Just a five-minute walk from one of Ishigaki Island’s most beautiful beaches, Sunset Beach, and moments away from the extraordinary night skies of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park—Japan’s first certified Dark Sky Park.
Nestled in the nature-rich north of the island, Nohoho Residence is a modern, fully private accommodation welcoming only one group per day—designed for an independent and self-directed stay.
At Nohoho Residence, experience Okinawa in a way that is truly your own.
A private, modern space designed for living—where you can slow down, reconnect, and settle into the natural rhythm of Ishigaki, whether for rest, exploration, or a more flexible way of working.
Designed as a modern, minimalist space, Nohoho Residence features clean architectural lines and a concrete structure complemented by windows that bring the surrounding nature indoors. Subtle Okinawan accents add a sense of place, while the open design creates a calm and comfortable environment to live and unwind in harmony with nature.
Since the facility is limited to one group, guests enjoy their private time relaxing at their own pace. It can accommodate visitors up to 4 persons. Designed as a fully private and self-contained space, guests can enjoy an independent stay while the owner is – in principle – nearby in Villa Nohoho, just across the small road, should any assistance be needed.
Surrounded by nature, the garden at Nohoho Residence is an ongoing project. Flowers, tropical plants, and herbs are being nurtured step by step, gradually shaping a natural space to relax and unwind. Guests are welcome to enjoy the garden and, if interested, learn more about the plants and its development from the owner.
The accommodation provides Japan-made Imabari towels and carefully selected amenities such as shampoo and soap. With a focus on reducing environmental impact, disposable items such as toothbrushes are not provided. As a newly constructed building, wastewater is treated in accordance with strict national regulations, contributing to the protection of the surrounding natural environment.
The northern part of Ishigaki Island is home to many beautiful beaches. Sunset Beach, known as one of the island’s finest, is only a five-minute walk from the residence. Located on the west coast, it offers ever-changing sunset views, making each evening a unique experience.
The Hirakubo Peninsula is today a place of rich nature, often described as a tropical paradise. Yet beneath this beauty lies a deep and complex history. Local folk tales and songs continue to tell the story of the region and its people. Designed for living in harmony with nature, Nohoho Residence embraces this setting with respect for the culture, history, and lives that have shaped it.
In the morning, wake up with the soothing sounds of birdsong. During the daytime, enjoy the sun. After watching the sunset on the nearby beach at dusk, gaze at the starry skies as the Milky Way spreads right in front of you. You can spend the whole day slowly and unwind in the lush green nature of the northern part of Ishigaki Island.
Bedding is Japanese style, urethane mattresses are used for sleeping. The room comes with its own private kitchen, bath, shower, and toilet.
There are many activities unique to the northern peninsula of Ishigaki Island. Horseback riding, paragliding, SUP, kayaking, etc. can all be enjoyed in the vicinity. The nearby beach offers opportunities for snorkelling and yoga. Provided skies are clear, gazing at the night skies from the garden is a must-do activity too.
Of course, activities like reading a book, sleeping, or enjoying wine and awamori all day long are also recommended alternatives for being a bit less active.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Eric van Rijn has been living in Japan for over 20 years. After his studies in Japan, he has pursued a professional career in international business in Tokyo and Osaka for over 10 years. Having visited Okinawa frequently after his first trip to these beautiful islands in 2006, he moved to Ishigaki in 2016. Here, he established Nohoho and has been running ViLLA Nohoho since 2020 on top of consulting activities. In 2026, he expanded Nohoho with the opening of Nohoho Residence, alongside Villa Nohoho.
Address: Hirakubo 234-242, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan, 907-0331
To get to ViLLA Nohoho, we recommend renting a car. By car, it takes about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Airport and about 50 minutes from downtown Ishigaki. There is no large supermarket or convenience store in the vicinity, so grocery shopping, etc. before heading north is recommended.
Parking space: 2–3 regular-sized cars.
→ Check the route on GoogleMap
Other means of transportation:
Bus: ⑤ Hirano Line/ ⑥ Via Hirano Ibaruma Line operate from the bus terminal (near the remote island terminal) via Ishigaki Airport to the Kuura bus stop, closest to ViLLA Nohoho. It takes about 90 minutes from the city and about 50 minutes from the airport. However, the number of busses per day is limited.
Taxi: Depending on the driver or company, services may not cover the northern part of Ishigaki Island.
※ ViLLA Nohoho does not provide airport or port/downtown transfers. We appreciate your understanding.
There are few shops in the vicinity of the Kuura village. Fun fact (which is quite unique for Japan): there is not even an (operating) vending machine. We recommend that staying guests come up north after shopping at a supermarket in the urban area at the southern side of the island.
In the neighbouring Akashi village, which is a 5-minute drive away, there are two shops where you can get some daily necessary items, although the selection is limited. A few restaurants are a short drive away, such as in Ibaruma (ca. 10 minutes) and the Nosoko area (ca. 20 minutes).
Toilet, rain shower, bathtub, and washbasin.
Mini kitchen with refrigerator, microwave oven, IH cooktop, electric kettle, frying pan, cooking pot, tableware, cutlery, glasses, and mugs.
Air conditioning, blackout honeycomb blinds, clothes rack with hangers, and under-bed storage for suitcases and other luggage.
Imabari towels (bath and face towels), shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and hand soap.
※To help reduce our environmental impact, disposable amenities such as toothbrushes are not provided.
※There is no television. Instead, enjoy the natural scenery outside your windows—the changing light, the breeze, and the passing seasons—as your own “Slow TV.”
Kitchen knife, cutting board, rice cooker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, BBQ equipment, and additional cooking utensils (such as a ladle and spatula) are available upon request. Please feel free to ask.
Guests staying for two consecutive nights or longer may use our laundry service.
| Per Room, Per Night (yen) | 7–13 Nights | 3–6 Nights | 2 Nights | 1 Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 Guests | 22,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 | 32,500 |
| 3 Guests | 25,500 | 28,500 | 33,500 | 36,000 |
| 4 Guests | 29,000 | 32,000 | 37,000 | 39,500 |
※ Payment is due on site. We accept credit cards, cash, and bank transfers.
The following cancellation fees apply to reservations of up to 13 nights.
| 15 days or more before arrival | Free cancellation |
|---|---|
| 8–14 days before arrival | 50% of the accommodation fee |
| 3–7 days before arrival | 75% of the accommodation fee |
| 2 days or less before arrival, or no-show | 100% of the accommodation fee |
To cancel your reservation, please contact us by email or telephone.
Any costs associated with transferring the cancellation fee, including in the case of an international bank transfer, shall be borne by the customer.
For stays of 14 nights or longer, please contact us before booking. Separate cancellation conditions will apply.
Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 12:00
Please contact Residence Nohoho for possibilities of early check-in or late check-out.
This residence is also available for use as a gallery or event space. Please contact us for details.
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For inquiries about reservations and others, please contact us via email.
