Maki Shinjo
Editor and writer. After working at a major bank, she became a freelance editor and writer. Currently, she is in charge of directing photo shoots and writing pages for women's fashion magazines, mainly for the magazine "CanCam" (Shogakukan). She is also active in a wide range of fields, including writing for web media and corporate advertisements, and producing social media for corporations.
About vacation rentals
Before leaving, I researched vacation rentals (hereafter referred to as vacation rentals). Vacation rentals are a service where you rent an entire property, so there are no staff to look after you like in a hotel. But that's why you can relax at your own pace, as if you were at home. Rather than traveling as a "guest," being able to spend time in a place like a "local" seems like it will double the fun of your trip.
Moreover, the price is set per property per night. If you stay with a few people, the cost per person will be significantly lower, making it a great deal. This makes it a great place to stay not just for a few days, but for a week or even for a few months!
And because Okinawa is a resort destination, the number of villas that offer vacation rentals is on the rise. If you can experience the popular vacation rentals in your beloved Okinawa, you'll have no choice but to stay there!
From among the many properties available, I chose a villa in the Nakijin area, where untouched nature remains. After all, when you think of Okinawa, you think of the wide sky and blue sea. I want to live the "Okinawan life" in a peaceful place. In order to convey the charm of Okinawa vacation rentals to everyone, in addition to the property I will be staying at, I also checked out two properties in the surrounding area.
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Spectacular oceanfront view! PRIVATE VILLA LUXE
We stayed at "PRIVATE VILLA LUXE," which faces the sea of Nakijin. This two-story villa was rented out for our exclusive use! Next to it was a large private pool, and on the other side of the fence was a wide lawn that made us want to run around. We were excited to see the Okinawan-style red tile roof and the shisa lions at the entrance, so we checked in.
When I say check-in, all you have to do is follow the instructions in the email and receive the key on-site. There's no need to write your name or verify your identity, and there's no need for any other troublesome procedures. After that, you can use the key to enter and exit freely. It's just like being at home. This ease is very comfortable.
There are a few rooms on the first floor, but this is an oceanfront property. I couldn't help but want to see the spectacular view, so I ran up the stairs next to the entrance and headed to the living room on the second floor.
Enjoy the spectacular view of "Nakijin Blue" from a special seat in the living room
Look! This is the ocean view, the biggest attraction of LUXE! While basking in the sunlight streaming in through the large windows, you can fully enjoy the blue ocean that spreads out before you. Since there is nothing blocking the view, you can admire this magnificent view from anywhere, such as the sofa, table, or kitchen. It was a moment that made me truly think, "I'm glad I came to Okinawa!"
Because it takes in light from two directions, it is bright enough even without electricity during the day. The ceiling is also high and gives an open impression. Since there are no large buildings or residences nearby, I was able to keep the curtains open. It's great to be able to relax without worrying about other people's eyes.
If you want to feel the great outdoors, open the window and go to the balcony. Since it is a residential area, it is very quiet. The sounds of the wind and waves will provide you with soothing background music to enjoy the best time. By the way, you can also enjoy a BBQ here. (BBQ equipment is always available on-site and can be borrowed for free.)
There is a large screen TV, DVD player, karaoke and other amenities in the room, but no entertainment can compete with this beautiful view. I enjoyed chatting with my family while looking out the window on the sofa in the special seat. "It feels like my own home."
The island kitchen is equipped with a microwave, rice cooker, oven, mixer, and hot plate. The cupboard is stocked with tableware that can easily accommodate a large number of people. There are also cutely patterned dishes that will make you want to cook.
Stretch your wings and relax under the watchful eye of the blue sea.
The main room on the first floor is where you change clothes, take a bath, rest, and do your everyday activities. It also has a bathroom and toilet, and is so well-equipped that you could honestly live here alone. It's also nice that it has air conditioning, heating, a large TV, and a large closet.
If you open the window in the bathroom next to the room, you can see the pool in the garden. Since the entire site is reserved for you, you don't have to worry about being seen by others. It has a jacuzzi, so when you pour body soap in, look! It's full of bubbles. It's like a scene from a foreign movie.
The shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are all made by POLA. They have a nice scent, lather well, and glide smoothly over the skin. It's reassuring to use a brand you can trust.
The amenities were also plentiful. There was face and hand soap, a toothbrush (with mini toothpaste), a body towel, and in the basket were hairbrushes, shaving wipes, cotton swabs, etc. This was really appreciated as I came empty-handed!
By the way, there is another bathroom and washroom on the first floor, which are equipped with a washing machine, dryer, clothes drying stand, and iron.
Plenty to see! A spacious villa surrounded by nature
There is another bedroom on the first floor. This one is more compact than the main room, but it is enough for sleeping. It is fully equipped with air conditioning and heating, and a large screen TV. Although you can't see the ocean, the lush greenery is right in front of you. Just looking at it is soothing.
Next to it is a Japanese-style room! The gentle scent of tatami is comforting. In the closet, there are 5 sets of futons, comforters, sheets, and blankets. It's also nice and sweet to sleep here in a row.
As you leave the villa, you'll be greeted by a large pool next to you! It's 110cm deep, so it's perfect for adults. You can swim from April to October, coinciding with the opening of the Okinawa beach season. Just imagining gazing out at the ocean while soaking in a cool pool under the hot sun makes your cheeks melt. In the winter, when the pool can't be used, we recommend driving a little further to Churaumi Aquarium or Kouri Island.
Cooking your own meals using local ingredients is the best part of vacation rentals
Since we are traveling like locals, we want to make our own meals! So we drove about 10 minutes to a supermarket called A-Coop to buy groceries. We bought bitter melon, island tofu, Yamahara soba, island masu (salt), Spam, and other ingredients unique to Okinawa.
Goya chanpuru, Okinawa soba, juushi (Okinawan-style cooked rice). All of them are made with local ingredients and are delicious! I quench my thirst with Orion beer.
Cooking for yourself like this makes you feel even more like you're at home. The situation itself is out of the ordinary, but the way you spend your time is just like you always do. You don't have to be nervous, so you don't get tired. I guess there's another way to travel like this.
This villa can accommodate up to 10 people (plus children, please inquire), so you can enjoy it in a variety of ways, such as relaxing with three generations of parents and children, or having fun with friends and their families. It seems that many people bring their small children with them. Please come and visit with your loved ones.
Experience a luxurious daily life. VILLA OMORO nakijin
Nakijin is known for its beautiful nature, and the Sakiyama area facing the sea is known as a luxury villa area. Located in this great location is "VILLA OMORO Nakijin," one of the largest in Okinawa. Renting the entire three-story villa is so luxurious! You'll feel more luxurious than usual while staying here.
In fact, I was shown the inside of the property.
Enjoy a high-class lifestyle in an elegant space
Once you pass through the marble entrance and go up to the second floor, you will be greeted by a luxurious living and dining room. You can relax on the sofa while watching the large screen TV on the wall. Wi-Fi is also available, so you can watch movies or music videos here.
In the same space, there is an adjacent bedroom overlooking the garden. There are three other guest rooms, each with one king-size bed, two semi-double beds, and four semi-double beds, for a total of eight beds in four rooms. Futons are also provided, so please feel free to use them if you don't like sleeping on beds. Baby beds are also available, so those with small children can rest assured.
Free your mind and body! Baths and toilets where you can feel the great outdoors
The bathroom and toilet are stylishly made of glass! The open space makes you feel close to nature and is incredibly comfortable. At first, you may feel a little nervous about the unusual feeling, but since it is a private space, you will not be seen by anyone. If you still feel uneasy, you can close the roller blinds to cover your eyes.
The clean, white-toned bathroom leaves a good impression. There is a full range of amenities, including hand soap, toothbrushes (with mini toothpaste), body towels, hairbrushes, shaving towels, and cotton swabs. If you look outside, you'll see the great outdoors. Combined with this situation, you'll feel like you're getting ready in the best possible mood.
Enjoy the ultimate luxury stay in our luxurious rooms.
Climb the spiral staircase to the top floor and you'll find a spacious luxury room. The solid L-shaped sofa also creates a luxurious atmosphere. Behind you is a bar counter! If you bring your own alcohol or liqueurs, you can feel like a bartender. We also recommend calling a professional on-site bartender or renting a beer server (both require prior reservations). By the way, you can project images onto the white wall at the back right using a projector. Why not come here in the evening to watch a movie with a drink in hand?
A wide window offers a magnificent view of the ocean! The picturesque scenery will make you feel the slow flow of time that is so characteristic of Okinawa. You can relax on the sofa or soothe your tired body in a massage chair. There are also plenty of entertainment facilities, such as a karaoke set, DVD player, and electone, so you can have fun indoors even on bad weather days.
On the top floor, there is a multi-purpose space that is almost like a cafe. You can casually chat or work on your computer at your own pace while looking out at the blue sea. It is directly connected to the rooftop, so you can go outside just by opening the door.
Ocean view rooftop for the ultimate in luxury
The outdoor terrace features an ocean view jacuzzi pool, the villa's greatest attraction! You can enjoy the beautiful ocean during the day and the starry sky at night while relaxing and feeling the tropical breeze. Enjoying it with your family, friends, or partner, a glass of champagne in hand...it's like a scene straight out of a foreign TV drama. This is luxury for adults!
By the way, there is also an outdoor pool on the premises. The location is very quiet, surrounded by lush trees. You will lose track of time and play like a child while listening to the sound of the wind and the rustling of the leaves. The water is quite deep, over 1m deep.
There is also a full-fledged BBQ grill on the rooftop. As long as you bring the ingredients, you can enjoy a BBQ anytime. This deck has enough space for a large group of people to have fun, so it would be fun to hold a casual party while eating meat and drinking alcohol. When you are here, ideas for "out of the ordinary" just keep coming to you!
Invite a chef to your dynamic, authentic kitchen
The dynamic kitchen is fully equipped with everything from general appliances such as a microwave, oven, and electric kettle to an induction rice cooker, fully automatic coffee maker, and water purifier. What's even more noteworthy is that the kitchen equipment is for commercial use! It's the perfect environment for a chef to show off his skills. There is even a delightful optional service where a professional chef will prepare an authentic course meal for you. (Advance reservation required/fees apply)
A 7-minute walk to the private beach, Sakiyama Beach
This villa is a great place to spend an elegant time, but its location is also fantastic. A 7-minute walk will take you to Sakiyama Beach, with its beautiful emerald green sea. It's a hidden gem with few tourists or locals, so you can relax as if you were on a private beach. The villa comes with bicycles, so it's great to cycle there!
This villa can accommodate up to 15 people (plus children, please inquire), so it's perfect for families and groups of friends to gather and have a lively time. It's also spacious enough to be a great place to hold parties, events, and workshops. (It can accommodate up to 40 guests who are not staying overnight.)
Nostalgic comfort. Neo Cure Kouri 179
Kouri Island is located across a 2km bridge in the emerald green ocean. Although it is a small island that can be circumnavigated in just 15 minutes, it is known as one of Okinawa's leading tourist destinations due to its untouched nature and peaceful island atmosphere.
There are vacation rental properties on Kouri Island. We highly recommend Neo Cure Kouri 179 for those who want to experience the charm of the island for themselves. A concrete house comes into view soon after entering the island. Its homey atmosphere makes you feel at ease, as if you were visiting your auntie's house.
Let's go inside this one too.
Let's have a conversation in the open-ceiling living room
The living room features an open ceiling that gives a sense of openness. If you sit on the large sofa and look out the window at the view, you will see the blue sea and vibrant trees. When you stare at this view, you will fall into the illusion that time has stopped. It is also a good place to have a relaxing "yuntaku" (chat) while watching TV. If you are staying with a large group, it is possible to set up beds here.
Behind the dining table that looks like it could fit the whole family is a compact and user-friendly kitchen. The stove is an induction cooker, and it is equipped with everything you need for cooking, including a refrigerator, microwave, oven, and kettle.
By the way, you can get ingredients at the Fureai Center on the island, or at the A-Coop supermarket about a 20-minute drive away. You should also try the island's specialty pumpkins, sea urchins, and sea grapes while you're here!
Relax and enjoy island time in this ocean view bedroom
The main bedroom has two double-sized beds. There is a large shelf against the wall for storing luggage and hanging clothes. The room is bright even without turning on the lights, as it is illuminated from two sides. There is a large window in front of the bed, so you can enjoy the view of the island while lying down.
The view of Kouri Island from the window. You will feel as if you have blended into the daily life of the island. If such a beautiful view spreads out before your eyes, you will be so excited that you will not be able to sleep for a long time (laughs).
You can do your morning makeup on this dresser. Sit back and relax while thinking about where you should go today. Check the weather forecast on the TV.
Staying up late in the secret base-like loft
There was a small loft at the top of the spiral staircase. The attic-like atmosphere tickles the childlike heart that I had almost forgotten. It would be fun to chat all night in a space like this. If you pull down the roller blinds, you can maintain your privacy as a small private room.
If you open the loft window, you can go straight out onto the roof. You can even have a BBQ here! (BBQ equipment is always available on-site. Rental is free.) It's nice to have a beer and chat about trivial things while looking out at the sea.
The bathroom has some unique touches you'd expect from an island with a beach!
The bathroom is relaxing and just like home. Of course, shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided. It is clean and the size is just right. And above all, the relaxing atmosphere makes you feel at ease in the bath.
In fact, there is a door right next to it that allows direct access from outside! You can go straight to the shower from the beach, which is very convenient on days when you've played in the sea. There is also a bright bathroom in the same space. There is a washer and dryer, so you can do your laundry.
Exploring Kouri Island at your leisure from the villa
The biggest benefit of staying on Kouri Island is the beautiful sea! Kouri Beach, located at the entrance to the island, has calm waves and clear water, making it popular with tourists and locals alike. If you make a reservation, you can also try out kayaking and diving. The water is shallow, so children can enjoy it safely. At night, you can enjoy the starry sky, so it's also recommended for couples.
At Teenu Beach, located in the north part of the island, there is a heart-shaped rock known as the "Heart Rock." This is a famous spot on Kouri Island, so be sure to stop by and take a commemorative photo.
If you get hungry, fill up at KOURI SHRIMP, a popular garlic shrimp specialty restaurant on the island. Once you try the savory, plump shrimp with a hint of garlic, you'll be hooked! If you're staying at Neo Cure Kouri 179, be sure to stop by.
This villa can accommodate up to eight people (plus children, please inquire), so why not bring along a few family or friends? It's a compact villa that's perfect for a casual stay, so it's also recommended for people who want to stretch their legs on their own, or for couples.
The appeal of Okinawa vacation rentals is being able to enjoy time passing slowly in the great outdoors, and being able to spend time in a luxurious space without having to worry about anyone else.
When you wake up, you can have coffee in the living room while soaking up the morning sun, work out in the pool during the day, and then relax in the bath while watching the sun go down...In this way, you can enjoy yourself by moving from room to room throughout the day.
Highly recommended for those looking for an extraordinary yet relaxing trip!
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
