In that moment, time and space seemed to freeze — a recreation of the traditional coexistence between Taketomi Island residents and their village.

▲ The skies over Taketomi Island are often a brilliant shade of blue.

Reported and photographed by Reporter Yóu t
rú / Taketomi Island

"Welcome to the island, let me sing you a song." Boarding Taketomi’s iconic water buffalo cart, Uncle O, the buffalo driver, picked up his shamisen and began to play, matching the slow, swaying rhythm of the buffalo’s hooves on the earthen path. The clever buffalo turned smoothly on its own, ambling down Taketomi’s trails to the gentle strains of music. Time stood still, as if transported back to an era when water buffaloes still plowed the fields.


▲ Boarding the water buffalo cart, time seems to freeze, as if returning to a time when water buffaloes still plowed the fields.

Just a ten-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island, Taketomi is a nationally designated Traditional Buildings Preservation District, where no building may exceed two stories in height. HOSHINOYA Okinawa is located here. Viewed from a high vantage point on the island, this resort, built in “symbiosis” with local residents, feels almost otherworldly. Staying in this holiday “village” truly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into one of Taketomi’s own villages, embracing the life of an “islander.”

When speaking of HOSHINOYA Okinawa, the conversation isn’t just about the refined serenity of the architecture or the cozy charm of the stay — it begins with the 48 red-tiled wooden villas meticulously crafted in a “symbiotic” model with local residents. Hoshino Resorts President Hoshino Yoshiharu said: "Every aspect of the resort's design, planning, construction, and decoration went from initial disputes based on differing viewpoints to sincere collaboration with the residents. The winding 4.4-kilometer stone wall surrounding the village was built by local elders over two years and two months, using carefully stacked pieces of coral reef rock of various sizes."


▲ Viewed from above, the standalone villas stand within their courtyards.


▲ The 4.4-kilometer stone wall, which winds around the resort, was built by local elders over two years and two months, using carefully stacked pieces of coral reef rock of various sizes.



▲ The entire resort is divided into three main zones marked by ancient symbols, so simply recognizing the symbol of your zone will keep you from getting lost.


▲ Stone tablets embedded in the walls feature maps that serve as area guides.

Beyond discussing just the comfort and luxury of the architecture, what’s emphasized is the attitude toward life — something you can easily sense upon entering HOSHINOYA Okinawa. Guests drop off their luggage and are led to their rooms by staff. As the electric cart arrives at the villa entrance, the staff points to the nameplate by the gate and says: "This sign was designed by a local Taketomi artist, and each room’s nameplate is unique."

At HOSHINOYA Okinawa, to enter the inner courtyard from the outside, you must go through the left side of the screen — in local custom, entering from the left signifies the role of the host, representing the resort’s aim to make guests feel as comfortable as they would at home. Once inside the courtyard, the staff will further introduce the shisa (guardian lion-dog) statues on the red-tiled roofs. Their charming appearance is also designed by local artists. The resort even features three hidden-edition shisa: one with a foot on a ball, one holding a windmill, and one holding a broom. Guests have a 3-in-48 chance of spotting these special shisa believed to bring good luck.


▲ The hidden-edition shisa with a foot on a ball.


▲ Each room’s nameplate, uniquely designed by Taketomi local artists.


▲ The standalone villas are spacious and comfortable.


▲ Enter through the small door on the left.


▲ The living room with floor-to-ceiling windows.


▲ Lounge chair with a view to the outside.


▲ The bathtub is placed in the center of the room, filling the space with the scent of wood while you bathe.


▲ The interior of the bedroom.


▲ The villa takes on an especially warm glow at night.


▲ The on-site restaurant offers authentic local cuisine, and the breakfast buffet served each morning is hearty and flavorful.
 

The standalone villas, facing south, have coral-rock walls built by local elders over two years to shield against wind, along with stone screens and a variety of plants. Entering from the left side of the house, you’ll immediately notice the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer expansive views, with a cozy relaxation area just beyond. To the left inside the entrance is the washroom, followed by the bathroom and bedroom. The whole house exudes the rich aroma of wood.