持ち

またね さん

美しい自然と
美しい街並み

水牛 さん

島々の
食べ物

toki さん

西表島の
干立集落

きゃん さん

竹富島の各民家屋根に座るシーサーの
表情を観察させて頂きながらの散策など

海人007 さん

自然の癒し
永遠に!! 

ごろ~!! さん

うたき

ますか さん

透明度の高いビーチ
&美しい夕焼け

カクレクマノミ さん

ゆったり過ごす
島時間

ALOHA7 さん

Have you ever visited the islands of Taketomi Town?
Please click 💁 here to tell us about the places, things, or people you want to meet and preserve on the islands.