Taketomi-jima is a peaceful little island in the archipelago of Yaeyama (6km2), and life here moves at a gentle pace, akin to the buffalo-drawn carts that unhurriedly circulate here. The picturesque, authentic little town has houses set in flower-decked gardens and decorated with mosaics of the shisa to ward off evil spirits, and there are also lovely sand beaches. Why not hire a bicycle and go exploring?