Post-Pandemic Retreats in Northern Okinawa

For a safe and productive working retreat, Okinawa has a wide range of private accommodations in secluded locations where you can set up office, while remaining close to nature. On the Motobu Peninsula, you can rent an entire villa in its own private garden surrounded by trees from Shinminka Villa. Each villa is fully furnished with a deluxe kitchen and even an outdoor barbecue, so you can shop for fresh produce at local food markets and enjoy slow-life within the local village community. The newly built wooden buildings are modeled after traditional Okinawan minka folk houses, but redesigned with contemporary architecture—the outer walls are completely transparent to give you a 360-degree view of your immediate surroundings, and by extension an intimate connection with the natural environment.
 

Yanbaru is northern Okinawa’s mountainous region of primeval forests and rare endemic wildlife. Among its native subtropical flora are epiphytic ferns and orchids, living fossil cycads, giant banyans, evergreen Itajii, and the famous towering Okinawa Urajirogashi tree on Mt. Ibudake. Endemic species of fauna include the iconic Yanbaru kuina (Okinawa Rail), Noguchi gera (Okinawa Woodpecker), Ryukyu yamagame (Ryukyu Black Breasted Leaf Turtle). Hike up to cloud forests on Mt. Yonahadake, admire spectacular views from limestone cliffs overlooking Shioya Bay, or follow a scenic trail leading to the 26-meter drop of Hiji Otaki Falls.
 

If limiting interaction with others while slow traveling remains a concern, consider renting a bicycle in Nago and going for a refreshing ride along Kouri Island - it’s a highly charismatic destination for lovers, featuring the timeless attraction of a coralline rock formation in the shape of a heart, which is also the setting of Okinawa’s own Adam and Eve legend. From Nago, turn off Route 58 onto Yagaji Island, then continue across to Kouri Bridge, savoring each scenic minute of its 1,960-meter span over clear turquoise water. On the other side, enjoy touring the coastline with more luscious sea views around Kouri Island’s 8-kilometer circumference.

Wherever and however you choose to travel through the islands, keep in mind that the less populated, more wild region of northern Okinawa offers a variety of secluded retreats and safe activities for both a socially distanced workspace and a splendid vacation.