Yard
Minimalist Japanese architecture meets Okinawan nature immersion. Angular blonde-wood villas with large overhanging roofs, Ryukyu tatami rooms, limestone counters, and locally crafted furniture. Deliberate digital detox — no screens, no speakers. The whole design philosophy is about slowing down.
All yards face west — arrive before sunset on your first day, especially since dinner service starts at 17:30
Why It Matters
Opened September 2024 as the first property from Kashiwabara Hands Co. Featured on Dezeen and in Casa BRUTUS. Unique in that each villa is essentially its own walled yard — you check in directly at your room, not a lobby. No public restaurant; dining is private, in-villa only, using hyper-local Yambaru ingredients. The Japanese-style room is the only accommodation without a private pool.
YAWN YARD Kouri Island is a boutique villa resort on tiny Kouri Island — reachable via a long bridge from northern Okinawa — built around the concept of a 'garden you can stay in.' Eight standalone private villas are split between a Sea area (closer to the water) and a Hill area (elevated, with broader views), all facing west to catch the sunset. No TVs, no sound systems. Meals are delivered to your terrace from ingredients sourced within 70km. It opened in September 2024 and is already one of the most distinctive new properties in Okinawa.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
(hill) King
Elevated villa on higher ground with an ocean-view bedroom window. One king bed; extra beds available in the tatami room for up to four guests total. Private pool. For couples who want slightly more privacy and elevation over the sea-area King rooms.
1 king bed · 85 sqm
(hill) Twin
On higher ground with wider views than the sea-area rooms. Bedroom with two semi-double beds, Ryukyu tatami room, sofa living area. Up to two extra beds possible in the tatami room for four guests. Private pool. Note: this yard is closer to the road than other Hill rooms, so views differ slightly.
2 semi-double beds · 105 sqm
(sea) Connecting Rooms
The largest accommodation at YAWN YARD, formed by connecting two villas. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms with separate toilets, and a combined 104㎡ terrace. Ideal for multi-generational trips or groups of up to six. Private pool. Natural rocks are present in the yard.
2 king beds · 197 sqm
(sea) Japanese-style room / King
The only room at YAWN YARD without a private pool, but it compensates with the largest terrace in the sea area (64㎡) and a traditional Ryukyu tatami living-dining space. Open, airy views and a garden feel. Suited to couples or families with very young children. Maximum capacity: 2.
1 king bed · 108 sqm(sea) King
A private yard with a large bedroom window directly overlooking the ocean. One king bed; up to two extra beds can be added in the tatami room for up to four guests. Private pool. Best for couples but flexible enough for small families. Note: natural rocks are present in the yard.
1 king bed · 86 sqm(sea) Twin
A private sea-facing yard with a bedroom, Ryukyu tatami room, and living room furnished with sofa and low table. Two semi-double beds in the bedroom; up to two extra beds in the tatami room for a total of four guests. Private plunge pool included. Recommended for families and groups.
2 semi-double beds · 100 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Each villa (except the Japanese-style room) has a private heated plunge pool. Maximum temperature setting is 32°C. Available year-round, though winter water temperatures may disappoint on cold days. Stargazing from the pool at night comes highly recommended by past guests.
All yards face west. The property explicitly calls this out as one of its signature experiences. Arrive before sundown on day one — the hotel recommends it for first-time guests.
Photo sessions for weddings and anniversaries available on-site. Announced November 2025.
Join local residents in their actual daily routines — traditional fishing, farming, and home cooking. Going out into the fields or sitting around someone's dinner table. This is Yambaru as locals experience it, not as tourists.
Guided walks through the forests and villages of Yambaru, one of Japan's UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites. Led by local people from the community — not tour guides. A chance to actually understand what makes this ecosystem extraordinary.
Hands-on engagement with traditional Okinawan crafts and activities: weaving Ryukyu banana-fiber cloth (basho-fu) and sailing in hand-built wooden sailboats. You meet the people who have kept these practices alive and hear their stories firsthand.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Adult room wear in three sizes; children's room wear in two sizes. Sandals for in-room use provided.
Check-in after 21:00 requires a phone call ahead of time. Front desk open 07:00–22:00.
One washing machine and one dryer shared across the property.
Same-day luggage storage available during front desk hours (07:00–22:00). Advance luggage delivery accepted at the Sea area reception address.
Hair dryer standard; curling irons (two-way curler and straightener) available on request.
Handcrafted Ryukyu limestone bathroom counter with soft water faucet — locally made.
A small on-site garden with 10–30 herbs and island vegetables depending on season, used in cooking and drinks.
Sea-area guests park directly in front of their villa. Hill-area guests use the shared P2 lot nearby. No reservation needed.
Intentionally removed. No screens, no speakers anywhere on the property. The hotel describes this as a feature, not a limitation.
Each villa except the Japanese-style room has a private heated plunge pool. Heated with a max setting of 32°C. Available year-round.
No shuttle service, but staff will help arrange taxis or private driver services on request.
BUILD YOUR YAWN YARD PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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