Hoshinoya Taketomi Island
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island, Okinawa
Barefoot luxury is a little harder to find in Japan, but its territory extends 1,000’s of miles south into the tropics where a scattering of paradise islands provide that castaway ideal. A flight, a ferry ride, then a drive down a bumpy, sandy lane bring you to Hoshinoya Taketomi Island: a remote outpost of opulence. A collection of red-roofed, low rise residences accentuate the local style. Reached by crushed coral pathways, past fossilised walls, it offers a world away from wherever you have been before.
Start with an early morning spa session, designed to refresh you for the day ahead. Take a tour in a buffalo-drawn waggon, explore the island’s rural sights, and go snorkelling and diving just offshore. Settle into a slower pace as you wander along the soft, sandy shoreline; lay back on a shady sofa near the pool; or hop into a hammock and sink into a good book...
Location
Taiwan is the island’s closest large landmass, at only 180 miles away, versus being over 1,200 from Tokyo! Taketomi is reached by flight to the tropical island of Ishigaki and then a short ferry ride.
A little more detail
A mixture of villas
Deluxe Franco-Ryokan cuisine
Beautiful beach a 5-min walk away
Bicycles available to borrow
From a client…
The location was just as beautiful as we’d hoped, and the high-quality accommodation was the icing on the cake.
Image gallery
Why we love it
Discover what to expect from staying at Hoshinoya Taketomi Island
Natural beauty
We feel confident saying that Japan’s beaches and resorts, even in the far south, don’t always meet expectations compared with some neighbouring countries, but this remote island is truly beautiful. Peaceful, leisurely, and the sort of experience we crave after busy days touring the mainland.
Off the usual trail
These far-off islands are a popular domestic tourism destination for Japanese residents, but aren’t on the radar of most foreign travellers. They are gradually getting more hype, however, so visit now and have that special experience of being a little off the well-trodden international tourist track.
Close to adventure
When you tire of the beach, the wild call of nearby Iriomote beckons. This jungle-clad island is a destination in itself, but you can also visit for a day to get a taste of one of Japan’s last frontiers. You will need the eyes of a hawk to stand any chance of spotting the painfully rare endemic Iriomote cat though!
What can you do there?
Enjoy the beach and poolside, relax in your comfortable villa, and explore a host of cultural experiences that are unique to these islands. Diving and snorkelling are available for all levels.
