Ishigaki sits at the southern tip of Japan, where the Yaeyama Islands trail off towards Taiwan and coral reefs turn the sea into something closer to stained glass. On a forested cliff at the island's less-crowded northern end, JUSANDI is a five-villa retreat named after yusandi, the local word for sunset, and it takes watching that sunset seriously. Architect Norihiko Dan built the place in whitewashed curves that somehow don't look out of place against the palms and Ryukyu limestone. A three-minute walk through the forest delivers you to a blue cave that feels more like a secret than a tourist stop. It's become something of a honeymoon institution here, for good reason.
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Just five villas sit within the grounds, each with its own pool and a daybed gazebo angled to catch the last of the light over the forest canopy. Interiors follow architect Norihiko Dan's brand of minimalism: white walls, Ryukyu limestone, and furniture that stays out of the view's way. Most sit at 60 square metres, with twin beds set Hollywood-style; the two-bedroom family villa, at 100 square metres with its own living room, is the one to book if there are more than two of you.
Breakfast served floating on a tray in your own pool, with the Yaeyama forest steaming gently around you and not another soul in sight.
Ask staff for the resort's private path to the Blue Cave and slip down before the day-trip boats arrive around mid-morning. You'll have that impossible turquoise glow entirely to yourself.
Standard villas sit at about 60 square metres, snug rather than spacious if a rare windy day rules out the pool. The turn-off from the road is easy to miss, too; more than one taxi has sailed straight past the sign.
Jusandi can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Japan trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Japan trips featuring Jusandi or get advice and suggestions from one of our Japan specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Jusandi start from around $270, or US$270, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Boat from island to island, strolling along coral beaches and trekking to waterfalls deep in the jungle.
