Guesthouse Ayaguya | A Family-Run Old-House Stay in Sarahama (Irabu, Miyako)

This is a homely, family-run guesthouse standing on a hilltop in Sarahama on Irabu Island. Located within the village overlooking Sarahama Port, its appeal is a white-toned space renovated from an old folk house. The name "Ayaguya" means "house (ya) of song (ayagu)" in the Miyako language, and it is also a base for activities passing the sacred songs and island ballads handed down in Sarahama on to the next generation. The owner has 20 years of sanshin experience, and if you are lucky you can fully enjoy island time along with the tones of the sanshin. The rooms have women-only and mixed dormitories and private rooms, with self-catering possible in the shared kitchen. From the rooftop you can view the sea. A warm inn where you can touch the life of the local fishing town, it is within walking distance of Sarahama Port, a fishery-run diner, and a town walk. Note that booking is currently accepted only from repeat or referred guests, so inquire in advance if you wish to use it.

Full article about this spot

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressMaezato-soe 3-6, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening timeCheck-in and check-out times to be confirmed (no curfew). Currently booking accepted only from repeat or referred guests
ClosedIrregular (by booking status; confirm)
FeeDormitory from 2,500 yen (approx US$17) per night; private room 3,500 to 5,000 yen (approx US$23 to 33); room rental 9,000 yen (approx US$60) per night (up to 4); whole-house 20,000 yen (approx US$130) per night (up to 8) (confirm)
ParkingAvailable, free (parking space available)
Contacthttps://www.ayaguya.com/ / phone 0980-78-3422

Visiting tips & what to bring

Sarahama is a fishing town with many slopes, and as the inn is within a hilltop village, easy-to-walk shoes are reassuring for getting around on foot. As the village roads are narrow and winding, confirming the route in advance by car navigation or map for car access goes smoothly. Being a guesthouse format with shared areas, understanding of a style of sharing space with other guests is needed. A convenience store and supermarket are within walking distance, but as the village is quiet at night, doing shopping early is reassuring. As booking is currently limited to repeat and referred guests, be sure to confirm in advance.

For families with small children

With a family-run, homely atmosphere, it is attractive for families who want to touch local life. However, given the dormitory-centred guesthouse format sharing common areas with other guests, the hilltop village with many slopes and narrow roads, and the current booking limit to repeat and referred guests, the hurdle is somewhat high for those with small children aged 0 to 6. When wishing to use it, consulting directly in advance, including on child suitability, is recommended.

FAQ

Q.Can anyone book?

A.Currently, booking is accepted only from repeat or referred guests. For first-time use, inquire directly about availability and conditions on the official site or by phone (0980-78-3422).

Q.How much is the stay?

A.A guide is dormitory from 2,500 yen (approx US$17) per night, private room 3,500 to 5,000 yen (approx US$23 to 33), room rental for up to 4 at 9,000 yen (approx US$60), and whole-house for up to 8 at 20,000 yen (approx US$130). Confirm the latest rate when booking.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is free parking space. As the Sarahama village roads are narrow and winding, confirming the route before arrival is reassuring.

Q.What kind of atmosphere does the inn have?

A.A white-toned family-run guesthouse renovated from an old folk house, where under an owner with 20 years of sanshin experience you can touch sacred songs and island ballads. Self-catering is possible in the shared kitchen.

Q.Are there sightseeing or dining spots nearby?

A.Sarahama Port, Oshu Shrine and a fishery-run diner are within walking distance, and you can enjoy a town walk of the Sarahama village. A supermarket and convenience store are nearby too, convenient as a base for your stay.