Nishitō Utaki

Yaeyama Islands


This shrine is dedicated to a 16th-century ruler of the Yaeyama Islands who was born on Taketomi-jima, and whose tomb lies behind the shrine.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Yaeyama Islands attractions

1. Nagomi-no-tō

0.08 MILES

Roughly in the centre of the village, this modest lookout tower has good views over the red-tiled roofs of the pancake-flat island.

2. Taketomi Mingei-kan

0.11 MILES

This is the workshop where the island's woven minsā belts and other textiles are produced.

3. Kihōin Shūshūkan

0.23 MILES

At the west of the village, this private museum houses a diverse collection of local folk artefacts.

4. Kondoi Beach

0.64 MILES

Kondoi Beach, on the west coast, offers the best swimming on the island. At the entrance to the beach you'll find bike parking, picnic tables and toilets.

5. Kaiji-hama

0.91 MILES

This lovely stretch of beach is on the southwest coast, also happens to be the main hoshi-suna (star sand) hunting ground. If you don't arrive bearing…

6. Fusaki Beach Aqua Garden

3.67 MILES

Nonguests of the adjacent resort can pay to enter this massive 'aqua garden' complex with a beachfront pool, bar-restaurant, yoga lessons and a huge range…

7. Tōrin-ji

4.45 MILES

Founded in 1614, the Zen temple of Tōrin-ji, near the intersection of Shimin-kaikan-dōri and Rte 79, is home to the 18th-century guardian statues of Deva…

8. Gongen-dō

4.46 MILES

Adjacent to the temple Tōrin-ji is Gongen-dō, a small shrine rebuilt after being destroyed by a tsunami in 1771.