Located on Sesoko Island in Motobu-cho, northern Okinawa’s main island, “Yajinju” is a secluded lodging facility where you can enjoy both lodging and dining. Yajinju means “family” in the Okinawan dialect, and as the name implies, it offers warm hospitality to its visitors.
Point 1: “Yajinju
Located at 215 Sesoko, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island, Ya Ninju is an accommodation and cafe built on a hill on Sesoko Island.
It is about a two-hour drive from Naha Airport. If you use public transportation, take a bus bound for Nago Bus Terminal, such as Ryukyu Bus No. 120 from Naha Airport, and get off at the last stop. Then transfer to bus No. 65 bound for the rightward direction of Motobu Peninsula, get off at the “Daini-Hamasaki” bus stop, and walk 20 to 30 minutes to the restaurant.
Located in the inland area of Sesoko Island, the restaurant is surrounded by nature and offers a quiet and relaxing environment.
It takes 2 hours by car and a longer walking time by bus, so the course takes almost 3 hours, but the sense of accomplishment when you arrive is unbelievable.
The rustic red-tiled building in the style of an old Okinawan house makes you feel relaxed.
The café is located on the first floor and has both indoor and terrace seating. Although the ocean is relatively far away, the elevated location offers a great view, and you can enjoy your meal with a pleasant breeze.
Point 2: What is the recommended menu at Ya-Nin-Ju?
Iejinju’s meals are characterized by dishes that make the most of fresh local ingredients.
The popular “Aburi Saba Donburi” is a particularly popular dish of savory seared fatty mackerel served with tuna sashimi and umi Budou (sea grapes), offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor.
The rich flavor of the grilled mackerel is perfectly matched with the crunchy texture of the umi budou (sea grapes), creating a taste unlike anything you have ever experienced!
The “Tuna Yukke-don” is a bowl of rice topped with tuna and yukke, a special sauce, and onsen tamago (egg), which gives the dish a rich and appealing flavor. The “Okinawa soba” is served in a clear, light broth and topped with tender boiled soki.
Point 3: Introduction of other menu items at Ya-Nin-Ju!
Ya Ninju also offers a wide variety of other dishes. The “Yajinju Set Meal” is reasonably priced at 1,200 yen with dessert and a drink, and offers a taste of the local area.
The “Okinawa soba” and “taco rice” are also reasonably priced at 650 yen and 650 yen, respectively.
The hotel is also available for overnight stays, with check-in starting at 16:00 and check-out until 10:00. Breakfast is available in Japanese or Western style, dinner is by reservation only, and the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays. All seats are non-smoking, and children are welcome, making it an ideal place for families and friends traveling together.
Iejinju is a place where you can enjoy heartwarming food and lodging while experiencing the nature and culture of Okinawa. We recommend this spot for those who want to spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Please come and visit us.
