As a child, Satoshi Kikukawa read a book called “I Want a Big Tree,” in which the protagonist searches for a big tree to build a tree house. This childhood story had such a profound effect on him that a few years ago, he found himself searching for the biggest tree in northern Okinawa and eventually landed on a giant Akagi tree in a primeval forest. As soon as he saw it, he held it and realized, “This is it!”
After construction began in 2014, the tree has become the host of Spiral Treehouse, one of two currently available accommodations at his Treehouse Sustainable resort in Nago, Okinawa, which is set to open in 2021.
The Spiral Tree House has a winding staircase leading up to the Spiral Tree House, where nature and comfortable living blend perfectly in the forest, with 360-degree views of the jungles of the Japanese islands and a relaxing deck space with strung lights and decorative pillows. The treehouse also has two hammocks, two yoga MATS, a mini fridge and freezer, a composting toilet, air conditioning, and a semi-double bed.
Nestled in a nearby tree is another treehouse, the AeroHouse, a sustainable luxury rental project designed by architect Tadashi Murai and decorated by interior designer Yasuhiro Koichi. Spacious setting with large opening windows, a kitchen equipped with microwave, oven, refrigerator, and freezer, a wine cellar, bed, queen bed, shower, toilet, and even washing machine.
A third treehouse, the Trophy Treehouse, is currently under construction. It will be Japanese teahouse-themed and equipped with two futons, a flushable toilet, and a rooftop viewing area.
The property’s highlight is the Indigo Sauna Treehouse, which offers three hours for groups of up to six people. After warming up in the sauna with floor-to-ceiling Windows, hop on the slide to cool off in the Genka River below. Repeat this cycle as often as you want. Zen can also be found in relaxation and spa rooms. Each piece of wood supporting this treehouse is painted with Okinawa indigo dye. The fissured structure, which uses thin poles with gaps, allows natural sunlight to fill the entire treehouse during the day.
Recent guests have also raved about the on-site food, including the option to enjoy a fireside dinner on an open-air grill with a menu of Agu pork shabu and Okinawa soba, Ago pork and Okinawa Mototake beef mixed sukiyaki, Or seafood barbecue and Okinawan megalithic steamed rice.
Furthermore, sustainability is a central pillar of the resort: the treehouse is carbon-negative, does not use fossil fuels, and relies only on renewable energy from Okinawa Electric’s Uchina CO2-free menu. All buildings are built taller to rely on natural sunlight and allow the nature below to thrive.
“We think we are renting space in the trees,” the report explains on its website, noting that water, waste, and building materials are also primary environmental considerations.
More than anything, the treehouse is about connecting guests with its stunning natural beauty. “At Treful, you can find many ways to relax in nature and forget about our fast-paced daily life,” the report says.
