Nohoho

Nohoho’s Vision

沖縄と八重山諸島の美しさと真心を伝える。
Conveying the beauty and true spirit of the Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa.

Our mission

With an increasing number of both domestic and international visitors to the Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa,
Nohoho is here to support. Maximizing value for…
… local communities while securing that the messages of culture, nature and history are correctly passed on,…
… businesses in helping to grasp opportunities, and…
… those visiting to experience even more fun.

For businesses

Nohoho supports businesses in increasing a more international footprint for their activities on the Yaeyama Islands and in Okinawa and aims to better connect them to the visitors of the islands providing professional services ranging from translation of documentation to customized solutions for information sources and staff development. We aim to provide overall and appropriate solutions reflecting cultural sensitivities and understanding.

For travellers

Nohoho　is　planning　a　small　scale,　accommodation　facility　offering a unique, truly Okinawan experience in the northern part of Ishigaki Island. The construction of the building was completed in October 2019 and Nohoho is preparing for the operations as an accommodation. We are posting progress on our Instagram account.

About

Our Name

Nohoho draws its name from a legendary character called Mr. Ohoho. Mr. Ohoho annually visits Iriomote Island during an annual harvest festival. He resembles a 17th century Western sailor reflecting the rich history of the Yaeyama Islands and their position situated along the former routes of European trading ships. While he hands out money to locals, he doesn’t speak the language and he ends up leaving the island unhappy as an unhappy man. Nohoho combines his name with ‘No’, aiming to achieve the opposite: bridge between the local Okinawan communities and their visitors, enhancing opportunities for local businesses and boosting the Okinawan experience for its guests.

Introduction

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Eric van Rijn has spent more than 17 years living in Japan. With degrees from the Netherlands’ Erasmus University Rotterdam in Economics (M.Sc.) and from Japan’s Waseda University in International Relations (M.A.), he has worked for international companies in the Netherlands, Germany and Japan with functions in Finance, Management Support and Communications.
Having travelled in Europe, North America and Asia including Japan, he has frequently visited the Okinawan islands since his first trip in 2006.

What do we offer

Our Services and business support

Inbound consulting

Together with our customers, we develop tailor-made solutions to cater for inbound visitors. This can range from staff training, preparation of English manuals to representative correspondence such claim handling, web feedback and postings, blogging.

Event planning

We provide support in organization events with on-site services for smooth preparations making arrangements on your behalf.

Translations

From standard information material guides to simple documents like menus, we do not only simply translate one-to-one but offer tailor-made solutions for effective communication.

Freelance staffing

We meet temporary needs for handling overseas visitors through hourly/daily attendance such as check-in, events, tours. Similarly, we support building your businesses in Okinawa for smooth dealings with your Japanese business partners.

For other business support please feel free to contact us to discuss the possibilities.

For travellers

ACCOMMODATION

Three minutes’ walk from Sunset beach, known as perhaps the most beautiful beach of Ishigaki Island. Zero minutes to gaze at the night skies of the internationally recognized dark-sky park.

ViLLA Nohoho – an accommodation facility for one party in Ishigaki’s nature abundant north.

In principle, reservations are limited to introduction only. We kindly ask for your understanding.

Away from the city centre, there may be inconveniences, yet we are offering a location that lets guests enjoy a full Okinawan experience that can only be experienced exactly thanks to the location. Why don’t you simply relax and forget about daily hassles and stress?

Traditional and modern, the building presents a typical yet new Okinawan style. There is no extravagance, but with the villa being recently built, we have created a relaxed environment with most conveniences of modern life in the middle of Ishigaki Island’s northern part’s nature.

Exclusive for one group, arrangements can be made for individual travellers, couples, friend and families up to 4 persons.

The accommodation permit is expected for April 2020. Depending on the situation of the corona virus, the facility will start operations after April.

Stay

We accommodate individual travellers as well as groups or families. Guests may select their preferred style to sleep choosing from traditional Japanese futon mattresses (single), Japan-made urethane mattresses or an Italian manufactured semi-double mattress.

From singing birds in the morning, plenty of sunshine in the afternoon or gazing at the starry skies after having enjoyed the sunset of the beach, guests will enjoy peaceful days in the middle of Ishigaki northern part’s nature.
Facilities

Guest room:

Toilet, rain shower, water basin (all separated). Airconditioning, ceiling fan, hair dryer, WiFi. Imabari brand body and face towels.

Common area:

Kitchen, refrigerator, microwave, water kettle, Induction Heating stove, BBQ equipment.

Tableware, seasoning to use freely etc. Additional toilet and shower room.

※ Please note that there is no TV. Simply enjoy slow television from your bed as you watch out of the window.
Location

Address: Hirakubo 234-241, Ishigaki, Okinawa

※ We highly recommend coming by rental car as transportation means and facilities like grocery shopping are limited. It takes ca. 50 minutes from downtown Ishigaki, ca. 30 from the airport. There are three parking lots. Please consult if more space is required.

Bus Lines No. 5 and 6 bound for Hirano go directly from the downtown ferry terminal and airport to Kuura, but services are not that frequent and requires time (90 minutes from down-town Ishigaki, 50 from the airport).

Taxis may not serve the Ishigaki’s northern area unless hired for several hours.

Pickup service at the airport or ferry terminal is at the moment not available.
Day Plan

We aim to offer day-plans as well. For details, please contact us through the email below.
Activities

The northern part of Ishigaki Islands hosts some of the best activities that can be enjoyed here.

Traditional ‘sabani’ boat tours, paragliding, horse riding, buggies, electric scooters, SUP, kayaking can all done in the vicinity.

The nearest beach at 3 minutes walking minutes allows snorkelling, yoga. Stargazing can be done in the garden.

Of course, simply reading a book, taking a nap, or relaxing over a glass of wine or local awamori can be considered an activity as well.
Useful links

Be.okinawa

Japan National Tourist Organization, Yaeyama Island section

Okinawa Labo

Wikipedia

WikiVoyage

Tripadvisor

Visit Ishigaki

Ishigaki-Japan.com

Ishigaki-shima Creative Flag

Ishigaki Airport