Taketomi

We rode a 15 min ferry to the very small island (2 miles x 1.7 miles), population 323. It is known for its traditional housing, red tiled roofs, stone walls and sandy streets.

We rented bikes and rode to Kondoi beach, reported to be amazing for swimming. However, when we got there the clouds rolled in and as we walked painfully on the rocky sands out into the knee high sea, we were pelted by very sharp rain. It was less than idyllic but an adventure none the less. The kids convinced that they saw lightening were frightened in land.

Hoshizuna beach is nick named star beach. The sand is composed of the exoskeletons of Foraminifera, a single celled marine organism. En masse, these remains make a beach of star shaped grains.

We have not seen many Western tourists, but the islands do appear popular with Japanese tourists. Ox-cart rides led by a traditional singer story teller is a popular activity.

Okinawan Shiza statues guard the traditional houses from evil spirits. Their Chinese cultural appearance is a reminder that we are 180 miles from Taiwan.