Secret Summer Dinners: Unveiling HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island’s Starry Experience

From July 1st to September 30th, 2024, HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island presents a unique summer dining experience. Set against the backdrop of a starlit sky and overlooking the quaint village, guests are treated to an exquisite French-style dinner. Building upon the success of last year’s event, several enhancements have been introduced for this year’s program.

New to this year’s offering is a pre-dinner aperitif served in the comfort of guests’ rooms, timed to coincide with the emergence of evening stars in the sky. As the anticipation builds and the sky gradually darkens, guests are enveloped in a captivating ambiance, culminating in a culinary journey under the twinkling canopy of stars and the enchanting vista of the village.

Taketomi Island, nestled within the Yaeyama Islands, holds the distinction of being Japan’s first International Dark Sky Place. With 84 constellations visible and all 21 first-magnitude stars observable at night, the island boasts an unparalleled celestial panorama. In harmony with this natural wonder, HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island eschews overhead lighting, ensuring an unobstructed view of the starry heavens. Designed to blend seamlessly with the island’s landscape, the guest rooms, pathways, and gardens preserve the pristine beauty of the surroundings, devoid of intrusive electricity poles or towering structures.

This year’s iteration of the under-the-night-sky dinner promises an enhanced experience, inviting guests to revel in the celestial splendor before indulging in a culinary masterpiece that promises to be the highlight of their island getaway.

Introducing the “Waiting for the Stars” Aperitif Time, a novel addition to the guest experience. Delightful finger foods and beverages will be served in the tranquil ambiance of the guest room’s garden prior to dinner. As the sun sets, guests can bask in the enchanting dusk atmosphere, witnessing the gradual transition into nightfall. Against this evolving backdrop, stars will emerge one by one, casting a celestial glow over the scene, creating a magical ambiance to savor alongside a glass of rose champagne, tartare with aged corn beef, and octopus terrine. This interlude offers a seamless transition, allowing guests to revel in the captivating spectacle of the transforming sky as it evolves into a twinkling canopy by dinner time.

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a truly unique setting as they experience a special dinner in the privatized gazebo space. From this vantage point, they can admire the expansive vista of the HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island village landscape under a canopy of twinkling stars. Reflecting the traditional architecture of Taketomi Island, all guest rooms are charming wooden one-story structures, ensuring an unobstructed view of the night sky without the presence of tall buildings or utility poles. Carefully designed lighting arrangements further accentuate the darkened environment, allowing the beauty of the star-studded sky to shine brightly. The gazebo stands as the sole space within HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island offering a panoramic perspective of the village landscape, complete with its iconic traditional red-tiled houses.

Indulge in an exquisite French culinary extravaganza for a memorable evening. A meticulously crafted five-course dinner awaits, featuring locally cherished ingredients such as tiger prawns and mangos, beloved staples of island cuisine. This sumptuous feast showcases a diverse array of dishes exclusive to the southern region, promising a dining experience unlike any other. Each dish, meticulously conceived and executed by the chef, reflects his wealth of experience and culinary mastery. Normally reserved for indoor dining at the restaurant, this exceptional French cuisine soirée beneath the starry heavens offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed.

• Period: July 1st to September 30th, 2024 (Excluding: July 14th to 28th, August 7th to 26th, and September 11th to 25th, 2024)
• Participants: Exclusive to hotel guests
• Price: 31,460 yen per person (inclusive of tax and service charge, accommodation fee not included)
• Inclusions: Aperitifs and finger foods, exclusive use of the gazebo space, five-course dinner
• Capacity: Limited to one group per day (up to 2 people)
• Timing: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Subject to change based on sunset time)
• Reservation: Available through Official Website up to 14 days in advance
• Notes: Event will be canceled in the event of rain or stormy weather. Menu items may vary based on seasonal availability.