Haimurubushi, an island beach resort on Kohama Island in the Yaeyama Archipelago, is opening a new room category—the "Ocean Front Pool Villa"—on July 15, 2026. Located about 400 km southwest of Okinawa's main island, Kohama Island sits within Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan's first designated Star Light Reserve. Reservations for the new villas opened on February 26, 2026.
New "Ocean Front Pool Villa" – 8 Rooms
The "Ocean Front Pool Villa" occupies an elevated position on the resort grounds, offering views of World Natural Heritage-listed Iriomote Island and the finest sunsets on the property. Large windows approximately 10 meters wide frame the view from each room, and natural-material interiors are designed to complement the surrounding landscape. The layout ensures guests can enjoy the scenery from anywhere in the room—whether from the bed, dining area, or bathroom.
Each villa covers over 123 ㎡—86 ㎡ of interior space, a 25 ㎡ terrace, and a 12 ㎡ private pool. The pools are fitted with cooling and heating systems, making them usable year-round regardless of season. Adjacent rooms can be connected via an interior door to create a connecting room arrangement accommodating up to 6 guests, making the villas suitable for multi-generational family trips or group stays.
Villa guests receive in-room check-in/check-out by a dedicated staff member, complimentary mini bar service including alcohol, and a dedicated cart for use within the resort. In-room dining and exclusive access packages—by sightseeing helicopter from Ishigaki Airport or by private cruise from Ishigaki Port—are available as optional upgrades.
During construction, approximately 35% of the trees planted on the new villa site were transplanted from within the resort's existing grounds, preserving the island's natural vegetation.
Room Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Room Name | Ocean Front Pool Villa |
| Number of Rooms | 8 |
| Capacity | Up to 3 guests (up to 6 as a connecting room) |
| Size | 123 ㎡ (Interior: 86 ㎡ / Terrace: 25 ㎡ / Private Pool: 12 ㎡) |
| Bed Types | Twin, King |
| Pool | 12 ㎡, depth 1.2 m, with cooling and heating function |
Features:
- Connecting room option (2 adjacent rooms can be used as a connecting room)
- In-room check-in/check-out by dedicated staff
- Complimentary services (mini bar including alcohol, dedicated cart within the resort grounds)
- In-room washer/dryer
- In-room dining and private access (optional)
Opening Commemorative Plan
To mark the opening, a special package plan is available for bookings made during the sales period.
- Stay Period: July 15, 2026 (Wed) to January 15, 2027 (Fri) (checkout by January 16, 2027)
- Sales Period: February 26, 2026 (Thu) to July 15, 2026 (Wed) (subject to early termination)
- Includes: Breakfast
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
Plan Perks:
- Welcome amenity (bottle of champagne)
- ¥20,000 resort credit per room per stay
- Guaranteed late checkout until 4:00 PM
Reservations:
- Official website: https://www.haimurubushi.co.jp/
- Phone: 0980-85-3116 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Details on in-room dining and private access will be announced on the official Haimurubushi website in early June 2026.
New Facilities for All Guests
The resort is also adding three new shared facilities available to all guests.
Kids Space
An indoor kids space of approximately 40 ㎡ for children aged 0 to 6 provides a safe play area regardless of weather. The space includes a milk preparation area, a curtained nursing room, and a diaper-changing area. Activity programs such as stargazing tours and mangrove exploration tours are also available for families.
Fitness Gym
A fitness gym of approximately 100 ㎡ with views of Kohama Island's lush landscape is equipped with Technogym cardio machines and skill row equipment. Sessions can be combined with cycling or jogging around the island.
New View Spots
New viewing areas are being developed to give guests better access to sunsets over Iriomote Island and to the wider natural scenery. Guidance on recommended viewing times and ways to enjoy the scenery will also be provided.
Details on the fitness gym, kids space, and new view spots will be announced on the official website in early June 2026.
Environmental Initiatives
Haimurubushi has implemented several measures to reduce its environmental footprint on the island. Multi-night guests can choose an eco-stay plan that skips daily room cleaning and linen changes. The resort has eliminated single-use PET bottle beverages, placing water servers around the property and lending reusable bottles to guests.
In collaboration with a local organization working to reduce marine plastic waste around Ishigaki Island, the resort upcycles plastic collected during beach cleanups into seasonal decorations. Staff also participate in community beach clean-up events and local environmental activities on the island.
About the Resort
Haimurubushi has operated on Kohama Island since 1979. The name "Haimurubushi" means "Southern Cross" in the Yaeyama dialect—the constellation visible from the resort's grounds from winter through early summer. The resort underwent a renewal opening in July 2025.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2930 Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa 907-1292 |
| Total Rooms | 156 (including 8 new Ocean Front Pool Villas) |
| Restaurants | The Buffet (96 seats + 20 terrace), The Steak & Grill (100 seats), The Lounge & Bar (62 seats + 28 terrace), The Beach Cafe (42 seats + 8 terrace), The Beach Bar (12 seats) |
| Pools | Main Pool (approx. 330 ㎡), Quiet Pool (approx. 155 ㎡), Garden Pool (approx. 180 ㎡) |
| Wellness | The Spa (4 treatment rooms), SAUNA BLOCK (capacity 10) |
| Phone | 0980-85-3111 (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) |
| Website | https://www.haimurubushi.co.jp/ |
