*This article was last updated with verified information in June 2025.
Taketomi Island is a small island with a circumference of about 9 km, and it’s easy to explore on foot. However, walking can be tough under the hot sun, so most visitors prefer to get around by rental bicycle. The island is mostly flat, making it comfortable and easy for both adults and children to enjoy cycling.
You can’t rent a car or motorbike on Taketomi Island. Besides bicycles, the only ways to get around are by bus or taxi.
Contents
♦ No Reservation Needed for Bike Rentals
♦ Where to Rent a Bike on Taketomi Island: Shop Comparison
♦ Bike Shops with Advance Booking
♦ Riding the Water Buffalo Cart? Rent Your Bike There Too!
♦ Recommended Cycling Routes on Taketomi Island
♦ Bike Rental Tips for Taketomi Island
♦ Explore by Bike: Island Package with Ferry & Rental Included
No Reservation Needed for Bike Rentals
When you arrive at Taketomi Port by ferry, you’ll find shuttle cars for rental bicycle shops and water buffalo cart tours waiting on the left side. No reservation is needed — just hop on the shuttle for the rental shop you want to use, and they’ll take you directly there.
A price comparison of the rental bicycle shops is provided below.
How to Rent a Bicycle
1. Take the shuttle car from Taketomi Port to the rental shop you want to use.
The shuttle picks you up right at the port.
2. Complete a simple rental procedure at the shop.
The staff will explain the return shuttle schedule and give you important information about using the bicycle. You’ll also receive a map of the island before you start cycling.
You can leave your luggage at the shop, except for valuables.
3. Pay when you return the bicycle.
Where to Rent a Bike on Taketomi Island: Shop Comparison
There are several bicycle rental shops on Taketomi Island. Here’s a comparison of the main shops. Prices and the types of bicycles available vary by shop.
Minemoto Rental Bicycle is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the port, making it an easy stop right after you arrive.
If you’re looking for a tandem bike or a children’s bike, it’s a good idea to call in advance, as the number of those bikes is limited.
Maruhachi Rental Bicycle
Tomori Kanko
Taketomi Island is nice and flat, making it easy to get around on a regular city bike.
*Information as of June 2025.
Fatbike Rental Taketomi Island
Maruhachi Rental Bicycle : 0980-85-2260
Bike Shops with Advance Booking
As mentioned earlier, you can rent a bicycle on Taketomi Island without a reservation. However, if you’re worried about bikes being unavailable, it’s a good idea to reserve in advance.
Here, we’ll introduce rental shops that officially accept reservations. There are several bike rental shops on Taketomi Island, but only a few offer official reservations.
Fatbike Rental Taketomi Island
This shop specializes in fat bikes with wide tires. Please note that they don’t have standard or kids’ bikes available.
Bike and Ferry Package: The Easiest Way to Explore the Island
You can book a package that includes round-trip ferry tickets and bicycle rental. It’s a convenient option since everything is arranged in advance, and you don’t have to look for a rental shop yourself.
Riding the Water Buffalo Cart? Rent Your Bike There Too!
When people think of Taketomi Island, they often picture a relaxing ride through the beautiful village on a water buffalo cart — a classic experience here. The company that operates the water buffalo tours, Taketomi Kanko Center, also offers bicycle rentals.
It’s convenient that you can rent a bicycle right after enjoying the water buffalo cart ride.
We’ve put together a separate page with information on how to enjoy the water buffalo cart ride.
Recommended Cycling Routes on Taketomi Island
This is a standard cycling route that takes you around the main tourist attractions on Taketomi Island. Following this route typically takes about 3 to 4 hours.
There are several bicycle parking areas in the residential district at the center of the island. It’s recommended that you park your bike there and explore the area on foot. You’ll notice unique Shisa—traditional Okinawan lion-dog statues—placed on the rooftops of many houses. It’s fun to walk around and spot these charming local details.
*Shisa:
A Shisa is an Okinawan lion-dog statue commonly seen on rooftops and gates. Traditionally, they are believed to ward off evil spirits. You can find them on many buildings throughout Okinawa.
The only places on Taketomi Island where you can take a break with air conditioning are restaurants and the Taketomi Port Ferry Terminal. The ferry terminal is open to everyone, and it has vending machines and restrooms, making it a convenient spot to take a break during your bike ride.
The map below also shows where the slopes are. If you start sightseeing from point No.1 on the map, you can avoid uphill sections and enjoy a more comfortable bike ride around the island.
Bike Rental Tips for Taketomi Island
The roads in the village are sandy, which makes it hard to balance on a bicycle and increases the risk of falling. It’s especially recommended that children walk their bikes while in the village. There are several bicycle parking areas available within the village.
There isn’t much shade on Taketomi Island, so be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.
It’s a good idea to buy a drink in the village before you start cycling, as there are very few vending machines outside the village.
Rental bicycles don’t come with a key. When you visit tourist spots, you’ll often see many bikes that look alike. Be sure to remember the number of the bike you rented, so you don’t accidentally take someone else’s.
There are some off-limits areas on the island for various reasons, such as private property and sacred sites. Please be respectful and considerate of the local residents.
Explore by Bike: Island Package with Ferry & Rental Included
There is a convenient package that includes round-trip ferry tickets between Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Island, along with a bicycle rental on Taketomi Island. It’s a flexible, free-plan package with no set schedule, so you won’t be tied to any specific time. You can also book it in advance for peace of mind.
The package is offered by a travel agency located inside the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. You can book it online, by phone, or directly at the counter.
Travel agency
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry
Ishigaki Island Travel Center (In Japanese only)
