Riding a sabani, like farmers once did to get to their farms
On Taketomi Island, unsuitable for paddy cultivation, the ancestors voyaged to Iriomote Island aboard Okinawa's traditional wooden sailing boats, "Sabani", cultivating rice. The Sabani, whether for fishing or transporting rice, played an indispensable role in the island's livelihood.
Carved from a single tree
Sabani used to be a dugout canoe made by hollowing out a large tree. On Taketomi Island, the dugout canoe was called Itafuni, crossed the fast-flowing Kuroshio Current and survived the rough seas.
For the preservation of natures
In 1737, amidst a decline in large timber, the "dugout canoe" was prohibited by Ryukyu Government from the perspective of forest protection. This led to the emergence of the "Haginni (plank boat)," characterized by using multiple planks joined together with wooden or bamboo nails.
Learned from long experience
The Sabani is a traditional sailboat guided by the wind and the sun's position. At HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island, we offer Sabani experiences led by islanders who have learned from seasoned elders sharing their wealth of experience and knowledge.