Shiraishi island international villa

I've been here about 10 times over the years, in a couple, with family, and with groups of friends. The villa is still looking good considering its age and the traffic it has seen, and there has been some updating work in the rooms. You can't beat the view, the walks are great, with spectacular views from the lookouts, the people are friendly (used to foreigners by now). This is a wonderful place to chill, any season. Each offers different delights. Unless you are looking for 5 star accommodation, nightlife, or others to entertain YOU, I think you are going to be pleased you took that little 30 minute ferry ride. Please remember you will be cooking for yourselves as there aren't too many eating houses on the island, though possibly a few more in the Summer months.

I've been to Shiraishi Island on many occasions, but this August was my first time staying at the International Villa. It is easy to book a reservation online through the Okayama International Villa website. After getting off of the ferry from Kasaoka, the Villa is just a short walk from the port. There are no staff on site, but the local manager will check you in and give you the key. The Villa is located on a hill, which provides cool breezes and a wonderful view of the Inland Sea. There are five units that sleep two people each, with a shared bathroom, toilets, and kitchen. The beach is a short walk down the hill and there are plenty of activities available, from swimming and kayaking to drinking and barbecuing. If you are going off-season, it is recommended that you bring ALL of your own food as restaurant and shopping options are very limited. There is a large refrigerator to store your food, as well as a stove to cook everything on. The manager and cleaning staff were all very friendly and helpful.

Shiraishi Island is a picturesque place and the Shiraishi International Villa looks over some of the prettiest parts of it. We spent three nights in off peak season, enjoying village life, walks, the beach and the opportunity to take a break from our usual full on travel pace. The Villa’s contemporary architecture sits well in its surroundings and provides views from every room.||There is a convenience store that is quite sufficient and would have saved us lugging food from Kasaoka. Moya, the Villa’s on-site manager, can arrange delicious and very reasonably priced lunch and/or dinner at an inn, just down from the Villa on the beach.||Special thanks to Moya, who could not do more to keep the Villa clean and neat, and to look after his guests. Warm, helpful and hard working, he’s the perfect host.||

We wanted to get away from the crowds and came across the International villa on lovely Shiraishi Island. We were warmly welcomed by Amy. The villa is on top of a hill, overlooking the bay and beautiful sunset. We were lucky that weekend to be able to witness a local fire ceremony at the temple. The local people were kind enough to let us participate and also invited us for food. When you are into hiking, this little place will not bore you, as there are many trails to do. It was still off season and therefore there were only a few tourists (handfull) around. Our stay at Shiraishi made our time and experience in Japan unique.

This looked like an interesting place, and I was looking forward to my stay. The island is pretty and I'm sure it would be lovely in the warmer months with the beach nearby. The villa looks 1970s vintage, and has seen better days. That said it is nicely designed with a great view over the neighbourhood. It was quite cold when I was there and I was amazed to discover that there was no heating whatever available! My information package mentioned 2 communal heaters, but these were nowhere to be found. The Japanese room is supposed to have one of those heated blanket tables, but according to the couple staying there the plug had been cut off! The caretaker was away, so all we could do was sit around in overcoats and scarves bundled under blankets. Cheap, but not very well managed.

A great place to escape to. The villa is a short but slightly steep 10 minute walk from the port. Basic but comfortable rooms. Great views from the kitchen and decking. We frequently visit and stock up with provisions before arrival because the local supermarket can be a bit pricy, has limited stock and short opening hours. A great hiking path with amazing views starts on the doorstep. Lots of information on other attractions posted on living room wall. Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent in the summer.

Great self catering villa with private rooms. There is a well equipped kitchen, outdoor deck and bbq area and lounge with wifi. Check in is done at an office by the port when you disembark from the foot passenger ferry. You can leave your car for free at Kasaoka Sumiyoshi port.

We had the whole residence for ourselves, it was wonderful ! The room was so warm and welcoming and comfortable. Everything was very clean, the kitchen well equipped. The whole residence has a nice view on the ocean, sunshine coming in and it is so peaceful.... The owners are very nice and welcoming, the lady was even waiting for us at the port. If she doesn't come for you it is ok, it's easy to find with many signs in the little streets. The island is beautiful, there are several nice walks to do which offer wonderful views on the ocean. Just take a picnic or something to drink and go watch the sunset. The beach is also few minutes walk. The only problem is food. You should do groceries before taking the ferry but if you forgot or can not there's still a small convenient store on the island.