Hello. I’m Takahashi, and I run two private vacation rentals in Motobu, Okinawa. Each house takes one group at a time — no shared spaces, no other guests.
Both were homes that belonged to my wife’s family. We restored them as places where people could stay and take their time.
If you want a balcony looking out over the sea, with Sesoko, Minna and Ie Islands in view and the sun going down over the horizon, that’s Uncle’s House. If you want a quiet house in the Yanbaru hills, with birds in the morning and more stars than you expect at night, that’s Grandma’s House.
Why I write this
Most people who come to Motobu are here for the Churaumi Aquarium. It deserves the attention. But there is more to this town than the aquarium, and much of it doesn’t make it into guidebooks.
Every time I’m in Motobu I find something. A small restaurant where the locals eat. A cafe hidden in the trees. A stretch of beach that empties out in the late afternoon.
I wanted to write these down as someone who has actually been there, rather than repeat what everyone else says.
If you’re staying with us, I hope this is useful. And if you’re not, I hope it’s still useful when you’re walking around Motobu.
About the houses
The cleaning and upkeep are handled together with people who live nearby. Every detail gets attention before guests arrive.
The aim is simple: that these houses stay places worth being in.
The two houses
Grandma’s House — A traditional house in the Yanbaru forest. Up to 8 guests.
Uncle’s House — A house on a hill with island views from the balcony. Up to 6 guests.