THE YAEYAMA ISLANDS - Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands - page 387

Taketomi's best beach, at Kondoi ( コンド イビーチ ; Kondoi bīchi), is popular for its snow
white fine coral sand. Its long gentle grade is good for families with children, but not for
snorkelers. In addition, there are two beaches, one on each side of the island, famous for their
hoshizuna ( 星砂 ; lit. “star sand” ; see page 78 ) . On Taketomi, as well as a few islands in the
Ryukyus, you'll find this unique microscopic wonder. If you look closely, you'll see that the
sand is actually composed of star-shaped grains, the remnant exoskeletons of miniature sea
creatures known as foraminifera. Taketomi's two star sand beaches ( 星砂の浜 ; hoshizuna-no-
hama ) are Kaiji-hama ( カイジ浜 ) on the island's southwestern coast and Aiyaru-hama ( アイ
ヤル浜 ) on the eastern side.
Coral stone walls and white coral lanes complement the traditional Okinawan red-, white- or orange-tiled
roofs of the houses.
The 15-foot (4.5-meter) Nagaminoto Tower, Taketomi's highest point, allows a great view over the island.
Lying on the beach is one of the more adventurous activities on idyllic, peaceful
Taketomi. Many visitors are content merely to stroll around the picturesque village or idle
away the hours in a quaint traditional Japanese restaurant or café, of which there are many.
Although the majority of visitors make a day trip to Taketomijima, it's easy to spend the night
as there are at least a dozen minshuku . In fact, because a number of the residents offer ac-
commodations in their homes and operate as minshuku , the number is probably closer to 20.
Spending a night or two can be very relaxing. When all the day-trippers leave on the even-
ing's last ferry, you and a few others will have the island to yourselves. Everyone sits back,