The island can only be reached by ferry service to the city of Kagoshima on the mainland, as there is no airport.

Takeshima is one of the Ōsumi islands, and is located 94 kilometres (51 nmi) south of Kagoshima.

The island is of volcanic origin, being adjacent to the northern rim of the Kikai Caldera and predating the Akahoya eruption.

Jōmon-period remains have been found on Takeshima, indicating continuous occupation for at least the past 3000 years.

From 1946 to 1952, the southern seven islands in the group forming the Tokara archipelago came under the administration of the United States as part of the Provisional Government of Northern Ryukyu Islands; however, since Takeshima is located north of 30 degrees North, it remained Japanese territory during this time, and came under the administration of the village of Mishima, Kagoshima Prefecture.