"Yama no Chaya Rakusui," located in Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, is a sister store to "Hamabe no Chaya," a cafe overlooking the sea.
As the name "Mountain Teahouse" suggests, the shop is located in the mountains, in contrast to the beach, but its charm lies in the ocean view you can enjoy.
This is a place that fulfills the whimsical desire to love both the sea and the mountains and not be able to choose between them.
Furthermore, Rakusui, which is particular about its ingredients, using homemade, pesticide-free wheat and mainly local ingredients, says its concept is "to create a space where people can heal by making the most of nature."
This article will fully showcase the charm of Rakusui, a place that makes the most of space, food, and nature.

1. What kind of place is Yamano Chaya Rakusui?

Rakusui, a mountain teahouse, is located at the top of a staircase made of Ryukyu limestone.
The building is surrounded by tropical trees typical of Okinawa, and its weathered exterior, weathered by the elements, gives off a mysterious atmosphere that seems straight out of a movie.

The interior of the shop has a unique design that makes the most of the exposed Ryukyu limestone and high ceilings.

Basically, the windows are open and the air conditioner is off!
A pleasant breeze flows through the spacious store, so you won't feel the heat even in the middle of summer.
The exterior, interior, and overall atmosphere all contribute to creating a wonderful space that harmonizes with nature.

2. Various types! Rakusui no Seki, a mountain teahouse.

The spacious interior offers a variety of seating options, including counter seats, tables, and traditional Japanese-style rooms.
Among them, the most popular are the tatami-style counter seats, where you can enjoy your meal with the ocean right in front of you.

A little-known hidden gem is the terrace seating located a short distance away.
This is the perfect spot to fully experience Okinawa's nature, with its Ryukyu limestone, banyan trees, and the ocean.

Each seat has its own merits, so it's a good idea to try and find your favorite.

3. A meal at Yamano Chaya Rakusui, full of meticulous attention to detail.

Rakusui offers pizza, soba noodles, cold noodles, and other dishes, but all of them are vegetarian and do not use meat.
The dish's name uses the word "Sachibaru," which refers to a village located in Sachi, a plain (baru), and also to a place called Rakusui.
Many of the vegetables and noodles used are sourced from the local "Sachibaru" area, making the food healthy and fresh.
Among the most popular items are the "Sachibaru Pizza," topped with ingredients from Sachibaru, and the "Rakusui Soba," made with pesticide-free wheat grown on their own farm.

My personal favorite is "Sachibaru's Garden Noodles," which features noodles infused with basil, a seasonal salad, and plenty of sea grapes.
The fresh vegetables, the aroma of basil, and the refreshing seasoning will have you hooked after just one bite.
They also offer other items such as sweet potato andagi, fresh island vegetable salad, and jimami tofu, and a wide variety of drinks including coffee, organic juices, and alcohol.

4. Business Hours and Access to Yamano Chaya Rakusui

Rakusui, located in Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, is less than a 5-minute walk from Hamabe no Chaya.
The location is a bit difficult to find because it's in the middle of a forest, but you can easily get there by parking your car in the parking lot along the road and climbing the stairs.
They advise that entering "Yama no Chaya Rakusui" into a car navigation system won't lead you to the dedicated parking lot, so you should search for "Yama no Chaya Rakusui Parking" on Google Maps.
Opening hours are Friday to Tuesday, 11:00 AM to 17:00 PM, with last orders taken at 16:00 PM.
We are open on Saturdays and Sundays, but please note that we are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Final thoughts

How did you like "Yama no Chaya Rakusui," a tea house nestled among tropical trees?
Rakusui offers a unique experience where you can enjoy a simple yet captivating atmosphere, breathtaking ocean views, and meticulously prepared cuisine all at the same time.
While sunny days are popular because of the ocean view, the tranquil atmosphere on rainy days is also charming and highly recommended.

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