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Japan’s only subtropical region differs vastly from life on the main islands in the north,culturally and geographically. The country’s southernmost prefecture comprises 160 tropical islands,with the capital,Naha,a 2½-hour flight from Tokyo. Okinawa’s streets are devoid of neon lights,city skyscrapers and trains.

Instead,residents embrace a slower,spartan existence surrounded by inviting beaches and jungle-covered mountains. With its strong emphasis on clean eating and the island’s abundant natural beauty,it’s no wonder locals escape to Okinawa for a detox getaway. And I want in.

My journey to contentment begins with a stay at Yambaru Hotel Nammei Shinshitsu,two hours north of Naha,on the main island. The boutique accommodation in Kunigami offers two traditional Okinawan-style lodgings in the heart of the Jashiki community,a 400-year-old village located on mountain foothills along the coast.

Local sherpa Michiko Nakamoto cooks at the Yambaru Hotel Nammei Shinshitsu.Credit:Julia D’Orazio

It was established in 2022 by two sisters,Itsumi and Yu Nakamoto,who wanted to share traditional Okinawan culture. It is run by local “sherpas” and encourages guests to fully immerse themselves among the village’s 28 residents through 20 customised experiences.

The activities involve community members following theirikigai – something that adds value to one’s life. This includes hobbies and friendships,which I’m told are key factors in leading a long life.Experiences offered include night fishing,cooking lessons,traditional barbecues and visiting a local shaman. Both accommodation and activities assist the village’s survival,ironically faced with an ageing population.

My cultural awakening begins with a one-hour guided village tour with sherpa Risa Uehara. Tall hedges of Garcinia trees dwarf us as we walk the village’s narrow paths,that separate agricultural lands and houses. Uehara tells me it brings her joy to help preserve traditions and cultural knowledge of living with nature. Luckily for me,the lesson includes consuming it.

Okinawans mainly follow a plant-based diet,with most vegetables and beans grown locally. One of the experiences the hotel offers is a home-cooked dinner prepared by the founding sisters’ mother,Michiko Nakamoto,in my lodge. She prepares a dish using purple sweet potatoes – an Okinawan staple – and serves it alongside other cultivated seasonal produce. Each plate is brimming with colour,and the fresh flavours sing on my palate.

But it’s not just the food factor that helps many Okinawans become centenarians,but the ways of life,particularly being immersed in nature. I join Ogimi village boat builder Teppei Hentona for a two-hour tour along Shoiya Bay onboard a sabani. Fishermen have used these traditional hand-carved wooden sailboats for centuries,powered by wind and human strength. My paddling is put to the test using an oar resembling a giant cricket bat. It’s a good workout,but I am grateful when the sabani’s white sails are hoisted,and allow me to appreciate the idyllic forested hill scenery encircling us without effort.

Hiji Otaki Falls in Yambaru National Park.Credit:iStock

Speaking of jungle,Yambaru National Park is a 20-minute drive from the lodge. I join a nature guide to understand the reserve’s complex ecosystem,embarking on a 2.7-kilometre stroll through subtropical forests. The trail covers multiple terrains – streams,stairs,boardwalks and a 50-metre suspension bridge hovering 17 metres above the Hiji River – and leads to the island’s highest waterfall,Hiji Otaki Falls,at 26 metres.

In addition to mountain greenery and cascading waters,Okinawa soothes with a chorus of butterfly flutters,bird tweets,cicada strums and cricket chirps heard throughout the island;there are too many songsters to count. I feel so connected to nature,my senses are heightened. Okinawa has that long-lasting effect.

The details

Fly
Various airlines fly from Australia to Tokyo including Qantas,Jetstar,Virgin Australia,ANA and Japan Airlines. Airlines that fly from Tokyo to Okinawa include Jetstar Japan,ANA,Japan Airlines,Peach Aviation,Skymark and Solaseed Air. The flight time from Tokyo to Okinawa is approximately 2½ hours.

Stay
Yambaru Hotel Nammei Shinshitsu’s standard package includes two nights of accommodation,two breakfasts,one dinner,a guided tour in the community and one private activity from ¥52,500 ($A540) per person. Seeyambaru.co.jp/en.

The accommodation can arrange experiences on request.

More
visitokinawajapan.com

The writer was a guest ofJTB Australia and JNTO.

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