Saunas are gradually gaining popularity. A cold plunge after a good sweat, followed by some fresh air outside, is the ultimate detoxifying experience for both mind and body.
In Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, there's a cafe and bar called "GoMe" where the owner, driven by his passion for saunas, built a sauna himself.
Surrounded by forest, this lush natural space features a sauna, cafe, bar, and hostel, all handcrafted by the owners.
The quality far surpasses that of something handmade; it's truly an "adult's secret hideout."
1. GoMe [Sauna] looks cool!
2. GoMe Cafe's main attraction is the curry made by a former Japanese restaurant chef.
3. GoMe [BBQ & Bar] - The sunset is amazing.
4. GoMe Hostel offers cheap accommodation despite being in Onna Village.
5. GoMe [Access & Parking]
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1. GoMe's sauna looks great!
GoMe currently has two unique saunas.
The first one is called "Karin-to," which looks like a wooden sieve.
(An homage to Dragon Ball?!)
The maximum capacity is 4 people.
Surprisingly, the roof has been converted into a deck, creating an open-air relaxation space with a view of the sea.
It's nice to gaze at the blue sea of Onna Village while the sun is still out, but the sauna is open until 21 PM, so you can also cool down in the night breeze under the starry sky!
And another one is "THE ZEN," which just opened very recently.
The maximum capacity is 6-7 people. This sauna is the world's first to be built using the environmentally friendly earthbag construction method, and the temperature inside is a very authentic 85-95°C.
You can adjust the temperature to your liking with self-service löyly.
Of course, there's also a cold plunge pool, so enjoy the complete sauna-cold plunge-out-air-relaxation cycle.
The sauna is basically a mixed-gender facility that requires reservations and is available for private use. Showers and changing rooms are also provided.
*While the sauna is reserved for private use, there may be other customers in other areas of the shop, such as the cafe.
During the "Sauna Day" event held around the 11th of each month, you can use the sauna for a one-drink minimum (500 yen)!
Information about "Sauna Day" will be updated regularly on the shop's Instagram, so please check it out!
| ■GoMe Sauna User Guide Opening hours: 15:00 - 21:00 *Completely private and by reservation only (limited to 2 groups per day) Rates: 2 hours / 20,000 yen, 1 hour / 12,000 yen (This price applies regardless of the number of people, so it's recommended for large groups.) *Discounts available for BBQ and overnight stays. *Reservations must be made by phone at least two days in advance. TEL：098-989-6953 EMAIL: info@go-me53.com Other: Mixed-gender bathing requires swimwear; changing facilities available in the changing room and camper van; showers available; towels provided free of charge. |
2. The cafe's highlight is the curry made by a former Japanese restaurant chef.
There's a cafe and BBQ area in the garden, which also has a sauna.
The entrance to the cafe is this cute door.
The interior is based on wood and concrete, with colorful walls and chairs as accents.
The cafe is open for lunch only, and the menu mainly consists of curry, a daily special lunch, taco rice, soft drinks, and a daily dessert.
The chef is actually a highly skilled professional who trained at a traditional Japanese restaurant!
My recommendation is the "Go-mi Special Plate (with drink, 1500 yen)" where you can enjoy two kinds of curry at once!
You can choose two curries from masala, keema, and butter chicken, and I chose masala and butter chicken.
The masala has a refreshing yet rich flavor, with the acidity of tomatoes complemented by the flavor of shrimp. The butter chicken is slightly sweet, and the nuts add a nice textural contrast. My personal favorite is the masala!
GoMe's lunch is packed with the chef's passion and dedication, so please try it at least once.
| ■GoMe Lunch Usage Guide Hours: 11: 00 ~ 15: 00 Closed: Tuesday |
3. BBQ & Bar is best enjoyed from sunset onwards.
The cafe is only open during the day, but you can also have a BBQ in GoMe's spacious garden from noon to evening.
BBQ is primarily offered as part of a course that includes food and all-you-can-drink, but you can also bring your own drinks and food to add to the price.
The best time to go is at sunset, when the sky turns a brilliant red. Having a BBQ while watching the sun sink into the sea is the best.
In addition to the BBQ, GoMe also opens a bar in the evenings by reservation only. What an exotic bar counter!
They offer a wide variety of alcoholic beverages and snacks, and you can also use this service when making a BBQ reservation.
| ■GoMe BBQ Bar User Guide BBQ (reservations required): 11:00 AM - 21:00 PM. Includes food and all-you-can-drink. 2.5 hours for ¥5,000 per person. Available for groups of 4 or more. Bar (reservations required): 18:00 - 24:00 |
4. Hostels are an affordable option in Onna Village.
Eat, get yourself ready, and then all that's left is to sleep!
GoMe even offers accommodation! There are three types of accommodations: private rooms, dormitories, and campervans, each offering a space that reflects your personal preferences.
GoMe is located in Onna Village, which has many resort hotels, but its key feature is that you can stay there at a relatively reasonable price.
If budget is your priority, choose a dormitory; if you're traveling with a group, a campervan is a great way to have fun.
If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, how about a private room where one of GoMe's owners' calligraphy works covers an entire wall?
It feels like some kind of inspiration is about to strike!
| ■GoMe Hostel User Guide Check-in: 15:00 onwards Check-out: 11:00 Rates: Private room 10,000 yen (2 beds, 2-3 people), dormitory 3,000 yen per person (up to 4 people), campervan 12,000 yen (2 beds, 2-4 people) |
5. Access to GoMe and Parking
GoMe is located just a 10-minute drive from Ishikawa Interchange and about a 6-minute drive from Cape Maeda, one of Okinawa's premier diving spots. It's easily accessible for a stop during your Okinawa sightseeing.