The Ubufuru Ishigaki

The rooms are large, clean, and comfortable, and the hotel had a peaceful atmosphere. The pool has lovely views and was quiet when we visited, with few or no people there. The property seems to attract mostly Japanese guests. Staff were very nice, although only one employee spoke English, and the gym has a nice view but just a few old machines and a pull-up bar, with no weights. The massage is done by an outside provider in the room, on the bed you sleep in, which I didn't like. A car is essential for getting around the island, and you'll need an international driver's license to rent one in Japan. Check-in is at 3 pm, so you can't usually enter your room earlier, though they might make an exception around 2. We visited in late September, when it was about 30-35 degrees. There isn't a beach at the hotel. The picture on the website shows the ocean meeting a river, though the pool and its views are very good. For half board, dinner means choosing yakinuku or hotpot, which they bring to your room for you to cook; call when you're done and they'll clean up. Breakfast isn't a buffet either. There are three or four dishes to choose from, including a fried egg with bacon, an açai bowl, french toast, or a Japanese breakfast with miso soup, served at the restaurant near the pool. Lunch costs extra, isn't expensive, and has a few okay options. The food is fine, but the choices get repetitive even over three days. You can also cook in the room, where the kitchen is nicely separate from the bedroom. For management, more English information in the rooms, a wider choice of food for breakfast and dinner, and more English from employees would help non-Japanese travelers. We recommend the hotel, but would choose breakfast only or room-only if possible, and rent a car. With that setup, it's a great place to stay in Ishigaki for a few days.

The apartments are spacious, and the pool and garden are especially nice. They also have pleasant refreshments in the afternoon. The TV feels a bit old-fashioned, with no Netflix or similar.

It's a wonderfully quiet place, with spacious rooms, a comfortable living and dining area, and all the kitchen appliances. We felt right at home and weren't disturbed by the neighbours. It's a little way from town, but a taxi costs only 1800 yen one way, and it's easy to get one through the didi app. We'd definitely stay at this resort again.

We loved the hotel and hope we can return. Our rate included a semi-buffet breakfast. There weren't many options, but everything we tried was fresh and tasty. The facilities were beautifully maintained and sparkling clean. Our suite was huge, with two kitchens and two large bathrooms in the same unit, enough room for at least two families of four.