Tabi to Kaze no Utsuwa (Space for journey and wind to gather)

On the outskirts of a village called Hyakuna in southern Okinawa, we have created a lodging called "mui".

The word "mui" is derived from the word 無為自然 (mu-i-shi-zen), which means to "be natural without any intention". The concept is to create a place where people can allow their thoughts and actions to come naturally, like the cry of a newborn baby or the way that water changes its shape when it hits an obstacle and envelops it.

A night surrounding the fire (photo by Kojima Yasutaka)

We do not have the services or facilities of a luxury hotel or ryokan. Our lodging serves only as an Utsuwa (space/vessel) where visitors can enjoy the space in their own comfortable way using the ingredients of this wonderful region. We look forward to seeing the daily changing colors of mui.

Lodging for lasting memories

Sometimes we miss out on small impressions and insights because we have a fixed sense of values and standards, such as "normal" and "usual''. mui's architecture is designed to gently connect the outside and inside, nature and artifacts, lodging and residence, living and travel, private and shared. By blurring the lines, without being bound by comfort and convenience, moments that move your heart can be created.

If there is a scene that captures your attention, even for a moment, it will surely become a place that will remain in your memory. With this in mind, we tried to remove the concept of "hotel" as much as possible from the project of creating this place and enjoyed working with the architect, Mr. Igarashi of STUDIO COCHI ARCHITECTS.

Loosely connecting living and traveling

We do not so much want mui to become a destination, but would be much happier if our lodging could be the catalyst for people to fall in love with this wonderful area in Okinawa.

Kakinohana Hiijaa with abundant spring water

Although you cannot directly see the ocean from our lodging, a short walk through the local village will bring you straight to the untouched ocean.

The ocean stretches out at the end of the path after passing through the local village

Miibaru Beach: The calm, shallow sea with huge protruding rocks

Nostalgic narrow pathways are the charm of Miibaru

There are many beautiful places to love around mui. It is a treasure-like place that is also cherished by the local community.

Hyakuna Beach: A natural beach that stretches out before you after passing through a tunnel of foliage

Yaharazukasa: Sacred place where Ryukyu's founding god is said to have descended

Stone-paved stairs leading from Yaharazukasa to Hamagawa Utaki

The Ruins of Tamagusuku: From the circular castle gate you can see Kudaka Island

"Ukinju Hainju" (receiving water and running water) in Hyakuna is said to be the birthplace of rice cultivation in Okinawa and is still carefully protected today. In the neighboring village of Nakandakari, a "tug-of-war" event using a rope made by weaving rice straw from the area still continues to this day.

Sharing your “likes”

At mui, we would like to share some of the valuable things that we have encountered in Okinawa. These have values that we wouldn't want to compare to other items, but rather are captivating items that we naturally want to introduce to you.

nakamurakenoshigoto's beautiful tablewares that subtly enhance ordinary dishes

TESIO's impressively delicious sausages and ham for breakfast and snacks

Enjoy delicious specialty coffee (YAMADA COFFEE OKINAWA) to wake up in the morning or after a meal

In the evening, enjoy craft beers (Cliff Beer, Ukishima Brewing) made with Okinawan wheat and ingredients

Illustration of mui by Tomoko Tsubota

Please try out the "likes" you want to share in Okinawa.

all photo by OOKI JINGU

We have planted many plants and trees around mui hoping that we will eventually be surrounded by a forest. However, where there is nature, a variety of creatures will inevitably gather. Birdsong and crying frogs may be pleasant, but insects such as Yaaruu (geckoes in the Okinawan language) and spiders are also common in Okinawa's natural environment. If this makes you uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to ask for help. We would appreciate it if you could watch over them with fondness and respect.