#Japan #Okinawa #Kouri Island #YAWN YARD #Yanbaru

Discovering Yanbaru with YAWN YARD Kouri Island

Okinawa's Kouri Island is home to YAWN YARD, a private resort hotel that recently celebrated its second anniversary. To mark this occasion, YAWN YARD is launching an exciting new activity program named "The Garden Classroom," which aims to immerse guests in the local Yanbaru way of life. Bookings for this unique experience will open on April 24, 2024.

The "Garden Classroom" program allows participants to engage with the daily lives of the Yanbaru community while uncovering the rich narratives and values that underpin this region. Rather than simply serving as tourists, guests will work alongside locals to gain hands-on experience and insight into the customs and traditions of Okinawa's Yanbaru region.

About Yanbaru

Situated in the northern part of Okinawa Island, Yanbaru is a region distinguished by its lush natural environment and vibrant cultural heritage. Recently, however, shifting lifestyles and a shortage of skilled individuals have resulted in traditional practices and knowledge slipping away from everyday life. What used to be commonplace in the lives of local residents is now preserved by only a few.

YAWN YARD aims to bridge the gap by offering visitors a chance to connect with these daily rituals and keep the essence of Yanbaru alive for future generations. By creating interactions between travelers, residents, and the land itself, YAWN YARD is committed to ensuring that these essential values continue to thrive.

The Three Themes of the Garden Classroom

The "Garden Classroom" program invites guests to delve deeper into Yanbaru through three key themes: "Diving into the Yanbaru Forest," "Diving into Yanbaru Traditions," and "Diving into Everyday Yanbaru Life." The goal is to transform visitors' perspectives, allowing them to appreciate the land and culture in a more profound way rather than consuming it as mere tourists.

From April 24, 2024, participants can choose from the following activities:

1. Diving into the Yanbaru Forest

Experience an intimate connection with the nature of Yanbaru through a guided nature tour led by Hiroki Uegata, a seasoned nature guide affiliated with Endemic Garden H. This tour covers three paths:

• - Yanbaru Forest Park Course: Learn about the abundant flora and fauna.
• - Yonahadake Course: Trek while studying the forest's ecosystem.
• - Kouri Island Course: Feel the natural world as it intertwines with everyday life.

Each participant will gain a fresh perspective on the subtropical flora and fauna of the region, promising a life-changing experience.

2. Diving into Yanbaru Traditions

Take part in the labor-intensive craft of creating Bashofu (banana fiber cloth), recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Asset. This program offers participants an opportunity to harvest the banana plants, learn about the traditional methods alongside locals, and understand how this beautiful material is intertwined with the fabric of daily life in the community.

3. Diving into Everyday Yanbaru Life

Gain insights into the coffee-growing industry that thrives in the region. Situated within the coffee belt, Okinawa provides a unique environment for cultivating coffee beans without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Guests will visit the farm run by Saneyoshi Miyagi of Hunkai Coffee and learn firsthand about sustainable farming practices, all while experiencing the passion and care that goes into producing quality coffee.

As part of the expanded Garden Classroom offerings, YAWN YARD is excited to continue developing unique, local experiences in the future.

Booking Information

Reservations for the Garden Classroom programs can be made from April 24, 2024, via the official website YAWN YARD Kouri Island. Notably, these experiences are exclusive to hotel guests and must be reserved at least seven days prior to arrival.

For inquiries, guests can reach out at: [email protected].

Conclusion

The team at YAWN YARD is keen to share the beauty of Yanbaru with visitors. To foster a meaningful connection, understanding and experiencing the area is essential. They hope to serve as a bridge to this wonderful land's history and culture, helping others to appreciate and engage with the Yanbaru community.

Press Contact

For media requests, please contact: [email protected].

Company Overview:

• - Name: YAWN YARD Kouri Island
• - Website: YAWN YARD Kouri Island
• - Location: (Sea) 1837 Kouri, Nakijin, Okinawa 905-0406 Japan, (Hill) 1792-1 Kouri, Nakijin, Okinawa 905-0406 Japan
• - Access: 90 minutes by car from Naha Airport
• - Number of Rooms: 8 (Villa Type)
• - Opening Date: September 1, 2024
• - Managed by: Kashiwabara Corporation
• - Planned and Operated by: Kashiwabara Hands Inc.