Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze Accommodation Guide｜Stay in a Private Villa and Live like a Local in Yanbaru
When people think of a trip to Okinawa, popular attractions such as Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Kouri Island often come to mind.
But if you have visited Okinawa several times, why not make your next trip less about sightseeing and more about slowing down to experience the region's nature and leisurely pace of life?
Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze is a private rental villa that makes just such a trip possible.
This article introduces the villa's attractions and some recommended ways to enjoy your stay.
What Is Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze Like?
Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze is a private rental villa in Gesashi, Higashi Village, in the northern part of Okinawa Main Island.
Located in the Yanbaru area, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is surrounded by magnificent natural scenery.
Centered around an ocean-view living room measuring 18 tatami mats (approximately 29 square meters), the villa features two bedrooms-a twin room and a Hollywood twin room-along with an all-electric kitchen, pool, hot tub, BBQ area, and more.
With facilities suited not only to family and group trips but also to multi-night and extended stays, guests can relax as comfortably as they would at home.
3 Highlights of Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze
Surrounded by abundant nature and equipped with a full range of amenities, Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze has plenty to offer.
Here are three of the villa's greatest attractions.
1. Experience the Nature of the World Heritage-Listed Yanbaru Area
Higashi Village is a small village with a population of approximately 1,700, and forests cover about 72.5% of its total area.
Compared with other parts of Okinawa Main Island, tourism development is relatively limited, and traditional settlements and untouched landscapes still remain.
Surrounded by birdsong, breezes rustling through the trees, and the sounds of insects, you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time.
2. Relax in Complete Privacy
Because the entire villa is reserved for your group, you can enjoy time with family or friends without worrying about other guests.
Whether cooking together or watching a movie in the living room, you are free to spend your time however you like.
It is also recommended for families with small children, multigenerational trips, group travel, and workations.
3. Enjoy a Resort Atmosphere with Outdoor Facilities
The villa also offers extensive outdoor facilities, including a pool, hot tub, wood deck, and BBQ area.
Enjoy a meal on the terrace, play in the pool, or unwind in the hot tub for a relaxing resort stay away from the ordinary.
Snorkeling is also available by prior arrangement.
Enjoy Every Moment from Morning to Night! 4 Ways to Spend Your Time at Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze
In Higashi Village, where untouched nature remains, the scenery changes throughout the morning, daytime, evening, and night.
Here are four recommended ways to enjoy your stay with Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze as your base.
1. Morning｜Take a Beach Walk at Sunrise
Walk about five minutes to the beach and stroll along the shore while watching the sun rise over the horizon.
Start your day refreshed as you gaze out at the emerald-green sea and listen to the sound of the waves.
2. Daytime｜Enjoy Yanbaru's Nature and Activities
Try canoeing through the mangrove forest at Higashi Village Fureai Hirugi Park, take a walk around Fukuji Dam, the largest dam in Okinawa Prefecture, or shop for local specialties at Roadside Station Sunrise Higashi.
Take the opportunity to experience the nature and culture unique to Higashi Village.
3. Evening｜Enjoy a BBQ and Resort-Style Relaxation
After a day of sightseeing, pick up Okinawan ingredients at a supermarket or roadside station and enjoy a BBQ in the garden.
After dinner, relax in the private pool or hot tub and unwind from the day's activities.
4. Night｜Spend a Quiet Evening under a Star-Filled Sky
With little artificial light, Higashi Village is one of Okinawa Main Island's premier stargazing spots.
Sometimes described as having a “breathtakingly beautiful night sky,” the area offers spectacular views of countless stars overhead on clear nights.
Take your time admiring the stars from the wood deck or terrace, or while soaking in the outdoor bath during winter.
Access to Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze
Traveling by car is convenient when visiting the northern part of Okinawa Main Island.
Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport, or about 40 minutes from Kyoda IC on the Okinawa Expressway via National Route 58 and other roads.
Free parking for 10 vehicles is available with no reservation required, making access by rental car especially convenient.
Uppama Beach is just a three-minute drive from Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze, making it easy to visit before or after sightseeing.
Basic Information
- Japanese Name
- 沖縄ヴィラ サンライズ慶佐次 海風
- Postal Code
- 905-1205
- Address
- 779-83 Gesashi, Higashi Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa
- Phone
- 090-1879-9139
- Check-in
- 3:00 pm
- Check-out
- 11:00 am
- Rates
- Private villa rental plan (1 night/2 days, no meals): from 60,000 yen per villa * Accommodates up to 8 guests (children of elementary school age and younger stay free)
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze
Q
Can I stay with a pet?
Yes. Small dogs that are toilet-trained may stay indoors with you free of charge.
Q
Is there an additional fee to use the BBQ facilities?
No. The BBQ facilities are available free of charge. Please bring your own food, charcoal, and other consumable supplies.
Q
Are there facilities suitable for extended stays?
Yes. The villa is equipped with a washing machine, laundry detergent, drying racks, and other amenities for a comfortable multi-night or extended stay.
Summary
A stay at Sunrise Gesashi Umikaze is especially recommended for travelers who have visited Okinawa many times.
Here, you can enjoy abundant nature and a leisurely pace of life that cannot be experienced simply by touring sightseeing spots.
On your next trip to Okinawa, why not treat yourself to a luxurious getaway living like a local amid the rich natural surroundings of Yanbaru, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site?