2 Best Sights in Okinawa, Japan

It's a 15-minute ferry trip from Ishigaki City to the quaint terra-cotta-roofed cottages, sleepy lanes, and empty beaches of Taketomi Island. The cute little town is easily navigable by bicycle. Another fun option is the "old-fashioned" tour—meander between the narrow rock walls in a water buffalo-drawn cart while you're serenaded by a three-stringed sanshin and the soaring voice of the driver. Kondoi Beach, about 15 minutes by bicycle from the center of town, has good swimming with showers and changing facilities. Hoshizuna Beach is famous for its star sand, which is, depending on who you ask, either the tiny exoskeletons of marine protozoa or the children of stars.

Great swimming and snorkeling are yours at the sparkling Yonehara Beach. Watch out for strong currents during tidal changes and various types of critters that can sting or bite. There are several places to rent masks, fins, and snorkels, including the beach shack next to the main parking area. On the island's northern shore, Yonehara is about an hour from Ishigaki City by bus, or half an hour by car. You'll know you've found the right area when you see the giant multicolor shisas of Yoneko-yaki pottery on Route 79. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.