*Nitta Kanko has been temporarily closed since April 2023.
Summary
・No reservation is required.
・Two companies operate water buffalo cart tours.
・Each company offers a different route, but both provide beautiful scenery.
・The most affordable option is to join a package tour.
The most iconic experience on Taketomi Island is the water buffalo cart tour. Enjoy a peaceful ride through the island’s charming traditional village in a cart pulled by a gentle water buffalo. As you ride, you’ll feel the soothing sea breeze and hear the sounds of the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan string instrument. It’s a truly relaxing experience that lets you slow down and feel the rhythm of island life.
The tour takes about 30 minutes, making it a perfect short and relaxing experience.
As you can see in the photo above, the buffalo cart has a roof, so you’ll stay dry even if it rains a little. It’s a great activity to enjoy even on rainy days.
Contents
♦ How to Join a Buffalo Cart Tour
♦ Which Buffalo Cart Tour Is Right for You?
♦ Buffalo Cart Tours: Save More by Joining a Package Tour
How to Join a Buffalo Cart Tour
When you arrive at Taketomi Port by ferry, you’ll find shuttle vans for rental bike shops and water buffalo cart tours on the left side. No reservation is needed—just hop on the shuttle for the tour company you’d like to join, and they’ll take you directly to their shop.
Two companies offer buffalo cart tours on Taketomi Island: Nitta Kanko and Taketomi Kanko Center. Both charge the same price.
*Nitta Kanko has been temporarily closed since April 2023.
A comparison of the buffalo tour companies’ prices is provided below.
How to Join a Buffalo Cart Tour
1. Hop on the shuttle van of the company you’d like to join for a buffalo cart tour. No reservation is required.
2. Once you arrive at their shop, sign up for the tour and hop into a cart pulled by a water buffalo.
Which Buffalo Cart Tour Is Right for You?
Taketomi Island is known for its charming village filled with traditional Okinawan houses featuring red-tiled roofs. A popular way to explore is by taking a water buffalo cart ride through the village, accompanied by the gentle sounds of the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument.
The buffalo moves at a leisurely pace—slower than walking—offering you a chance to truly relax and soak in the island’s tranquil atmosphere. Come experience the healing power of island time.
There are two companies that operate buffalo cart tours on Taketomi Island. While the routes they take may differ slightly, the overall experience and services are nearly the same. Both companies also offer bicycle rentals, so you can easily explore the island on two wheels before or after your buffalo ride.
Nitta Kanko
*Nitta Kanko has been temporarily closed since April 2023.
(Reservation not possible) |
|
| Web | Official |
Taketomi Kanko Center
Cash is not accepted. Payment is by cashless methods only.
| Business Hours | 9:00 – 4:30pm |
|---|---|
| Closed | Always open |
| Duration | About 25 minutes |
| Fee | 3,300 yen～ |
| Bicycle Rentals | 2,000 yen～ |
| Phone Number | 0980-85-2998 (Reservation not possible) |
| Web | Official |
Buffalo Cart Route
Here’s a comparison of the buffalo cart routes. While both routes take you through the beautiful traditional village, the paths they follow are slightly different.
Nitta Kanko
The buffalo cart route operated by Nitta Kanko follows the western path of the village and passes by the Asatoya Kuyama House.
*Asatoya Kuyama House
This is the house where Asatoya Kuyama, a figure featured in the lyrics of a traditional Taketomi Island folk song, is said to have lived.
Taketomi Kanko Center
The buffalo cart route operated by Taketomi Kanko Center follows the eastern path of the village and passes around the Machinami-kan.
Buffalo Cart Tours: Save More by Joining a Package Tour
There is a one-day package tour that includes round-trip ferry tickets between Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Island, as well as a buffalo cart tour fee. It’s more affordable than purchasing each separately.
You can choose your own round-trip ferry departure times, but a reservation is required for this tour. The buffalo cart has a roof, so you won’t get wet in light rain, but it’s best enjoyed on a sunny day.
This tour is operated by a tour company located at the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. To participate in this tour, you can make a reservation through the website below, by phone, or in person at the shop.
Tour company
Hirata Tourism
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry
Anei Kanko Ferry
Ishigaki Dream Tours (Afternoon departure only)
Ishigaki Island Travel Center (In Japanese only)
