Back when the term “guesthouse” was still relatively unknown in Japan, I was traveling the world as a backpacker.

What I encountered at guesthouses across countries was genuine connection that transcended borders.
Even without a common language, we laughed together, became engrossed in stories about each other’s countries, and sometimes traveled together.

“I want to create a place like this in Japan.”

With that wish, I opened a guesthouse in Osaka in 2016.

It was an ideal place where guests naturally connected and exchanged information. But soon, I was swept up in the wave of rapidly increasing lodging options and price competition.
I faced the challenge of maintaining the highest hospitality while offering “accommodation cheaper than lunch.”
I closed the doors once, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the passion to create a “home away from home for travelers” never left my heart.

The turning point came one day during the pandemic.

I visited Iriomote Island on a whim and was utterly captivated.

The eastern part, especially, was largely undeveloped, pitch-black at night. There was none of the flashiness typical of tourist spots. Instead, I realized the true luxury lay in the simple moments: the sunrise, the sea, the sunset, the star-filled sky.

During my frequent visits, I encountered the guesthouse “Shima Jikan.”

I fell in love with the owner’s deep knowledge of nature and history, and their hospitality from a traveler’s perspective, guiding guests to spots not even on GPS.
Here, the guesthouse culture I once longed for—where people meet and travel becomes more interesting—was alive and well.

Then one day, the owner asked me:

“Would you like to take over ‘Shima Jikan’?”

The moment I heard those words, a dream I had given up on came back to life.

Its prime location right in front of the port. Before it could be bought by foreign investors or corporations, I felt a strong urge to protect this place and pass it on to the next generation.

Here, I could create a place that focuses on connecting with each traveler, not just price competition.
Convinced of this, after much deliberation, I decided to take it over.

However, purchasing it as an individual required significant funds.
Yet, driven by my renewed dream for the guesthouse and the desire to preserve this island’s pristine landscape for the future, I resolved to seek your support through crowdfunding.

The Future I Envision

Preserving the island’s nature and culture while delivering irreplaceable experiences to travelers
Passing on an authentic guesthouse culture, untouched by price wars, to the next generation
Allowing visitors from around the world to take home a “treasure found at Japan’s edge”

To those who love Iriomote Island and the Yaeyama Islands, those who feel nostalgia for traveler culture, and those who wish to preserve Japan’s pristine landscapes for the future.
Please support this challenge with us.

Your support will connect this island’s scenery and guesthouse culture to the future.

Thank you so much for reading to the end.

Why Crowdfunding?

We don’t want to simply replace the old inn. We want to create a place together with people who love Iriomote Island.
We want to grow this place with you, not as a tourist destination, but as a place where you can experience the island’s authentic charm.

The charm of Iriomote Island can only be understood by those who have visited.
And those who stay at “Shima Jikan” will surely want to return. We want to pass on such a place to the future.

Left: Kamatani (me) / Right: Current owner of “Shima Jikan”

The charm of Iriomote Island can only be understood by those who have visited.
And those who stay at “Shimajikan” will surely want to return again.

Would you like to join us in connecting this special place to the future?