The Island of Star Sand: The Slow Pace of Taketomi Island

A mere fifteen-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island takes you to Taketomi Island, yet it feels like stepping into another dimension. With its red-tiled roofs, white sandy paths, and ox carts leisurely passing by, this small Ryukyu island preserves the most authentic Okinawan charm. It’s like an old, softly sung melody—gentle and serene.
Walking along the Star Sand Beach, the fine sand beneath your feet glimmers with tiny star-shaped grains, a miracle sculpted by the sea and time. I crouched down to observe them closely, letting the waves lap at my ankles, and gradually, my heart grew calm. This isn’t the clamor of a tourist hotspot but the purest essence of life. Taketomi Island reminds me that the most precious moments of a journey are often those that flow slowly and quietly.

Post by Paddingtonbears | Aug 4, 2025