[SAKURA HOUSE] on Yonaguni Island lets you “travel like you live there”.

Japan’s westernmost island of Yonaguni is located approximately 509km southwest from Okinawa Island and 127km from Ishigaki Island. On clear days, you can observe the mountains of neighboring Taiwan, which is only about 111km away.

Unlike Taketomi Town and the other municipalities on the islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago, which is comprised of several islands, Yonaguni Town is a municipality situated on a single island.

This is one of the reasons why Yonaguni Island gives an impression as an “independent and strong island”. Its atmosphere and dynamic nature are unique even among the numerous islands of Yaeyama and continues to enchant its many visitors.

On this attractive island of Yonaguni, there’s a special lodge that lets visitors stay on the island as if they live there.

In the peaceful and serene neighborhood of Sonai is SAKURA HOUSE, an accommodation facility where guests can rent out the whole house, which is a Kominka or a restored residence. Here, you can thoroughly enjoy the slower-paced island time that flows comfortably by.




 

The owner of SAKURA HOUSE is Rumiko Inagawa, a weaver of Yonaguni Ori textiles. In one of the rooms on the premises with a sign that reads “staff only”, was a loom covered with a white cloth.

Throughout the lodge, guests can appreciate the various items created by Inagawa-san, like the Noren curtains hanging at the kitchen doorway, the handwoven covers on the cushions, and various other tasteful items carefully selected or crafted by the artist herself.







If you’re planning a long-term stay, the kitchen is equipped with a fridge, rice cooker, microwave, IH cooking heater, and other appliances for guests to conveniently prepare simple dishes.



It was pleasing to just look at the lovely dishes and containers carefully selected by Inagawa-san, and neatly aligned on the shelves.



I booked to stay for two nights when I went, and although I only used the kitchen for breakfast, it was nice to heat up the scones and biscuits that I brought with me to accompany my morning coffee.




You can relax and enjoy reading or eating outside at the table and chairs in the front yard.



 

The bathtub is spacious enough to stretch your legs out, and great for those who want to relax and recharge with a nice bath.

It’s wonderful to enjoy horseback riding on Yonaguni Horses, or going diving or participating in tours to see spectacular views and enjoying everything that Yonaguni Island has to offer, but it’s also a treat to enjoy a leisurely day without any plans. For those of us who spend our days with so much to do, what a luxury that is.




SAKURA HOUSE is also a great spot for workations too. If all you need is a Wi-Fi connection to get some work done, they have that and a work desk for your convenience. Here, you can work in your preferred style without anyone interrupting you.





SAKURA HOUSE is one of those places where, whenever you come back, you’ll want to call out, “I’m home!” For your next trip to enjoy the great nature of Yonaguni Island, how about staying at SAKURA HOUSE and letting yourself indulge in the relaxing and luxurious island time?


 

SAKURA HOUSE
Rumiko Inagawa
Address: 397 Yonaguni, Yonaguni Town, Yaeyama, Okinawa
Telephone: 090-6858-9239
Reservations: booking@sakura-yonaguni.com
Inquiries: ino@akura-yonaguni.com 
Website: https://www.sakura-yonaguni.com



Okinawa CLIP photo writer, Akiko Mizuno