Banta Cafe Unveils 'Sea Breeze Book Garden' on a Cliffside with Ocean Views! 'Yonnan BOOK Days' Event Features 100 Books Chosen by Okinawans

Immerse yourself in the world of books at Banta Cafe during the pleasant reading weather as summer heat subsides.

Banta Cafe by Hoshino Resorts, a seaside cafe renowned for its breathtaking views and grand scale, will host the autumn event 'Yonnan BOOK Days' from September 19 to November 8, 2026, inviting guests to discover 100 books selected by local Okinawans. As the intense summer heat fades and refreshing sea breezes blow across Okinawa, autumn becomes one of the most enjoyable seasons of the year. In celebration of 'reading season,' Banta Cafe has utilized its expansive landscape stretching from cliffside to beach, placing bookshelves throughout the entire area. This year, a new 'Sea Breeze Book Garden' opens atop the cliff with panoramic ocean views, creating a space where visitors can discover a special book in their favorite spot. The shelves feature around 100 titles chosen by Okinawan intellectuals, offering access to unique local publications from a region known for having more authors than readers—a playful saying reflecting Okinawa’s vibrant publishing culture (Ref. 1). Guests can relax with seasonal sweet potato desserts, letting the soothing sound of waves accompany a leisurely (Yonnan — Ref. 2) reading experience, making this a distinctive autumn event only Banta Cafe can offer.

*1 Reference: Okinawa Publishing Association, 21st East Asian Publishers’ Conference (2016)

Although Okinawa ranks last nationwide in per capita book and magazine spending (Publication Sales Data 2011), it hosted 18 publishing companies based in the prefecture as of March 2018—a scale comparable to Tokyo and Kyoto in terms of population ratio (Publishing Yearbook 2018).

*2 Yonnan: An Okinawan dialect word meaning 'leisurely' or 'slowly.'

Highlights of 'Yonnan BOOK Days' — Enjoying the Autumn Reading Season

1. Discover a Special Book at 'Uchinanchu’s Bookshelf' — A Library Curated by Okinawan Intellectuals

At the 'Seaside Terrace,' where ocean breezes flow freely, guests can immerse themselves in reading with the sound of waves as background music. 'Uchinanchu’s Bookshelf' features a diverse collection of books reflecting the island’s unique charm.

Okinawa offers abundant themes for books—history, culture, nature—and is a region with a thriving publishing scene. However, many locally significant books are rarely found outside Okinawa’s bookstores. With the hope that visitors will discover new aspects of the island through books, Banta Cafe has curated a special selection. Around 100 books have been chosen by local Okinawan intellectuals—such as yachimun potters and karate masters—as well as by local bookstore staff who handpicked titles under themes like 'Okinawa,' 'the Sea,' 'Food,' and 'Travel.' This is a rare opportunity to encounter books that reveal previously unknown charms of Okinawa.

2. Leisurely Reading on a Lawn Refreshed by Autumn Breezes

Relax at the 'Sea Breeze Book Garden,' a grassy plaza overlooking the ocean

Leveraging Banta Cafe’s natural seaside landscape, small bookshelves are placed throughout the property—including the 'Seaside Terrace,' where ocean winds blow, and the 'Grand Roof Deck,' offering panoramic views. This year, a new 'Sea Breeze Book Garden' debuts—a grassy area where guests can relax and read in comfort. Feel the breeze from the sea, surrounded by books, and fully immerse yourself in the reading season. It’s a luxurious experience to find your favorite book in your favorite spot.

3. Book Fair Featuring Okinawan Stories and Storytelling Sessions Amid Ocean Breezes and Waves

Storytelling sessions by local reading groups at the seaside

On weekends during the event, 'Yonnan Book Fair' will gather antique bookstores and unique booksellers from across Okinawa. Enjoy casual conversations with shop owners and discover deep, untold stories and rare local finds not featured in guidebooks. Additionally, at the 'Sea Breeze Book Garden,' storytelling sessions will be held featuring picture books that convey Okinawan culture and cherished traditions. Surrounded by gentle autumn breezes and the sound of waves, guests can experience the island’s atmosphere through stories.

4. Satisfy Your Autumn Appetite with Easy-to-Enjoy Sweets While Reading

'Sakusaku Umushi' — A Crispy Sweet Filled with Purple Sweet Potato and Brown Sugar

During the event, the cafe will offer 'Sakusaku Umushi (Ref. 3),' a light dessert perfect for enjoying while browsing books. Made with purple sweet potatoes—seasonal in Okinawa during autumn—this cookie-style cream puff offers a delightful balance of crispiness and rich brown sugar cream. Enjoy your favorite book with a sweet treat in hand, wrapped in the pleasant autumn breeze and soothing waves—a unique way to spend time at a seaside cafe in autumn.

*3 Umushi: 'Imo' (sweet potato) in the Okinawan dialect.

Overview of 'Yonnan BOOK Days'

Period: September 19 – November 8, 2026

Yonnan Book Fair & Storytelling Sessions: September 19, October 24 & 31, 2026

Event-Only Menu: Sakusaku Umushi — 700 JPY (tax included)

Banta Cafe by Hoshino Resorts

Japan’s Largest Seaside Cafe

Banta Cafe is Japan’s largest seaside cafe, celebrated for its overwhelming views and scale. The property stretches from a cliff overlooking the ocean down to the beach, featuring four distinct zones. Guests can enjoy Okinawan-style drinks and food in their favorite spot, tailored to their mood of the day.

Address: 560 Gima, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0327

Phone: 098-921-6810

Hours: 10:00 – 1 hour after sunset (last order at sunset); 8:00 – on weekends and holidays

Access: Approx. 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport; approx. 90 minutes by limousine bus

URL: https://banta-cafe.com/