On Taketomi-jima's southwest coast, this lovely stretch of beach is famous for its 'star sand' — hoshizuna — which are actually the tiny dried skeletons of marine protozoa shaped like perfect miniature stars. Scoop up a handful and examine them closely: each grain is a miracle of natural geometry. The beach itself is beautiful in the understated Yaeyama way, with gentle water and views across the channel. It's a short bicycle ride from the village, making it the perfect break between cultural wandering and sunset-watching.