Opening of “Yugafu Kitchen” at HOSHINOYA Okinawa

Kitchen studio to experience the rich food culture of Okinawa



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HOSHINOYA Okinawa, a luxury resort in Yomitan, Okinawa Prefecture, opened a kitchen studio called Yugafu Kitchen, where guests can experience the rich food culture of Ryukyu. Yugafu means good harvest in the Okinawan language, and this kitchen offers an opportunity for guests to learn and enjoy Okinawa's unique food culture, which has been handed down since the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Located within the premises of HOSHINOYA Okinawa, it features a red-tiled roof, large windows through which the sea breeze blows, and adjacent to the studio is a lush garden.

Food Culture of Okinawa
Since the Ryukyu Kingdom era, Okinawa, which had diplomatic relations with China, Southeast Asian countries, Korea and Japan, has developed its own food culture under the influence of these countries. The cuisine that supports Okinawa's food culture is called Ryukyu cuisine and is divided into court cuisine that was created during the Ryukyu Kingdom era to entertain guests from various countries and standard cuisine that was common amongst the general public. Both types of cuisines have different charms and have been passed down to the present day. The idea of using ingredients from nature without producing waste, as well as the idea that a balanced diet will prevent illnesses are attracting a lot of attention as one of the reasons behind Okinawa’s longevity.

Background
HOSHINOYA Okinawa opened the Yugafu Kitchen in the hopes to share the profound charms of the food culture of Okinawa, through firsthand experiences in cooking. In the future, we will offer programs for guests to learn about Okinawan food culture from a variety of perspectives, such as through Ryukyu desserts, awamori (rice alcohol), and hospitality at the Imperial Court, in the hopes for guests to enjoy Okinawa's food culture at the Yugafu Kitchen.

Characteristics of the Yugafu Kitchen
1)Open space where the sea breeze blows through, marked by the red-tiled roof
Yugafu Kitchen is a one-story building with a red-tiled roof on the premises of HOSHINOYA Okinawa. The windows are large, and a gentle breeze flows through from the ocean in front so guests can enjoy cooking in an open space.

2)Kitchen Garden with herbs and vegetables that are popular in Okinawa
Yugafu Kitchen is adjacent to the Kitchen Garden, where herbs and vegetables that are popular in Okinawa grow. It is the perfect extension to the kitchen studio, where the space can be used to deepen the understanding of food culture. For example, in the case when plants specific to Okinawa are used, guests can see how they are in the soil and can also enjoy the aroma of freshly picked herbs.

3)Private dining with a view of the lush garden
Meals can be enjoyed in the private dining area of the Yugafu Kitchen after a cooking session. There is a large wooden dining table that can be used by up to 10 people, and meals can be enjoyed at the table as a group. Depending on the program, the Yugafu Kitchen can be booked by only one party so that this spacious area can be used for cooking and savoring fresh food.

HOSHINOYA Okinawa
Address: 474 Gima, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa, 904-0327
Number of Rooms: 100
Check-in: 3:00 pm/Check-out: 12:00 pm
Price: 136,000 JPY per night per room (includes tax and service charge, excludes meals)
Directions: Approximately 1 hour by car from Naha Airport

About HOSHINOYA Brand
Luxury hotel embodying the true characteristics of land, history, and culture
HOSHINOYA is an accommodation with distinct themes, conceptualized from each location’s land, history, and culture. Woven into these distinct themes is our attention to detail in every aspect from the design to hospitality; contributing to the creation of a one-of-a-kind world of HOSHINOYA. Enrich the heart with the epiphanies of travel through a unique stay experience.