Sunset and Stargazing at Hoshino Resorts Risonare Kohamajima

Located at the southwestern tip of the Japanese archipelago, Hoshino Resorts Risonare Kohamajima is introducing a seasonal dining program that leverages the region’s clear autumn atmosphere. The “Utsuroi Zekkei Dinner” is a private experience limited to a single group per day, situated on an elevated vantage point at the Kohamajima Country Club. The setting provides an unobstructed view of the horizon, where guests can observe the sun descending behind Iriomote Island before the sky transitions into a dense canopy of stars.

A couple dining outdoors at sunset on Kohamajima — The private dining setting on a hill overlooking the Yaeyama Islands.

A Private Seat for Shifting Skies

The experience is designed around the visual transformation of the landscape. As the autumn breeze settles over the islands, the private table serves as a silent observer to the changing light. With no surrounding structures to interfere with the view, the transition from the vibrant colors of twilight to the deep blacks of the night sky is particularly pronounced. The location at the Kohamajima Country Club ensures a tranquil environment, allowing the natural sounds of the island to accompany the meal.

Table set for dinner against a purple and orange sunset — The sky transitions through deep purple and orange hues over the horizon.

A dining table under the Milky Way with lanterns on the ground — As night falls, the Milky Way becomes visible above the candlelit table.

Short Course Dinner Celebrating Yaeyama Flavors

The culinary component of the evening is a short course focused on regional ingredients. A central feature of the menu is a steak dish wrapped and grilled in gettou (shell ginger) leaves. This traditional preparation method imparts a distinct, refreshing aroma to the meat. The meal is punctuated with local textures, including a dessert of panna cotta made with jimami tofu (peanut tofu), offering a subtle sweetness that reflects the culinary heritage of the Yaeyama Islands.

Grilled steak with red wine sauce and a glass of red wine — Steak prepared with local aromatics, paired with a curated red wine.

Curated Wine Pairings and New Dessert Cocktails

The beverage program follows the progression of the sky, beginning with champagne and moving through selected wine pairings. For the 2026 season, the resort has introduced a specific dessert cocktail designed to be enjoyed under the stars. This drink blends Okinawan awamori (a distilled rice spirit) with mango and pipachi (island pepper), a local spice known for its gentle heat and herbal notes. The combination is crafted to encourage guests to linger in the stillness of the night after the final course has been served.

Three glasses containing wine, a tropical cocktail, and champagne at dusk — The drink selection transitions from sunset champagne to an island-inspired cocktail.

The resort itself is a remote getaway accessible via ferry from Ishigaki, providing a base for exploring the coral-fringed waters and the unique ecosystem of Taketomi-cho. The vast grounds of the property, including the golf course where the dinner is held, emphasize the scale of the natural environment in this southern corner of Okinawa.

Aerial view of Hoshino Resorts Risonare Kohamajima and its golf course — The resort grounds extend toward the turquoise waters of the Okinawan coast.

Aerial view of the clear blue sea surrounding Kohama Island — The surrounding waters are known for their clarity and coral reefs.

Property details

Property: Hoshino Resorts Risonare Kohamajima
Address: 2954 Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa 907-1221
Access: 25 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal to Kohama Port, followed by a 10-minute shuttle bus ride.
Official site: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/risonarekohamajima/
Rooms: 60
Pricing: 30,000 JPY per person (includes tax and service charge)