Japan Travelogue

Enjoy Life at One of These Southern Island Resorts

Nipponia presents four of Okinawa’s many fine resorts that offer a truly enjoyable and relaxing time by the sea.

Written by Sanada Kuniko and Uchiyama Ikue  Photos by Sugawara Chiyoshi and Kawada Masahiro

Oura Bay on the northeastern coast of the main island of Okinawa is treasured for its coral, tropical fish and dugongs. The sea and a subtropical forest wilderness form the backdrop to Kanucha Bay Hotel & Villas, situated on expansive grounds (about 2.6 km²) that include an 18-hole golf course. For your lodgings you have a choice of a hotel room or one of the cottages. Meals are eaten in a separate building, and there are three pools. To get around the resort you may want to rent a fancy vehicle that is something like a golf cart, or take the shuttle bus.

Everything from the guest rooms and beds to the balconies is designed big, for extra relaxation. You may want a luxurious suite, or a guest room with easy-to-use kitchen facilities for a longer stay, or a great cottage for your family or group.

The hotel offers opportunities for the holiday thrill seeker: the largest mangrove swamp on the island, waiting to be explored on a kayak tour; parasailing for sky adventurers; and even classes in the sanshin, a three-stringed instrument used in the traditional music of Okinawa. You will want to stay several days, taking your time to commune with the nature and culture of Okinawa.

· Address: 156-2 Abu, Nago, Okinawa
· Tel: +81-980-55-8880
· Fax: +81-980-55-8693
· Reservation center: Tel +81-98-869-5500; Fax +81-98-869-5655
· Number of rooms: 317
· http://www.kanucha.jp (Japanese-language website)