Ushimado International Villa is a nice building half way up a mountain. The coastal town centre is 2km away, making it less than ideal for tourists without a car. To find the villa head inland from the yacht marina up towards Oku and follow the signs, heading towards Olive Garden. The way is well sign-posted in English and Japanese. Turn left off the road when you get to the gelato parlour and it's just past the kayak tour shop.
The building is an interesting piece of architecture, crescent shaped with vaulted ceilings. The main communal area fills half the building and gives great views out to the coast and the centre of town. It's a large, clean and open space and makes for a great area to chat and eat, although it could do with a couch or more comfortable seating. There's air conditioning, a 46” flat screen, a fully anointed kitchen with dual sinks and stoves, and toilets. A number of tables litter the space, making use of the full wall window that stretches along the long side of the crescent.
There are four bedrooms and they are clean and simple, with a window for a wall like the communal area. There's a small table and chairs and two single beds. There is air conditioning and a private bathroom with a bath, sink and toilet. Sitting in bed and looking out over the twinkling lights of the bay-side town below you is a delightful experience. Similarly, waking up to the sunrise glinting on the bay is a great way to start the day.
Owned by Nippon Olive, the company that runs the local olive plantation and the Olive Gardens, this building is one of numerous villas that were built by local governments in this area of Japan. The government gave up on it, choosing to sell it, resulting in its current situation as a private villa. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to get used much, I was alone in my week long stay.
The surrounding environment is a mix of tropical forest, terraced farming and olive trees. It's a lush and beautiful area that's good for walking in, although in the summer months it can be a bit hot and humid. The Olive Garden is a 5 minute walk up the hill and has a nice café and the best vista in the area. The garden is an alright walk, if a bit dull. The area had a lot of bugs, so if you're squeamish about things that crawl you should prepare yourself.
Ushimado International Villa is a nice place to stay in Ushimado if you have a car or don't mind a decent walk into the town. Despite the inconvenience the location has its advantages, with great views and a secluded area. It's a 30 minute walk to the swimming beach and a 15 minute walk to the marina, and there aren't many more convenient hotels (apart from the luxurious Limani Hotel) in this area. If you're an independent traveller after a mountain-side getaway then this could be a great option. It feels luxurious and I found my time here slipping away too fast for my liking.
