Kumejima Island still retains much of the unspoiled beauty of Okinawa. Unlike other well-known Okinawan islands, its charm lies in its calm and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a trip.

The guesthouse we're introducing today, "Guesthouse Sou," is perfect for those who want to enjoy a trip to the island. The accommodation style is like a homestay in a traditional Japanese house, where you can enjoy the close relationship between host and guest, and savor a full course meal and breakfast filled with the flavors of the island. Even the simplest moments feel luxurious.

Immerse yourself in the pristine landscapes of Kumejima Island. Stay in a traditional Okinawan house where you can experience the essence of Okinawan culture.

"Guesthouse Sou" is located in the Gushikawa settlement, almost in the center of the island. Although it is along the main road that circles the island, it is a peaceful settlement with lots of sugarcane fields and greenery. The old houses with cement tiles have a charming appearance that evokes the nostalgic, original landscape of Okinawa.

The host, owner Mr. Otake, is usually in a separate building on the property, but the bathroom and toilet are shared. Although the distance between host and guest is close, the owner's gentle and warm personality provides a comfortable sense of security. The accommodation is limited to one group per day, and reservations are only possible on dates when the owner is available. Guests stay in a 9-tatami mat Japanese-style room in a corner of the building. The room has a sense of age, but it is well-maintained and comfortable.

After checking in, we chatted for a while as the owner began preparing dinner in the dining kitchen adjacent to the guest rooms. As I will explain in more detail later, the real charm of "Guest House Sou" lies in the home-cooked meals prepared by the owner himself.

The owner honed his skills for three years at a resort hotel on Kumejima Island, and also cooked meals for students studying abroad in the dormitory. He was once a novice cook, but now he's a chef who makes pasta from scratch and creates authentic dishes using local ingredients.

The unadorned beauty of Kumejima. A peaceful moment fills the heart.

At "Guest House Sou," a simple and peaceful island time flows by. Strolling around the surroundings and surrendering yourself to the unique charm of island travel is truly special. The cat in the garden is named Nora Jones, a former stray cat who lives with the owner.

There's something comforting about having nothing around. The surrounding scenery evokes that feeling; sugarcane stalks swaying in the wind, pastel-colored skies, and cotton candy-like clouds. I felt like I could forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be detoxified.

"If you go up the gravel path behind the inn a little, you can see the sunset over the sea."

The owner told me about it, and when I went to check it out, I was greeted by a nostalgic landscape as the sun was setting. Just being there for this moment made me feel like I had had a wonderful day.

A blissful full course meal enjoyed in a traditional Japanese house. The delicious flavors woven from the bounty of the island.

The dishes the owner prepares are of a quality comparable to a multi-course meal you'd enjoy at a restaurant.

The photo shows "Taglioni with squid ink, prawns, swordfish, and island octopus in a peperoncino sauce." The pasta is handmade from scratch using ingredients unique to Kumejima Island. The rich flavor of the squid ink and the saltiness are perfectly balanced, and the firm texture of the prawns and octopus adds a delightful accent. It was the best squid ink pasta I've ever tasted.

Next up was "Roasted Kumejima Red Chicken Thigh with Balsamic Sauce." These red chickens, raised in a stress-free environment for approximately 100 days, are characterized by their large size, plumpness, and juicy texture. The cooking was perfectly executed, bringing out the chicken's natural flavor. Furthermore, the homemade balsamic sauce added a wonderful accent.

But that's not all for dinner. The luxurious course includes appetizers such as island vegetable soup, shredded carrot salad, zucchini frittata, Florentine-style pork offal stew with chrysanthemum greens salsa verde, and even a dessert of brown sugar and nut semifreddo.

The menu varies depending on the season and the day, so the anticipation of what kind of dish you'll encounter is one of the biggest attractions of "Guest House Sou".

A breakfast table filled with the bounty of the island. A time that nourishes both the stomach and the soul.

Furthermore, breakfast is also a luxurious treat. It features rice from Kumejima Island cooked in an earthenware pot, miso soup with plenty of sea lettuce and mozuku seaweed, and a variety of local delicacies.

Natto made with black honey and soy sauce has a subtle saltiness, with added sweetness and richness, making it a new kind of dish that makes you want to eat more and more rice. Grilled akamate marinated in miso was incredibly delicious, with the perfect amount of miso infusion, a fragrant grilling, and tender flesh that crumbled easily.

Experience life like a local while traveling. A heartwarming guesthouse, "Guesthouse Sou".

"I want guests to enjoy a stay that's more like a part of everyday life, something you can't experience at a resort," says owner Mr. Otake. His warm and easygoing communication is charming, and for me, being close in age, it felt like visiting a friend's house, making for a very peaceful time.

The close relationship between host and guest creates unforgettable and special experiences. Come and experience that charm at "Guesthouse Sou".

Guesthouse Sou

Address

659-3 Gushikawa, Kumejima-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL

080-9542-5343

In/Out

15:00/10:00

HP

https://www.soukumejima.com/

Remarks

Please bring your own pajamas and toiletries. *Towels are available for rent.