cuoreyui

The bus stop is just a minute away, and a direct bus to Naha or the airport is a 15-minute walk. Buses were infrequent, about two every three hours, but that worked out fine. Kanehi supermarket is also only two minutes away, which made picking up groceries easy. I stayed for three nights in October 2023 in this traditional Okinawan house, which I think had four bedrooms and four dining rooms and kitchens. I spent most of my time on the kitchen floor watching TV. One Japanese-style room made a nice bedroom, and I napped in the sunny room beside the kitchen. It was very relaxing, though the shortage of floor cushions was inconvenient. I made do with a mat.

I found a reasonably priced place in Nakijin Village after deciding to drive north to Kouri Island during about two free days after work in Okinawa. Staying on the island itself seemed a little expensive for one person. The inn was a roomy, single-story Okinawan house, roughly three bedrooms and three kitchens, and the landlord next door was generous and kind. I bought food and drinks at a nearby supermarket and used the spacious garden for a barbecue. At night I grilled canned food under the stars and had Orion beer. I didn't need much else. It was a quiet, pleasant place to clear my head, and a rare chance to stay in an Okinawan home. (^^)

For a low price, I got a cozy, comfortable place to rest, and the country house was clean. It felt like a typical Japanese rural home. The host was kind and lives right next door. I liked that the toilet and shower room are separate, and there’s a convenience store and decent restaurant about five minutes away. I could also get to Daisekirinzan, Kouri Bridge, and Churaumi Aquarium all in one day.

There’s plenty of room and a nice sense of freedom here, with shops nearby. It’s a good way to experience everyday life in Okinawa.