Jusandi
Two Michelin Keys
Hotel Details
Location
Jusandi · Ishigaki Island, Japan
Expert Review: Jusandi
Jusandi, a distinguished two-Michelin Key property on Ishigaki Island, Japan, offers an exceptional luxury villa experience renowned for its serene natural setting, minimalist design, and highly personalized service.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Jusandi consistently receives high praise from guests, with an overall rating of 9.4 out of 10, often described as "superb" or "wonderful." The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors frequently using words like "exceptional" and expressing complete satisfaction with their stay. As a two-Michelin Key hotel, it is recognized for providing an "exceptional stay."
2. Key Highlights
Guests particularly love Jusandi for its stunning beachfront location, offering direct access to the sea. A major draw is the provision of five private villas, each featuring its own sea-facing pool and a comfortable cabana area, ensuring ultimate privacy and relaxation. The opportunity for fantastic snorkeling directly off the property, with gear available for rent, is frequently highlighted. The resort's minimalist architectural design, incorporating local Ishigaki limestone and expansive windows, creates a sense of tropical elegance and connection to the surrounding lush tropical paradise. Exceptional and personable staff, along with a dedicated concierge service, contribute significantly to the positive guest experience. Additional amenities like daily housekeeping, complimentary private parking, and free WiFi further enhance the stay. Guests also appreciate the beautiful starry nights visible from their private terraces or gardens.
3. Room Quality
Jusandi comprises just five exclusive villas: four one-bedroom and one two-bedroom, ensuring an intimate and luxurious atmosphere. Each villa is thoughtfully designed with minimalist interiors, featuring custom tropical wood furniture, bespoke lighting, and walls made of Ryukyu limestone. Large, wall-to-wall windows invite abundant natural light and the refreshing sea breeze.
The spacious rooms are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable Hollywood twin beds, and soundproofing for a peaceful retreat. Bathrooms are notably luxurious, offering ultra-soft bathrobes, double sinks, a separate shower room, and a deluxe bathtub. High-quality Aromatherapy Associates toiletries are provided. Further amenities include a coffee machine, a complimentary minibar, and an iPad in each villa. All villas are non-smoking.
4. Dining Experience
The on-site restaurant at Jusandi provides a sophisticated dining experience, serving Italian cuisine in a modern ambiance. Dinner features a chef's menu that highlights traditional Ryukyu cuisine crafted with fresh, local island produce. For breakfast, guests can choose between a healthy, creative Japanese-style meal or an American-style breakfast, both incorporating island vegetables and seasonal fruits. Freshly baked bread is a delightful morning offering. The dining space boasts large glass windows overlooking the subtropical forest, and outdoor seating is available for guests to enjoy their meals amidst the pleasant sea breeze and nature. Room service is also provided. Executive Chef Takumi Hirose, with a background in Michelin-starred restaurants in France and renowned establishments in Tokyo, emphasizes using the finest local ingredients to create "Nuchigusui" (medicine of life) cuisine.
5. Service & Staff
The staff at Jusandi are consistently described as "great and personable" and their service as "excellent." Guests appreciate the highly attentive and helpful nature of the team, with one guest noting how staff went above and beyond by beautifully plating their brought-in food and even adding fresh vegetables. The hotel manager is also highlighted as "wonderful" and "very helpful." Services include a concierge, daily housekeeping, and complimentary valet parking, all contributing to an experience of exquisite hospitality.
6. Location & Accessibility
Jusandi enjoys a secluded beachfront location on Ishigaki Island, nestled within a lush tropical environment. It offers direct access to the beach and is just a minute's walk from the famous Blue Cave. Yonehara Beach is also conveniently located within a 12-15 minute walk, and the Satake Yaeyama Palm Trees Museum is less than 1 km away.
While the natural setting is a key appeal, the property is situated away from town. New Ishigaki Airport is approximately 13-16 km (8.1 miles) away, a 15-minute drive. Airport pickup service is available for a surcharge. Due to its somewhat remote location, it is recommended that guests arrange a rental car for convenience, as the closest convenience store, hospital, bank, post office, and ATM are all about a 25-minute drive away.
7. Value & Pricing
As a two-Michelin Key property, Jusandi commands a premium price, which guests generally consider to be justified for the exceptional experience it provides. Guest reviews give the value for money a respectable score of 8.2 out of 10. Typical nightly rates generally range from approximately $919 to over $1,100. Travelers seeking better value might consider staying during the low season, typically August and June, when prices can be about 9% lower. Conversely, February tends to be the most expensive month, with prices rising by an average of 12%. Booking on a Wednesday or Tuesday may also offer more favorable rates. Jusandi offers discounts for longer stays, with 10% off for two nights and up to 30% off for nine or more nights.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of consideration for potential guests include the hotel's policy against hosting parties or events, and strict quiet hours between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Pets are not permitted on the property. The private pools, though beautiful, may not be suitable for swimming year-round, particularly from November to March. There is no on-site laundry facility. The secluded location means that essential services like convenience stores and ATMs are a 25-minute drive away, making a rental car almost a necessity for exploring the island or running errands. Lastly, due to the resort's design philosophy of preserving nature, some villas might offer views predominantly of lush plants and trees rather than direct ocean vistas. Guests are also advised that choices for swimming attire on the island are limited, so it's best to bring their own.
Sources
Google Reviews
67 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Sarah Cullen
My husband and I spent the first three days of our honeymoon here. Tucked away on the northern point of the island, Jusandi is quiet, luxurious, and private. Our villa had a private pool and a private path leading to a view overlooking the sea. We had breakfast served in our room every morning and enjoyed dinner at their one restaurant each night—the food is Michelin-star quality. The service was ...
Charlotte Fuerie
We had booked a room that was supposed to offer a sea view, but in reality, the sea was only visible through a small gap between the trees, which was disappointing. We had to ask a staff member to turn off an extremely noisy machine in the garden, and there was a strong smell coming from the bathroom vents (probably fixed since then). The rooms heat up very quickly if the AC is not turned on. Eve...
Paul Dunnavant
Jusandi is an amazing hotel with wonderful staff! The room was great with a beautiful view. 😍 We also ate dinner twice at the hotel, and both times were very filling and delicious. 🤤 It's a great experience, and highly recommended! 👍👍
Amus Osaurus
This was the best place I have ever stayed. So relaxing and private. I didn’t want to leave.
Justin
Absolutely perfect escape. Private, luxurious, welcoming, with precision service. 7 course Japanese Ishigaki dinner at the restaurant was exceptional. Walk through lush forest to a secluded beach with blue fish
karen li
This place is more like u would expect to see in Bali or Phuket but then hey why not have it here at the most unexpected place. I really appreciate how much effort Mr Yutaka had put into this place. The structure of building and use of space, how the layout of the private look out place for each villa. It is very set out. We had a wonderful time at the natural spring water pool as well as the acco...
About Two Michelin Keys
Two Michelin Keys recognize hotels that provide an excellent stay experience. These properties stand out for their remarkable quality, distinctive character, and superior service that goes above and beyond expectations.
