Settling in a protected island of Okinawan heritage
Taketomi Island is an island in Okinawa that is inhabited by just three villages, with bright white paths of coral sand, one-story houses with red-tiled roofs, and gentle breezes carrying the colorful melodies of sanshin lutes. These are traditions that have gone unchanged for centuries, not simply for historical preservation, but because they have proven over time to offer the greatest comfort to residents and visitors alike. HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island incorporates these very same traditions, infusing them with a measure of elegance and sophistication so that guests may experience the same level of absolute comfort that the islanders do--without sacrificing contemporary pleasures.
Message from Yoshiharu Hoshino, CEO of Hoshino Resorts
In Japan, there are areas known as Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where the landscapes have been determined by the government to have special cultural value. There are 91 such districts in Japan, and two in Okinawa. Taketomi Island is one of them. Approximately 360 people live on Taketomi Island, where around twenty festivals take place each year. The biggest is the ten-day Tanedori Sai, held in autumn. Every islander participates in this festival, its scale demonstrating the locals' commitment to preserving their traditions. Since I began visiting Taketomi, I have witnessed an inherent spirit of cooperation among the island's people--one that is integral to their livelihood. Two people may fight over something during the day, but they will make peace by night to ensure a festival goes off without a hitch. HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island was built on such principles. Although the Preservation Districts guidelines are very strict, their very existence helps preserve the appeal of this island. I would like to invite guests to live as the locals do so they may discover the wonders of Okinawa.
Design & Architecture
Architecture– Rie Azuma, Azuma Architect & Associates
In designing the resort, Azuma first observed the ingrained lifestyles and rituals of the Taketomi natives. Everything from the ubiquitous, red-roofed wooden homes to local songs and dances suggested a way of life perfectly tailored to the elements of Taketomi island. The absolute sense of comfort inherent in the island's traditional architectural features greatly influenced Azuma's design. "Gukku" walls allow guests privacy; white sand gardens bring natural light inside; and trees planted north of each pavilion block strong winds. Wind was a major factor in the pavilion's design. Wood-framed glass doors face south towards the garden. Opening them allows the island's soothing breezes to travel freely through the pavilion, imbuing it with the rhythms of time passing on the island.
Landscape – Hiroki Hasegawa, Studio on site
Taketomi Island is one of the few remaining places in Japan where life is centered around traditional villages, cultures, and arts. Hasegawa's biggest challenge was how to introduce a resort, offering something new, into such a compact universe without disrupting its continuity. He learned that homes on Taketomi were once built behind concentric walls around a castle-like structure. Modern homes, however, are each surrounded by stone walls and situated parallel or perpendicular to each other. Hasegawa decided to incorporate both elements into his design. The more Hasegawa looked into Taketomi's architectural features, the more he saw how specific they were to this island in the way they offered privacy and protection from the elements. He realized these features would not only serve the landscape but also the resort's guests.
Lighting – Masanobu Takeishi, Illumination of City Environment, Ltd.
Takeishi's focus was to preserve the natural lighting of the island. By avoiding the use of strong lights, blocking light that shines upward, and employing sparse small lights in key locations, he has created a lighting scheme that gives way to the beauty of the moonlight and starlight.
Guest Rooms: Inherited Traditional Housing of Taketomi Island
All of the 48 villas are single-story wooden buildings that follow the traditional architecture of Taketomi Island. The garden is covered with pure white coral sand, and from the top of the Ryukyu red-tiled roof, each villa is guarded by different expressions of shisa (guardian lions of Okinawa believed to protect houses against evil). Villa types are named after the island's trees: Gagoni, Zuki, and Kyangi, and all have large windows to welcome pleasant winds from the south. The windows of the living rooms can be fully opened for the wind to flow through from south to north for a comforting stay. 
Food & Beverages
Island Terroir
On Taketomi Island, which is part of the Yaeyama archipelago, food culture that is unique to the island was nurtured by its natural environment and history. Such food cultures include the idea that pigs are said to have everything except for their squeak, lamb is eaten on celebratory occasions, and vegetables and herbs are consumed with the idea that "the source of food and medicine is the same." The finest ingredients and culture that have been passed down through generations are reflected in the meal using French culinary techniques to create flavors that are unique to HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island.
Time: 5:30 - 8:15 pm (last entry)
Price: 14,250 JPY per person (includes tax and service charge)
Executive Chef: Tatsuo Nakasu
Born in 1976 in Tokyo. After training at a famous restaurant in Japan, he served as assistant chef and head chef at a restaurant in Karuizawa. He later moved to Sado Island and worked with seafood. Skilled at bringing the best of ingredients and in 2011, represented Japan in the renowned, global culinary competition for French cuisine, Bocuse d'Or. Worked at HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island since its opening in 2012.
Special Facilities
Yuntaku Lounge
A lounge that can be used anytime, where the change in its expression from morning to evening can be enjoyed. In addition, activities that incorporate island culture, teatime with island treats, and bar time with awamori (Okinawan rice wine) cocktails can be experienced.
Pool
The twenty-four-hour heated pool is elliptical and has a gently sloping floor with a curved depression in the middle. It is hard to take your eyes off the vast infinite blue of the pool as it is complemented by the sky during the day and at night, it glitters with the countless stars. Just outside the Yuntaku Lounge is a terrace furnished with sofas that are under the enormous, ancient banyan trees. Guests can relax with a holiday read or a drink in hand whilst the island breeze passes through. 
Island time Spa
From sunrise to sundown, time on the island moves to rhythms that are slower and more soothing than what one is accustomed to. HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island offers morning spa sessions designed to reset the mind and body by adjusting guests to island time.
Island Experiences
Private Sanshin Lesson
Private Sanshin lute lessons are hosted in the villas with the careful guidance of a professional Sanshin performer. Whilst learning how to play the instrument, learn the history and its meaning to the island for quality time to indulge in the scenery of Okinawa.
Time: 3:45 – 4:30 pm
Price: 9,680 JPY per group (group of 1 to 2 people)
Weaving Experience
Experience weaving with plant-dyed threads on a traditional Taketomi Island weaving machine. The yarns are dyed with island plants for a soft and gentle shade. Choose a shade of color of your liking for a one-and-only finished product.
Time: Every Tuesday and Saturday from 10:30 am or 11:30 am
Price: 1,210 JPY per person
Sunset Private Sabani
Take the sabani, a traditional wooden boat, and paddle out to the evening sea. A sailed sabani moves by the power of the wind and oars alone. Feel the tranquil nature of the island with the whole body as the sun sets into the sea.
Time: 2 hours after sunset
Price: 12,100 JPY per person 
Notes about activities at HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island
* Times and details of the activity may change depending on the season.
* Prices include tax and service charge.
* Reservations are required in advance.
Overview of HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island
Address: Taketomi, Yaeyama, Okinawa 907-1101
Number of Rooms: 48
Check-in: 3:00 pm/Check-out: 12:00 pm
Price: Starts from 112,000 JPY per night per room (includes tax and service charge, excludes meals)
Directions: 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Port, free shuttle bus available from Taketomi Port
About HOSHINOYA Brand
Luxury hotel embodying the true characteristics of land, history, and culture
HOSHINOYA is an accommodation with distinct themes, conceptualized from each location's land, history, and culture. Woven into these distinct themes is our attention to detail in every aspect from the design to hospitality; contributing to the creation of a one-of-a-kind world of HOSHINOYA. Enrich the heart with the epiphanies of travel through a unique stay experience.
About Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.
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