Uminoie Painukaji

The inn has 7 Japanese-style tatami rooms of 6 tatami mats, 2 Western-style rooms, and a 15-tatami-mat Japanese-style hall that can be booked by groups of 4 or more and has its own bathroom. The tatami rooms suit co-sleeping with small children, and the large hall is ideal for families and groups. Every room has a shower, a toilet and a refrigerator.

This is not a property with children's facilities. It is a simple, family-friendly inn whose appeal lies in the hospitality of this fishing family, the island cooking and the sand right outside.

The senior proprietress, Kayoko, serves pure island cooking, featuring the rare giant clams the family farms, the Ryukyu wild boar that is endemic to Iriomote Island, and seafood, mountain produce, rice and vegetables from the island. Allergy-friendly meals are not available, so families with a child who has a food allergy should check with the inn in advance.

The inn stands on the beach of the Hoshitate village, with sand spreading out right in front and the water just a 1-minute walk away. About 90 percent of Iriomote Island is jungle, and activities such as sabani (a traditional Okinawan boat), canoeing and snorkeling can be enjoyed around the village.

Take a high-speed boat from Ishigaki Port to Uehara Port, which takes about 45 minutes, then travel about 20 minutes by car from Uehara Port using either the boat company's free shuttle bus or the public bus. Parking is available for 10 cars, free of charge and with no reservation required.