Nishi-sanbashi is a pier on the small island of Taketomi.
The pier measures 105.3 m and was listed as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2005.
It served as a working pier until around 1973, and today it is one of Taketomi Island’s most visited sights.
By day it offers emerald-green water, and by evening it is famous as a spot for spectacular sunsets.
Nishi-sanbashi Ratings
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Nishi-sanbashi Essentials
| Hours | None in particular |
| Shop | None |
| Restroom | None |
| Official site | Taketomi Town Tourism Association official site |
Nishi-sanbashi is not a swimming area, so if you want to get in the water, head to Kondoi Beach next door.
The Highlights
A beautiful outlook
The view from Nishi-sanbashi is quite something.
The island visible in the distance in the photo above is Iriomote Island.
The water on both sides is beautifully clear, and the pier draws plenty of visitors.
Exceptionally clear water
Clear water stretches away on both sides of the pier — a genuinely lovely spot.
As it is not a swimming beach, nobody was in the water.
A beautiful sunset
Nishi-sanbashi is a wonderful place to watch the sunset, and the evening light lends the whole scene an almost otherworldly quality.
Surrounded by greenery
The surroundings are lush with greenery, and Nishi-sanbashi comes into view as you emerge from what feels like a natural tunnel.
The Nishi-sanbashi information board
There is an information board about Nishi-sanbashi on site.
Access & Getting to Nishi-sanbashi
| Access: Ishigaki Island → Taketomi Port | Adults: 790 yen one-way, 1,520 yen round trip Children: 410 yen one-way, 790 yen round trip Disability discount: 490 yen one-way, 980 yen round trip |
| Access: Taketomi Port → Nishi-sanbashi | Bus: about 5 min Bicycle: about 10 min On foot: about 30 min |
| Address | Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Bicycle parking | Yes |
| Restroom | None |
Getting around Taketomi Island comes down to the following options.
- Bus
- Rental bicycle
- On foot
Taketomi Port to Nishi-sanbashi is about 1.7 km, so a bus or rental bicycle is recommended.
Both buses and rental bicycles can be arranged on the island, so ask a local guide for details.
Nearby Information
Kondoi Beach
Kondoi Beach is known for its exceptionally clear water and beautiful sand.
Okinawa has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest.
With showers, restrooms and activities all on site, it draws large crowds through the summer season.
Water buffalo cart tour
The water buffalo cart tour is the quintessential Taketomi Island experience.
You can book ahead or on the day, but booking ahead means far less waiting, so we recommend it.
Activities on Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island also offers activities such as snorkeling.
Join a tour and you may spot clownfish and beautiful coral reefs!
Tours can be booked online, so take a look if you are interested!
The village streets of Taketomi
The village streets of Taketomi are lovely, with hibiscus, deigo and bougainvillea in bloom.
The lanes through the village centre are made of white sand — coral fragments carried up from the shore, which is what gives them their striking white colour.
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island is a luxury resort offering a complete escape from everyday life.
The guest rooms have red-tiled roofs in keeping with the island’s character, and outside there is a beautiful pool.
It is our pick for anyone wanting to experience something out of the ordinary on Taketomi Island.
Summary
This article introduced Nishi-sanbashi.
Nishi-sanbashi is a beautiful pier listed as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property, with wonderfully clear water and a memorable sunset.
If you are heading to Taketomi Island, do make time for Nishi-sanbashi.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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