Amami Oshima, JapanKasari
Denpaku The Beachfront MIJORA(Midoriya)
Modernist beachfront villas
Kasari Amami Oshima, Japan
Opened
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Local LuxeOutside the door
The house
DenpakuModernist beachfront villas
Sculptural concrete pavilions sit directly on the sand, built without televisions to leave only the sound of the surf.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Origami concrete shells topped with exposed timber ceilings, framing Akagina Bay through glass.
Notable
Villas reinterpreting traditional Amami granaries, serving Kasari port seafood and native black pork.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
thirteen separate beachfront villas on the subtropical island of Amami Oshima, each one standing as a striking, live-in monument to modernist design.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Along the shores of Akagina Bay, where standalone modern villas face the sea in northern Kasari.
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling glass looks straight out across Akagina Bay, and every bathroom holds a deep-soaking tub.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An outdoor pentagonal infinity pool sits right beside the shore, overflowing toward the open waters of Akagina Bay.
Restaurant
2 waters
Counter stools face panoramic windows onto the bay. Evening set menus serve organic island vegetables and regional Kyushu wines.
How it began

Architect Yasuhiro Yamashita designed the pavilions using the largest glass sheets that could fit onto an island cargo ship.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.