This island lies at the far-flung end of the 1,000 km Okinawa archipelago, the smallest of Japan’s inhabited tropical islands. Local transport is a cart pulled by a water buffalo, the sandy narrow lanes reminded me of Greek islands like Corfu, and the pace of life is a world away from the Japan megalopolis.
The main draw of the island is Hoshinoya Taketomi, an impeccable exercise in luxury living from Japan’s most exclusive brand. It’s less a hotel than a private Ryukyu village, built in the style of traditional Okinawan houses: thick white walls, red ceramic shisa roofs, stone courtyards and tropical gardens. Wander along sandy paths between your villa, the pool and the restaurant, with the island’s traditional landscape all around you.
Kaiji beach is a short bicycle ride or water buffalo cart ride away, famous for its star-shaped sand formed from the exoskeletons of micro marine creatures. It makes for a perfect beach break at the tail end of an intense Japan experience.
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