Walking on tiny, delicate stars beneath your feet sounds like something out of a fairy tale, but it’s a real phenomenon found on three extraordinary islands south of Japan.
These islands boast beaches where the sand is not just sand. As IFL Science reports, among the usual fragments of shells and rocks, there are tiny, cream-colored stars.1
These aren’t celestial bodies fallen to Earth, but the intricate exoskeletons of marine organisms, creating a natural wonder that enchants visitors from around the world.
1. Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island, nestled within the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, Japan, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique biodiversity. One of its most remarkable features is the presence of star-shaped sand, known locally as “hoshizuna.” This sand is not formed by the typical erosion of rocks and minerals, but rather the exoskeletons of tiny marine organisms called Foraminifera.
These microscopic creatures, belonging to the species Baclogypsina sphaerulata, inhabit the warm, shallow waters surrounding the island.(ref) As they die, their intricate, star-shaped shells accumulate and wash ashore, creating beaches with a truly otherworldly appearance. The most famous of these is Hoshizuna-no-Hama, or Star Sand Beach.
Visiting Iriomote Island provides a unique opportunity to witness this natural wonder firsthand. Walking barefoot on the star sand beaches, feeling the tiny “stars” between your toes, is an unforgettable experience.
It’s a reminder of the intricate interconnectedness of life, and the beauty that can be found even in the smallest of creatures.
2. Hatoma Island
Hatoma Island, another gem in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, Japan, shares the enchanting allure of star-shaped sand with its neighbor, Iriomote. This small, uninhabited island is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking the tranquility of untouched landscapes.
The delicate, star-shaped exoskeletons of Baclogypsina sphaerulata wash ashore, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors. The beaches of Hatoma are often considered even more pristine than those on Iriomote, due to the island’s lack of development and limited accessibility.
While the island is uninhabited, it’s easily accessible by boat from nearby islands like Ishigaki or Iriomote. Day trips are a popular option for visitors, allowing them to explore the island’s natural beauty, relax on the star sand beaches, and even snorkel in the surrounding waters, teeming with colorful marine life.
3. Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island is another enchanting island within the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, Japan. It shares the charm of star-shaped sand beaches with its neighbors Iriomote and Hatoma, but offers a distinct experience due to its distinct cultural landscape and traditional village life.
Like Iriomote and Hatoma, Taketomi boasts beautiful beaches adorned with star-shaped sand, the mesmerizing result of the tiny marine organisms Baclogypsina sphaerulata. Visitors can revel in the joy of walking barefoot on these rare beaches, feeling the tiny “stars” beneath their toes.
Unlike the uninhabited Hatoma Island, Taketomi is easily accessible from Ishigaki Island by a short ferry ride. This makes it a popular day-trip destination for visitors who want to experience the island’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
These star sand beaches of Iriomote, Hatoma, and Taketomi offer an experience unlike any other.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.