Timeline
17:46
Find the disused West Pier. This is Taketomi’s premier spot for watching the sun set toward the WSW. Arrive early enough to claim a good spot on the structure where villagers once launched canoes to Iriomote.
18:26
Stay for the golden light and the final moments of the day. The view is spectacular, but you will need to stay overnight on the island to make this work, as the pier is remote.
18:56
Head to Shidame-kan for dinner. This lovely little cafe-restaurant-bar is located right below the Nagomi-no-to tower. Order the rafti-don, a rice bowl dripping with porky goodness, or other Okinawan staples.
19:26
End the night at Bar Take-To-Me. Forget marble countertops and tuxedoed waiters. This open-air wooden platform is piled with plastic lawn chairs and surrounded by hibiscus flowers. Order an awamori straight or as a cocktail and kick back.
Local tip
You must stay overnight on the island to visit the West Pier at sunset. The pier is not easily accessible for a same-day return trip from the main ferry terminal.
Check before you go
- Shidame-kan is open until 22:00.
- Bar Take-To-Me is open from 19:00 to 23:30.
- The West Pier is a disused structure; exercise caution when walking on it.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Taketomi (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).