HOSHINOYA Okinawa: Renewing the "Okinawa Blue Zone Stay" to discover "Ikigai" for the 100-year life era in Okinawa, one of only five Blue Zones in the world

A moment of relaxation in the infinity pool overlooking the sea.

HOSHINOYA, where each facility offers an overwhelming extraordinary experience with its unique theme. HOSHINOYA Okinawa, the pinnacle of Okinawan luxury embraced by the sea, will renew its "Okinawa Blue Zone Stay" program from June 1, 2026, to help guests discover their "Ikigai" for the 100-year life era in Okinawa, one of only five recognized Blue Zones in the world. This program focuses not merely on health methods but on "Ikigai" (*1), a source of vitality for tomorrow. Following the "9 Rules" learned from centenarians worldwide, the program includes traditional craft experiences and workshops directly taught by Ryukyuan cuisine inheritors. Through interaction with people who pass on traditional culture to the future, guests will touch upon the secrets to enriching their lives, not just their physical and mental health. We propose a 3-night, 4-day stay that transforms Okinawa's wisdom for longevity into "the power to live for tomorrow," amidst the nature embraced by the warm climate and the sea stretching before the guest rooms.

Background

Blue Zones refer to special regions, only five in the world, where many people live long and healthy lives, and Okinawa is one of them. The "9 Rules for Health and Longevity" advocate having a clear sense of purpose, and the unique Japanese concept of "Ikigai" has attracted global attention as a keyword for living a rich life. The foundation of Okinawa's longevity is not merely dietary or exercise habits but a spirituality that finds small joys in daily activities. This program allows guests to learn the essence of Okinawa's longevity through its traditions and lifestyle. By meeting people with a clear sense of purpose who transmit Okinawan culture, we hope guests will find hints for living tomorrow.

*1 Reference: "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Ken Mogi (2022).

The 9 Rules for "Health" and "Longevity" learned from centenarians worldwide (*2)

1. Keep moving naturally 2. Eat until 80% full 3. Eat a plant-based diet 4. Drink red wine (alcohol) in moderation 5. Have a clear sense of purpose 6. Slow down life 7. Belong to a faith-based community 8. Put family first 9. Connect with others

*2 Reference: "The Blue Zones, Second Edition" by Dan Buettner (2012).

1 Learn and taste Okinawa's longevity diet from a Ryukyuan cuisine inheritor

Secrets of longevity learned from ingredients nurtured in Okinawa Enjoy Okinawan cuisine prepared by yourself

Guests will learn the wisdom of "food" that supports Okinawa's longevity from Ryukyuan cuisine inheritor Kae Izena. The program will unravel the background of how unique Okinawan ingredients like island tofu and kelp contribute to longevity, and guests will experience the Blue Zone common practice of "eating a plant-based diet." They will harvest seasonal "Nuchigusa" (*3) from the kitchen garden and cook it themselves. It's a moment to experience the joy of "food" for healthy living tomorrow, while touching upon the inheritor's passion for connecting tradition. During the stay, meals will feature plenty of island-grown vegetables for breakfast and dinner, not just lunch.

[Blue Zone 9 Rules] 2, 3, 9

*3 In Okinawan language, it means "grass of life (nuchi-gusa)." It is a general term for herbs and wild plants traditionally eaten in Okinawa for medicine and health maintenance.

2 Meet people who weave tradition into the future and connect it to your own Ikigai

A moment of gentle flow with pleasant sounds Experience "Yomitan-zan Hanaui," a traditional craft with a long history

In Blue Zones, interaction with others and moderate alcohol consumption are important elements that add color to life. At the beachside evening drink, enveloped by the sound of waves and the melody of the sanshin, guests will converse with the musician while holding an awamori cocktail, feeling the warmth of "connecting with others." Furthermore, they will create "Yomitan-zan Hanaui," a traditional craft of Yomitan Village. Through the experience, guests will not only deeply understand the history of the craft and the value of its techniques but also find that using the completed work in daily life contributes to supporting the artisans and passing on their skills. The joy of encountering such culture is seen as one's "Ikigai," adding color to a lifestyle that continues even after the trip.

[Blue Zone 9 Rules] 4, 6, 9

3 Move your body in rich nature and spend slow time facing yourself

Infinity pool available comfortably 24 hours a day, all year round Admire colorful plantings

Centenarians in Blue Zones naturally move their bodies in daily life. Moderate exercise is an important habit for healthy living. In addition to "Aquatic Exercise" in the nature-enveloped pool, guests can participate in "Yuntaku Niwa Meguri," a stroll through the facility's garden with tropical plants, accompanied by HOSHINOYA Okinawa staff. Guests can experience the Okinawan climate of living with nature, pick herbs from the facility's kitchen garden, and enjoy a slow moment with a cup of tea. Even after check-out, guests will find hints for incorporating movement into their daily lives.

[Blue Zone 9 Rules] 1, 6, 9

About the Ryukyuan Cuisine Inheritor

Ryukyuan Cuisine Inheritor Kae Izena

A Ryukyuan cuisine inheritor is a person certified by Okinawa Prefecture to inherit deep knowledge and techniques of Okinawa's traditional food culture. Kae Izena, who serves as the instructor this time, possesses specialized knowledge as a registered dietitian and is dedicated to correctly transmitting "food wisdom" suitable for Okinawa's climate to the next generation. The workshop goes beyond merely teaching cooking methods, allowing guests to learn about the culture and history behind the ingredients, and the wisdom of longevity cherished by the people of Okinawa.

<Sample Stay Schedule>

Day 1 15:00 Check-in 18:00 Dinner in guest room *Additional charge 20:30 "Beachside Evening Drink" enjoying sanshin performance

Day 2 8:00 Breakfast at dining "Ryukyu Breakfast" 11:00 Workshop "Okinawa Wisdom from a Ryukyuan Cuisine Inheritor" 13:00 Lunch: Enjoy self-prepared meal at Yugafu Kitchen 17:00 Aquatic Exercise in the evening pool 19:00 Special Dinner "Pot of Plenty of Vegetables and Yushi Tofu"

Day 3 8:00 Special Breakfast "Farmer's Vegetables and Island Tofu Galette" 13:00 "Yomitan-zan Hanaui Experience" at Yomitan Village Traditional Craft Center Stroll around Yomitan Village's secrets to longevity *Free exploration 18:00 Dinner "Ryukyu Gastronomia ~Bellezza~"

Day 4 8:00 Breakfast at dining "Sicilian Breakfast" 10:00 "Yuntaku Niwa Meguri" to experience rich plantings 12:00 Check-out

"Okinawa Blue Zone Stay" Overview

Period: June 1, 2026 - Year-round Duration: 3 nights, 4 days Price: 150,000 yen per person (tax and service charge included) *Accommodation fee separate Capacity: Up to 1 group of 2 people Includes: Beachside evening drink with sanshin performance, workshop and cooking experience with Ryukyuan cuisine inheritor, aquatic exercise, Yuntaku Niwa Meguri, Yomitan-zan Hanaui weaving experience, 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners Reservation: Accepted up to 14 days in advance on the official website (https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyaokinawa/) Remarks: Meal contents and ingredients may change depending on procurement status. Program details may change due to weather conditions.

HOSHINOYA Okinawa

Infinity pool overlooking the sunset over the sea

"Gusuku no Kyokan," a residence that lives with the sea and elevates Ryukyuan culture. Inspired by Okinawan historical sites, the resort features a "Gusuku Wall" and grounds surrounded by natural coastline, with colorful fields and gardens, guest rooms overlooking the sea, and a dojo for experiencing Okinawan culture. It is a resort along the coastline that gathers Okinawa's luxuries. Location: 474 Gima, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0327 Phone: 050-3134-8091 (HOSHINOYA General Reservations) Number of rooms: 100 rooms - Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Price: From 170,000 yen per night (per room, tax and service charge included, meals separate) Access: Approx. 1 hour by car from Naha Airport (airport limousine bus available <paid>) URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyaokinawa/

HOSHINOYA

With the concept of "To the best seat for that moment," HOSHINOYA offers an overwhelming extraordinary experience with each facility having its unique theme. Each facility, developed domestically and internationally, intricately weaves the local climate, history, and culture, allowing guests to experience the best moments that can only be savored in that particular season, freeing visitors from the flow of daily life. The brand celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.