The 200-person village of Sueyoshi lies in the southeast region of the island. Even for a place like Hachijō Island, it’s a quiet corner away from the beaten path.

People who make the trek out here learn just how rich this island can be: Springs both hot and cold, astonishing views of the ocean, surfing spots, and wide open night skies filled with stars.
Sueyoshi contains a small cafe.

Cafe Lighthouse, whose name comes from the white lighthouse that is emblematic of the village. And right next to it, you’ll find a white building made by Hachijō Terrace called “The Lighthouse Keeper’s House.”

Lighthouses are beacons that inform sailors that there’s an island near them.

Both the cafe and the Lighthouse Keeper’s House were born from a desire to become a waypoint where Sueyoshi locals, visitors, and off-islanders can all drop in and come together. Locally grown vegetables can be seen everywhere in the cafe.

You won’t find any large markets or grocery stores open late. Instead, everyone here knows one another, exchanging produce between themselves. Hachijō is known as the “isle of kindness,” but that doesn’t come from any far-flung legend.

This place runs on “island time,” unhurried and relaxed. Sueyoshi, then, is an especially good place to step out from the noise of daily life and into a calm, peaceful moment.

As for conveniences, you may find they are few. Summers are hot; winters are cold. The Cafe has neither door nor restroom. But even so, we hope you accept these quirks as parts of the island’s character.

So if you have time, please try to make the drive to the southeastern tip of the island. Come ready for a cup of coffee, and enjoy Island Time.