Sou Fujimoto, the world-renowned architect, has unveiled “NOT A HOTEL ISHIGAKI “EARTH”,” a one-of-a-kind villa nestled amidst the stunning sea and verdant landscapes of Ishigaki Island, opening its doors on July 1, 2025. The pristine white architecture, designed to blend seamlessly with nature across approximately 2.5 acres, exudes a rustic yet luxurious charm. This villa, where architecture, nature, and culture converge, promises an Ishigaki Island stay that transcends mere travel.

NOT A HOTEL offers a "live like you own it" travel experience, merging architectural beauty with cutting-edge technology, all under the unique concept of "your home anywhere in the world."

The houses created are not just for ownership; they employ a unique system allowing for mutual use through sharing with other properties developed by NOT A HOTEL. Owners can purchase usage rights in 10-night increments annually, enabling them to enjoy high-end spaces worldwide as if they were their own vacation homes.

A new villa, “EARTH,” has now been established on Ishigaki Island. Boasting the largest site within the NOT A HOTEL series, it features indoor spaces, terraces, an infinity pool, and water features. Despite its convenient location, just an 11-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport, the property offers tranquility and the breathtaking nature of the Yaeyama region.

The architectural design features a circular structure, conceived to harmonize with Ishigaki's greenery and sea. The rooftop is designed in a bowl-like shape, and from within the rooms, the gentle, undulating lines of the landscape create a sense of unity with nature. The facade's appearance shifts with the sunlight, creating a striking contrast with the sea and sky. All of this is meticulously finished by artisans, panel by panel, its handcrafted warmth blending harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

The central courtyard is lush with greenery, centered around a stately symbolic tree. Designed by Taichi Saito, it creates an oasis-like space at the heart of the villa. The bowl-shaped structure means that standing in the courtyard, only the sky and sea are visible, evoking a feeling of melting into nature itself. A kids' pool and a fire pit for bonfires are also provided, allowing everyone from children to adults to spend their time at their leisure.

The villa features four independent bedrooms accommodating up to 10 guests, along with a living and dining area overlooking the horizon, an infinity pool, a sauna, a gym, and glass-walled bathrooms, all equipped with luxurious amenities.

The sauna on the first floor is bathed in natural light filtering through the skylight from the water feature, creating a dreamlike atmosphere reminiscent of being underwater. A shower and cold plunge pool are located in front of the sauna room, and opening the wooden door reveals an outdoor bathing area, making it an ideal spot for mental and physical reset.

The iconic infinity pool seamlessly connects with the living and dining area, positioned to offer a spectacular view that creates a sense of unity with the ocean. Especially, watching the sun set over the horizon while listening to the sound of the waves will surely create unforgettable memories for guests.

Naturally, the culinary experience is also meticulously crafted. Breakfast and dinner can be arranged upon request, with private courses offered by a dedicated chef.

The menu features dishes that highlight the bounty of Okinawa, including Ishigaki beef, local fish, and fresh island vegetables. The "CHEF’s PREMIUM BBQ" allows guests to enjoy the experience of carefully grilling select ingredients over charcoal on the terrace. With a wide range of options, from Agu pork shabu-shabu to share-style dinners featuring modern interpretations of home cooking, the culinary delights are endless.

Furthermore, a variety of unique Ishigaki Island activities are available during your stay. The "Sunset Sabani Cruise" offers a private journey aboard a "sabani," a traditional wooden sailing boat once used in Okinawa, allowing you to drift with the wind and watch the sun set over the horizon. Other experiences include combining a private villa dinner with live sanshin music, or creating your own awamori at the Ikihara Distillery, which uses a traditional copper direct-heat pot for distillation.

“NOT A HOTEL ISHIGAKI “EARTH”” is more than just accommodation; it is a stage where time, space, nature, and human activity intersect. Transcending the boundaries of architecture, this villa offers guests a "base for another life," poised to redefine the landscape of luxury travel.

Sou Fujimoto
Born in Hokkaido in 1971. After graduating from the Department of Architecture at the University of Tokyo, he established Sou Fujimoto Architects in 2000. Following the first prize in the Montpellier International Design Competition (L'Arbre Blanc) in 2014, he won first prize in international design competitions in various European countries in 2015, 2017, and 2018. In Japan, he was appointed as the venue design producer for the 2025 Japan International Exposition. In 2024, he was selected as the primary designer for the "Basic Design Commission for the Mixed-Use Complex North District of International Center Station (tentative name)." His major works include House of Music in Budapest (2021), Maruhon Maki-Art Terrace Ishinomaki City Complex Cultural Facility (2021), Shiraiya Hotel (2020), L’Arbre Blanc (2019), Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2013 in London (2013), House NA (2011), Musashino Art University Museum & Library (2010), and House N (2008).

NOT A HOTEL ISHIGAKI EARTH
Location｜120-92 Miyara, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Site Area｜9,586.00㎡
Indoor Area｜975.01㎡
Total Area (including indoor area + 2nd floor terrace + pool + water features)｜1,489.13㎡
Courtyard Area (including outside of handrail)｜2,066.07㎡
Structure & Scale｜Reinforced Concrete, 2 stories above ground
Total Number of Rooms｜1 Unit
Layout｜4 Bedroom
Capacity｜10 Guests