Yanbaru Village: Okinawan Culture and Wellness

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Naha – Yanbaru: 2 h (Drive) Time: Start (Village Orientation Walk): 16:00 Duration: 1 h

On the northern coast of Okinawa’s main island is the small village of Yanbaru. Okinawa is considered a “Blue Zone” region where the residents live longer than average lives. The slow village life of Yanbaru and the healthy food grown in local gardens is thought to be a source of the mysterious longevity. This tiny traditional community has existed for over 400 years, and now welcomes visitors to discover an authentic side of Okinawa that cannot be found elsewhere. 

Drive a rental car from central Naha to the Oogimi roadside station, where a local villager guide awaits by 14:30. This guide will act as a host for the stay and lead guests on an adventure into the heart of Okinawan culture, nature, and hospitality.

Continue on with the villager guide to reach Yanbaru village, where empty private houses have been renovated into luxury villas that maintain the style and layout of the former homes. These sustainable hotels have created a new local business model that allow residents preserve and share their local culture.

After checking in, the villager guide will explain the house history and lead guests on a walk through the village. This orientation tour is a perfect way to discover the history and scenery of the village.

Dinner is served at the villa in the form of a simple and healthy DIY BBQ of chicken and local vegetables. 

Overnight in Yanbaru
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Time: Start (Bashofu experience): 10:00 Duration: approx. 2 h *including pick-up/drop-off, and transit times Start (Sabani experience): 14:00 Duration: approx. 2 h *including pick-up/drop-off, and transit times

Start the day with a healthy breakfast featuring locally made bread delivered to the villa.

Next, the villager guide will drive guests to Oogimi village to witness the remarkable local handicraft of bashofu, the traditional method of weaving banana leaf fibers into textiles. This disappearing craft produces thin cloth used to make light kimonos perfect for Okinawa’s heat and humidity. Experience this fascinating process up close and learn how a few remaining weavers are keeping the tradition alive.

Today’s lunch focuses on the Okinawan phrase “makachiku misore," meaning "please leave it to me.” Local grandmothers grow delicious island vegetables and are used in meals cooked in a charming rustic restaurant. Let the locals say “makachiku misore” as they prepare a special seasonal lunch that harnesses the power of nature through fresh ingredients and regional recipes. 

In the afternoon, board a traditional Okinawan wooden sailing boat for a relaxing ride over the waves. Originally used in Okinawa for practical purposes, the sabani boat evolved from a single-tree canoe to wood-joined construction due to forestry protection laws. Meet the shipbuilder and see how he is preserving the cultural legacy of the seagoing Okinawan people. 

Tonight’s dinner is vegan Okinawan cuisine at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Yanbaru

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Begin the morning with a traditional Okinawan cooking experience using a wood-fired stove in the villa. The villager guide will assist with the food preparation and guests can learn traditional cooking methods. When complete, enjoy a tasty home cooked breakfast served on beautiful Okinawa pottery. 

After checkout, say good bye to Yanbaru Village and drive to the next destination via rental car.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast