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…
Start planning your journey here...
With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.
Location & Highlights
- A mixture of villas
- Deluxe Franco-Ryokan cuisine
- Beautiful beach a 5-min walk away
- Bicycles available to borrow
Why we love it
“The location was just as beautiful as we’d hoped, and the high-quality accommodation was the icing on the cake.”
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.
Inspiring experiences and places to stay
Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…
Start planning your journey here...
With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.
Naoshima
Talk to our expert team...
Every Asia trip we build is finely tuned to fit you, and that all starts with a chat. Let us know what you're hoping to see, feel and experience on your travels, and the places you're dreaming of, and your Asia Specialist will craft a route that includes everything you want and more.
The Selective Asia difference
-
Bespoke journeys tailored just for you
-
Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise
-
Award-winning, nose-to-tail service
-
Responsible travel
-
24 hour local support
-
Our flexi-booking promise and financial clarity
No ordinary Travel Company
Personally designed, exceptional journeys across Asia that champion a passion for travel with care for community connections and the planet.
Unfollow the herd.
Fully protected and flexible bookings
Selective Asia is a fully ATOL licensed and bonded tour operator, and our flexi-booking promise offers increased protection & peace of mind.,
