Treeful Treehouse
This sustainable resort on Japan's tropical island opened in 2021 after seven years in the making, hoping to attract people's attention with its cool-looking and eco-friendly treehouses.
Okinawa's jungle treehouse getaway is competing to become one of the most Instagrammable places in the world, and if you scroll down to the photos, you will see why.
The unique treehouses are located 2-hours drive from Naha in the Northern part of the tropical Japanese island. Okinawa got its name, "rope in the open sea", thanks to the shape of its long stretch of islands.
The resort is the brainchild of Maha Kikugawa, whose goal is to promote sustainability and the importance of connecting with Mother Nature.
Her treehouses are carbon-negative - an impressive feat by today's construction standards. So is the fact that they can survive typhoons and earthquakes.
Kikugawa's unique resort was a shared dream between her and her father, who has wanted to build treehouses since childhood.
Kikugowa's environmental science studies on the Galapagos Islands helped her plan and ultimately create a sustainable escape.
The exemplary nature resort is built on the banks of the Genka River, where popular waterfalls draw visitors from Japan and abroad.
Treeful's pristine environment is full of lush mangrove trees, tree ferns, and jungle vines - almost like a Jurassic Park setting, without the dinosaurs roaming around.
AeroHouse
Treeful has three uniquely designed treehouses. The most luxurious of the three is the AeroHouse, designed by Yasuhiro Koichi x Architect Tadashi Murai.
Its interior follows the teachings of Japanese Zen. The L-shaped sofa and the large bed face the floor-to-ceiling windows with an extra bench to slow down and pleasure up.
The only thing you see through the large glass is the lush tropical forest and the slowly moving river.
The AeroHouse is fully equipped for a more extended stay. There is a kitchen, dining space, working corner, and a bathroom that fits two.
You will think the window nook is the coziest part of the house until you see the bathroom with its soaking bathtub overlooking the jungle's greenery.
Spiral House
The magical 360-degree view treehouse is made for the forest fairies, but if you are lucky, you can book it too.
A spiral staircase (hence the name) takes you up to the canopy level, where all the magic happens.
The house is less equipped than the AeroHouse, but all the comforts are compensated by the beautiful panoramic spaces and the rooftop terrace.
You can observe the forest surrounding you from the bed, and a tree goes straight through the house's structure.
A couple of hammocks on the rooftop at canopy level and tranquility acquires a new meaning.
Especially at night when the cozy network of lights is lit up.
How about this colorful basket of tropical fruit for breakfast?
Trophy Treehouse
This pretty little treehouse is airconditioned, and it has futon mats.
There is no light pollution in this part of Okinawa, so the night sky is full of stars and mysteries.
Trophy Treehouse is designed after traditional Japanese tea houses.
Treeful offers wild adventures into the hidden parts of the Higashi area of Okinawa on private land. During the trip, you may spot rare Ryukyu Mountain turtles and sea turtles.
The 8-wheeler cabriolet off-roaders can climb steep hills and take you through a magical land to the ocean shore.
