The island can only be reached by boat as it has no airport; there is a ferry service twice per week to the city of Kagoshima on the mainland and Naze in Amami Oshima.

The islanders are dependent mainly on fishing, seasonal tourism, and agriculture.

Tairajima is located 32 kilometres (17 nmi) southwest of Nakanoshima, and is the second smallest inhabited islands in the archipelago.

The highest elevation on the island is 242.9 metres (797 ft) above sea level.

The island has one onsen, a post office, and a community center.