Treeful Treehouse: The Best Eco Stay in Okinawa, Japan

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Are you curious about a locally-owned, ecologically conscious escape in the heart of the Okinawan forest? Treeful Treehouse stands out as Japan’s best sustainable accommodation, where mindful luxury and local hospitality blend into a thriving ecosystem. This treehouse in Okinawa offers a restorative stay that actively benefits the environment, allowing you to reconnect with nature with an immersive experience.

Treeful Treehouse is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that gives guests access to both a treehouse suspended in the forest, perfect for mindful meditation, and a luxurious AeroHouse. Every structure on the property is designed to minimize impact on the soil and forest floor. Built using circular and regenerative practices, the resort proves that high-end comfort and ecological integrity can coexist seamlessly.

While the price point may seem steep initially, the property offers various booking packages and “treehouse sets” to suit different needs. Whether you are traveling as a couple or bringing a group of friends to help manage the costs, there are several ways to tailor the experience to your specific budget without sacrificing the magic of the stay.

To help you decide if it’s right for you, this post is a full review of my honest experience. After spending three magical, self-funded nights there, I can confirm it lives up to the hype and its environmental claims. Here is everything you need to know about their initiatives, unique amenities, and why I would return in a heartbeat.

As someone with a Master’s in biodiversity and an expert on the intersection of tourism and the environment, I don’t often recommend hotels or write hotel reviews. However, Treeful is, in my expert opinion, a gold-standard example of a resort going above and beyond for both its guests and the planet. It is, quite simply, one of the better case studies in eco-hospitality I have encountered.

And, the best part is, you don’t have to compromise on your comfort or experience. For those who love nature and have always dreamed of staying in a treehouse, you get the best of both worlds!

Because we splurged and booked the treehouse and Aerohouse for only 2 people, we had both to ourselves. Sitting on the roof of our treehouse every morning, we were surrounded by the forest’s cacophony, which provided a backdrop to our mindful, slow mornings.

Sipping a fresh cup of Chemex coffee, loud insects sang through the forest, as large butterflies landed on blooming flowers, and flying foxes dashed across the city. Here, we were truly able to disconnect from the internet and reconnect with nature. 

Our mornings were spent meditating, writing, reading, and the occasional dip in the cool river rushing below. In the afternoons, we would venture out on a river trek with our local guide or a local spa treatment, and enjoy vegan bento boxes. 

Evenings were for retiring to the AeroHouse, for long soaks in the bath, sake on the terrace, and an incredible vegan dinner outside. We would sleep with the window open, and the cacophony of the forest lulled us to sleep. 

As someone who does a ridiculous amount of research into environmental and social claims of the companies I support, I still can’t get over how much Treeful Treehouse gets right. 

If this sounds like your kind of stay, keep reading as we cover everything to know about Okinawa and maybe even Japan’s most sustainable accommodation.

About Treeful Treehouse

Treeful Treehouse is a unique and locally-owned accommodation deep in the forest of Okinawa. 

Owner, founder, and chief treehouse builder Satoru Kikugawa always had the childhood dream of building and living in a treehouse—didn’t we all? But he is one of the few of us who went on a lifelong mission to bring his dream to life, and we are lucky that he decided to share his vision with us. 

Together with his daughter, Maha, Kikugawa spent years finding the perfect piece of land in Okinawa to both protect and bring to life his vision of building a treehouse that would connect people and nature with minimal disruption to the native forest. 

Finally, they found the perfect place in the Okinawan forest, alongside a fresh, clear river. There, in a perfect akagi tree, they built their iconic spiral treehouse. In order for a treehouse to be a real, true treehouse, a living tree must support the weight of the structure, without bringing harm to the tree.

This concept extends throughout the property, with all structures designed as treehouses or lifted off the ground to protect soil health. Yes, everything from the sauna to the treehouses and AeroHouses is all lifted off the ground or fully supported by living trees. 

From that first spiral staircase treehouse, Kikugawa and his local team built several treehouses on the property, each paired with an AeroHouse. Treeful started as, and remains, a passion project of love for the forest and a place for people and nature to connect in low-impact ways. 

Treehouses and AeroHouses at Treeful Treehouse

You heard me mention AeroHouses and treehouses a few times already, but you’re probably asking what the heck is an AeroHouse? We will go over the differences and outline all the treehouses on the property. 

Treehouses

There are currently four complete treehouses at Treeful Treehouse Sustainable Resort. Each one is a true treehouse, supported fully by the tree without harm. Each offers a more rustic, natural experience that truly feels like you are staying among the treetops. They are natural and organic, with branches emerging suspended among the branches, emerging through the ceiling, or other natural features. 

However, while they are more rustic and natural, they are still comfortable. With bespoke details, premium coffee, tea, and most (not all) have running water and full bathrooms.

They either have floor-to-ceiling windows, clear roofs, or rooftop terraces where you truly feel one with nature.

Typically 2 people can sleep comfortably in the treehouses. 

AeroHouses

These houses are still somewhat suspended, built on stilts off the ground, though not quite true treehouses. They are luxury suites with a fully enclosed living and sleeping area, a full bathroom, a kitchen, a workspace, bookshelves, and a luxurious bathtub. 

They are still natural and organic, made from reclaimed, sustainable wood, but they are large and spacious and offer modern conveniences. AeroHouses can sleep up to four people.

Treehouse and AeroHouse Sets

When you book a stay, you are booking a Treehouse AND an AeroHouse as a set. These come in sets and are not customizable. So, the Spiral Treehouse always comes with AeroHouse 1, and the Trophy Treehouse always comes with AeroHouse 2. This is to ensure groups have private space without walking across each other’s property. 

Most sets can accommodate up to 6 people if you have a group of friends to save costs, or are traveling with a family with older kids. But, of course, you can book a set with only 2 people. Keep in mind the spaces you’ll be sharing and who gets what. 

• 2 people can typically stay in a treehouse
• 2 people can sleep on a king bed in the Aerohouse 
• 2 people can sleep on the couch beds

Because my partner and I wanted to splurge and enjoy a quiet, intimate stay for 2, we basically had an entire Treehouse and an entire AeroHouse to ourselves. We moved between the two, spending our mornings and afternoons in the Treehouse and our evenings in the AeroHouse. It was wonderful, if that is something you can afford. 

The one exception to this is the Bamboo Treehouse, which can be booked individually as a private stay for 2, and this does not come as a set with an AeroHouse

Spiral Treehouse + AeroHouse 1 Set

This was the set we booked, and we absolutely loved our experience. I still dream about returning and enjoying the slow life here between the treehouse and AeroHouse. 

The Spiral Treehouse is the iconic poster image for Treeful Treehouse. Fully suspected in a gorgeous Akai tree, as you walk up the spiral staircase, it moves with you just ever so slightly. In the treehouse, a large branch cuts across the room. 

The room has a full bed and a small table for journaling or enjoying coffee. As the first big treehouse, it has only a compost toilet, but there is a sink for washing hands and getting water for making coffee. 

Continue your way up to the rooftop terrace. Here, surrounded by trees, butterflies, flying foxes, and the sounds of the forest, you can do yoga, nap in the hammock, journal, read, or just meditate.

AeroHouse 1 is incredible. This large, luxurious space features a full kitchen and an open living area with a king bed and couch beds. With floor-to-ceiling windows open to the forest, you can crack the windows to listen to the sounds of the river and forest as you sleep. 

There is a full toilet room, a double sink, a large shower, a bath, and even a beautiful sunroom. 

Honestly, we had a hard time choosing where to spend our time. There were so many amazing spaces!

Max guests: 6 across both the treehouse and the AeroHouse 

Trophy Treehouse + AeroHouse 2 Set

The Trophy Treehouse is an adorable yurt-like treehouse inspired by Japanese teahouses. The tatami mats on the ground and the large windows create an open, airy feeling. The treehouse is built around the tree’s large main trunk, which serves as the central support. 

The main room can sleep two, on two different single beds. There is a flushable toilet (no shower), a small sink, a mini fridge, and a small table perfect for a tea ceremony of your own. 

There is another ladder that takes you up to a small platform to stand atop the treehouse and enjoy watching the comings and goings of the forest. At night, this treehouse looks like a paper lantern. 

AeroHouse 2 is similar to 1 in concept and design, with slightly different lighting and features. It also has a kitchen, king ned, couch beds for up to 2 people, large windows, a toilet, and a separate shower area. 

The main difference is that this does not have a sunroom like 1 and is overall a tad smaller. 

Halcyon Treehouse + AeroHouse 3 Set

The Halcyon Treehouse was inspired by the giant butterflies you’ll see flittering about in the forest. With an A-frame design, a clear roof, and floor-to-ceiling windows, the views and sounds of the forest surround you as you relax in your cozy treehouse. 

The outdoor seating area and terrace shower really bring nature to your front door. Inside, there is a flush toilet, a double bed for up to 2, a table and chairs, and a mini fridge. 

AeroHouse 3 is almost exactly the same size and layout as AeroHouse 2. There is a kitchen, a king bed, a bathroom, a shower, large windows, and space for up to 4 people to sleep. 

Bamboo Treehouse (no set)

For a group of two looking for a quiet escape for two, you can book the Bamboo Treehouse. The bamboo house is the only one that comes on its own without an AeroHouse set.

This was under construction when I visited, so I never got to see it in person, but it looks amazing! 

The design is inspired by a type of bamboo native to Japan and features a playful spiral staircase inside. 

Because you don’t have the amenities of the luxury AeroHouse, the bamboo treehouse has a few perks that other treehouses don’t. There is a hot shower, an IH stove, a flush toilet, and dishes. 

Booking and Reservation for Treeful Treehouse

When it comes time to book, the process can be a tad confusing. They have streamlined it a bit since I booked, so that is good news. But remember, unless you book the bamboo Treehouse, you are booking a treehouse AND an AeroHouse set. 

These can fit up to 6 people across both, but you can book for as few as 1 or 2, depending on your budget and party size. That is important to keep in mind, both for the nightly cost and which set you are choosing. 

You can book directly on Treeful. However, I prefer to book Treeful Treehouse on Booking or Agoda because it clearly shows what I am paying in my local currency. I also find the Treeful website a bit confusing regarding the dates and availability.

The one thing to be careful of when making the booking on a platform like Booking or Agoda is that they don’t clearly label the treehouse AeroHouse sets. So, you will need to view the photos to make sure you get the treehouse set you want that is available for the dates you selected.

How Much Does Treeful Treehouse Cost?

The cost of Treeful Treehouse varies depending on the season, which treehouse and Aerohouse set you choose, how many are in your group, and other such particulars. 

• In general, you can expect to pay anywhere between 120,000 JPY and 170,000 JPY per night for different sets.
• The most affordable set is the Trophy Treehouse + AeroHouse 2, as it is smaller and a more basic treehouse offering. 
• The most expensive set is the Spiral Treehouse + AeroHouse 1, as it is larger, more spacious, and the poster treehouse of dreams!

If you have a larger group staying across the treehouse and AeroHouse, you can split the cost, but those staying in the treehouse may pay a smaller amount. But that’s totally up to you to decide who pays what.

What’s Included in the Nightly Price? 

With that nightly cost, a few things are included. Not only do you have access to two amazing properties, but there are some added benefits to sweeten the deal.

A Welcome Treat! 

For us, it was a fresh basket of fruit to last our entire stay. We also got some banana cookies and fresh iced tea. 

Daily Breakfast

Breakfast is typically a fresh-baked ube bread, local jams, and fresh veggies. Perfectly refreshing for the heat and humidity. 

Guided River Trek

On the day you check in, you can join your host on a guided river trek at 15:30. This is a 30-minute trek up the river and the surrounding channels. You must be checked in by 14:30. You will learn about the local ecology, such as damselflies, butterflies, fish, and plants. 

During this time, you will visit two different waterfalls and get to take a cold plunge. In every AeroHouse, there is an expedition kit, and your concierge will offer you watershoes and a traditional Japanese hat that helps clear spider webs. 

Access to a Concierge 

When we stayed, the lovely concierge team was Suzu and Lily. They were on hand through WhatsApp to answer any questions, help us book additional amenities, and help prepare your food if you book a food package. 

Concierge hours: 8 am – 8 pm. There is an emergency option, but for general inquiries, such as ordering beer or booking amenities, they should be made during these hours.

Extra Costs and Add-Ons

When you book, you will get a follow-up email or message with a Google Form. This will include all additional items you can book at the cost of those particulars. There are lots of options. 

Lunch + Dinner 

You can opt to pay extra for lunch and dinner meals.

• Bento box or taco bowls for lunch, served at the AeroHouse
• Interactive BBQ dinners, served outside on the main patio.

You can splurge and book lunch and dinner for every day, book only a few days, or you can pick and choose a few meals and make a few yourself. I recommend at least one BBQ dinner on the outside patio—it is well worth it!

The outdoor BBQ dinners shown in my photos are limited in capacity to the first three groups and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. So make sure you complete your Google Form to secure your preferred dining experience. 

You can also order sake, beer, wine, and other drinks with dinner. Your concierge can also bring your drinks during their business hours, but each one costs extra.  

If you want an even more private dining experience surrounded by nature, you can book a private dining experience called Takitsubo Private Dinner. This is set away from the main dining deck, next to a waterfall, surrounded by forest. 

The special dinner must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance and can accommodate 2-6 people, with the cost varying by group size. The meal will be the same as on the main dining deck, but the perk here is forest-dining away from other guests, surrounded by the sounds of the waterfall. 

Vegan food is available upon request. We booked vegan bento boxes for lunch and fully vegan dinners for two of the three nights we stayed. 

Remember, the AeroHouses have kitchens, so if you want to take advantage of cooking to save money, you will want to do your grocery shopping BEFORE YOU CHECK IN. Treeful is a remote location, and you do not want to leave and come back during your stay.

Excursion Add-ons

Aside from the guided river trek included, you can book two excursions for an extra cost. 

1. Yambaru Unbelievable View Tour Excursion

Yambaru National Park covers a significant portion of northern Okinawa Island. From the dense, lush forest to the sandy beaches and scraggy cliffs, the national parks encompass a wide range of ecosystems. 

The park is home to many endemic, rare, and endangered species. 

• Okinawa Sekkoku, an orchid found only in Yambaru, grows on the trunks of trees. 
• Okinawa Rail, a flightless bird also endemic to Yambaru. While it nests on the ground, it climbs trees to sleep. It is threatened by introduced invasive species like mongooses.
• The Ryukyu Leaf Turtle is an endangered turtle, found on three islands in the Okinawa prefecture. It is one of the few wild native turtles in Japan and is found in forests such as Yambaru. 

The best way to visit the National Park is with an excursion organized by Treeful. Treeful Treehouse purchased a large piece of land solely to protect the last remaining habitat for the Ryukyu turtle. Your tours help support the conservation of this species and forest habitat. 

The tour starts 50 minutes away from Treeful, so you will need to ensure you can get to the meeting point. From there, take off in an amphibious vehicle. Traverse through forests and coastal areas for views, a dip in a cool river, and the chance to learn about the national park. 

Minimum group of 3. Cost 15,000 yen per adult. 

2. Clear Sea Kayak Tour

Departing from a private beach, take a clear kayak out to an uninhabited island. Kayak through calm blue waters to the small island, where you will have time to swim, eat lunch, or explore. 

Transportation to and from the beach is not included, so make sure you have a car and can arrive at the scheduled departure time. 

Groups of up to 3 people are 36,000 yen, with an additional 10,000 yen for each extra person. 

Spa Treatment Add-Ons

They have an in-house spa and treatment room called. This is located above the sauna. You can book facials, massages, and other wellness treatments. Since we were on a #treatourselves portion of our holiday, we booked facials. The aesthetician was local, and she used amazing Japanese products on our skin!

There is also a special spa treatment called the Talksen. This is a traditional type of treatment originating from Northern Thailand. Using a hammer, vibrations are sent through the body to deeply activate cells. 

Different treatments are naturally priced differently. Complete the booking request form or visit their website to learn more. 

Sauna Booking Add-On

A treehouse sauna? Yes please! The sauna is a clear sauna where you can enjoy the sights of the forest while experiencing the warming, relaxing, and aromatic sensations of a sauna. 

Once you are thoroughly warm, slide down or dip in the cool river below for a natural reprieve. There is also a relaxation room where you can enjoy reading a good book as you cool off. 

You can reserve the sauna for up to 6 people for up to 4 hours. We just did a two-hour sauna after our facials, and it was perfect! The cost varies based on the number of people and the number of hours you book. 

Are The Add-Ons Worth It?

We were tempted by the Yambaru National Park tour, but ultimately decided against it. The tours look amazing, and as a naturalist, I was very interested in learning more about the national park and turtle conservation. I think if you want to explore more of Okinawa, you should book one! 

Ultimately, we decided against the excursions because we didn’t want to leave the property. We booked the Treeful Treehouse for a relaxing, rejuvenating stay.

We only took advantage of the in-house amenities and add-ons. We got a facial, booked two BBQ dinners, did the river trek, and booked time in the sauna. It was nice not to leave the property. We spent so much to stay here that we wanted to make the most of it!

• I recommend doing a BBQ at least once. 
• I recommend booking the sauna for your private group. 
• I recommend taking advantage of the free guided river trek. 

Anything extra should be based on the time you have, your budget, whether you have a rental car, and whether you have other opportunities to explore Okinawa.

Treeful Treehouse, Sustainable Resort Environmental Commitment

Treeful has one of the most outstanding environmental commitments of any property I’ve stayed at. The one thing that stands out the most to me is that the environment and human connection to nature are at the heart and soul of Treeful.

A lot of hotels consider the environment as an afterthought, a PR stunt, or build it around economic considerations first. Not at Treeful. Their mission, vision, and values forever prioritize the environment first. 

So, do they live up to their hype?

Minimal Disruption to the Environment

Everything at Treeful Treehouse was created to minimize the environmental impact. I already mentioned the concept of treehouses built on living, healthy trees without harming the species, but what do they do beyond that? 

As you explore the Treeful Treehouse property, look at the boardwalks, decks, sauna, and staircases. Everything is built with slits, which allow sunlight to filter down and reach the ground. 

You’ll also notice that everything is over 1m above the ground. This allows for the free and undisturbed movement of everything from earthworms to native, endangered Okinawan rails. 

Treehouses and Aerohouses are built to avoid felling any large trees. They do their best to avoid cutting any smaller trees. If they do have to remove small trees, most of the wood is used and repurposed throughout the property. 

These approaches consider all biodiversity from microorganisms, insects, plants, and animals. At Treeful, all life can grow and thrive with access to sunlight and rain, maintaining healthy soil and organic matter. 

Water Usage

Mindful water consumption is encouraged at Treeful Treehouse. As you shower, cook, and bathe, it is helpful to remember where the water comes from and how it is heated to conserve energy.

The water is sourced from a well, supplied by the pristine river that flows next to Treeful. Purified without harsh chemicals using UV light, the water is safe to drink, and there is no need to bring or buy bottled water. 

The process for storing and heating water operates overnight, using the Eco-Cute system. What a cute name, huh? This helps save energy, but it also means that there is limited on-demand hot water. So, keep those hot showers to a minimum to best complement Treeful’s water-saving practices. 

Waste Management

And speaking of plastic bottles, you don’t find any single-use plastics on site, or really any plastic for that matter. If you need toiletries, they have bamboo products for use. 

To minimize food waste, you’ll notice Donna, the sassy goat on campus. Donna was a rescue goat who now lives her best life, keeping the grass trimmed without a lawn mower. She is also known to help us finish our meals or leftover fruit. Don’t be surprised if you see Donna covered in what appears to be blood. She is just doing her job, eating an overripe dragon fruit. Donna, of course, works in tandem with human-led tactics to reduce food waste. 

Other waste throughout the property, including solid and human waste, is minimized and composted. We generated hardly any waste during our stay, and I don’t think our trash can filled up once! Our lunch boxes were served in reusables, and straws were metal; breakfast came in reusable glass jars, and nothing in our AeroHouse or Treehouse produced waste when used. 

The treehouse we booked, the Spiral Treehouse, even had a composting toilet that turned human waste into nutrient-rich soil!

Energy and Emissions

Because the treehouses are built as true treehouses on living, healthy trees, they are actually carbon negative. This, combined with low- and smart-energy use in the treehouses, means that the trees absorb more carbon than the structures emit.

They don’t stop there, though! In fact, it keeps getting better. The entirety of Treeful Treehouse doesn’t use any fossil fuels. Treeful has a bunch of solar panels they’ve installed, and they generate more than enough electricity to meet all the needs at the Treehouse. 

However, there are times when they need to supplement their energy with additional purchases. They purchase additional power from the Okinawan government, which provides it from certified fossil-fuel-free energy sources, including solar, wind, and biomass. This source of energy is 5% more than fossil fuel energy. 

So, consider that some of that price per night goes toward Treeful purchasing renewable energy. While I know we don’t all love a green tax, it is sometimes necessary. 

Circular Concepts and Repurposing

As soon as you enter any AeroHouse or Treehouse, it is hard not to gasp at the incredible craftwork and beautiful design. Everything is wood, and everything is beautiful and thoughtfully created.

Rather than harvesting virgin wood or using unsustainable forestry practices, all the wood across Treeful’s properties has been repurposed, reclaimed, sustainably harvested, or sourced from unavoidable tree clearing. 

One of my favorite details was the wooden lamps in the AeroHouse and treehouses. As you do your river trek, you might notice a plant that looks much like your lamps. These were collected from plants that naturally reached the end of their lives and were turned into lamps. 

No wood goes to waste here. Because of the practices they use, the wood for the Treehouses, even though it is no longer part of living trees, still absorbs carbon, contributing to their carbon-negative approach. 

Living With Nature: Humans and Nature Together

As a biodiversity expert, my favorite thing at Treeful has to be their approach to humans and nature living alongside each other. They clearly state on their website and, when we arrived, reiterate that this is not the place for the bug-averse. 

Treeful works hard to create a thriving environment where every living thing, from microorganisms to insects and native Okinawan hairy rats, all have a safe, comfortable home. 

As we did our morning yoga, an army of ants worked hard to carry off a large cicada. Giant butterflies flew about in the sky and in the trees. A large stickbug blended in perfectly, hiding on the outside walls of our AeroHouse—a sign that the wood was natural and local to the area. Large spiders made their webs among the ropes of the spiral staircase. 

Treeful doesn’t use chemicals or treat anything to try to deter any native wildlife. They welcome everything as part of a healthy ecosystem. We are part of nature, and rather than living without the things that make our environment safe and healthy, at Treeful, we live alongside them. 

Treeful asks that if you have an issue with insects or bugs, you refrain from staying with them and refrain from complaining if you do. Insects are vital to nature.

Our Experience At Treeful Treehouse in Okinawa

So, what is it like staying at Treeful? We booked three nights and had three beautiful days, enjoying the slow regenerative pace of their property. 

Before we arrived in Okinawa, we booked our stay months in advance, knowing we had to secure a reservation on dates that worked for us. We booked online and got the only available Treehouse and AeroHouse set at the time, the OG Spiral Treehouse.

Treeful followed up on our booking with a Google Form. It was here we filled out our dietary needs (Vegan), booked the sauna, facials, two vegan BBQ dinners, and other such particulars. This was a helpful form, as it provided prices for things and more details. 

Once we were booked, we were ready to go. After a fulfilling trip hiking a section of the Kumano Kodo

Day 1 At Treeful: Check in and River Trek

We arrived in Naha from mainland Japan. We headed straight to the rental car property with our international license in hand. After getting settled into our rental, we pretty much drove straight to Treeful Treehouse. The drive was close to two hours. 

There are two things to consider when planning your arrival time. 

• Don’t arrive after dark. The roads to the Treehouse are narrow, winding, and in a rural forested area. Driving in the dark can be dangerous. 
• If you want to take advantage of the daily River Trek on the day of, you will need to be checked in by 2:30 pm. 

The only stop we made was at a supermarket to pick up a quick, easy meal to cook on the first night at Treeful. For us, that was pasta. 

We booked before all the treehouses at Treeful were fully open, and we were the only people staying across the property. So, our check-in tour and our guided river trek were private! We couldn’t believe it. 

We spent the first hour or so getting acquainted with the property. Our lovely concierge, Lily, gave us the grand tour of the AeroHouse, where ice-cold tea and banana cookies were waiting. Lily shared with us all the incredible sustainability features of the AeroHouse before we moved on to the grand Spiral Treehouse.

At the Spiral Treehouse, we leared all about the engineering behind the treehouses. We were shown how to make ourselves Chemex coffee every morning, where the yoga mats were, how to use the compost toilet, how to get up to the rooftop, and everything else we needed to feel comfortable and confident across the AeroHosue and Treehouse. 

We were introduced to Donna, the resident goat, the garbage disposal, and the queen of sass. 

Once we were settled, it was time for the guided River Trek. Each AeroHouse comes with an expedition pack, and we were supplied with a traditional Okinawan hat. The hats are practical for clearing spiderwebs while hiking. We also slipped into some water shoes and into quick-dry sports clothing. 

Heading out, we got to explore the Okinawan forest. Lily, a budding ecologist, shared information with us about the endangered damselflies—those blue beauties you see among dozens of butterfly species. Lily had a wealth of knowledge about the forest ecology, the types of aquatic animals we would see in the water, all the insects, the flying fox, and the incredible plants. 

We trekked to two different waterfalls and enjoyed a cool dip in the refreshing water. The trek was about an hour or less.

When we were back at our Aerohouse, we slashed around in the water a little longer until we were ready to get out, rinse off, and transition into Treefuls in the evening. 

As dusk began to settle, we ordered a bottle of wine and sake from our lovely hosts. This was the only dinner we cooked in-house. We enjoyed drinking, cooking, and listening to the sounds of the forest.

Of course, we had to spend time exploring the property at night, with the treehouse lit, and as the night-critters like the flying fox began to emerge. Treeful is a completely different place during the day vs. at night!

One perk of sleeping in the AeroHouse was sleeping with the windows cracked. Designed to let in noise and circulate air without the need for any forced air. The rushing river below and the insects were the soundtrack to our sleep. 

Day 2: Meditation, Rest, and Rejuvenation

Our concierge was in touch via WhatsApp, asking what time we would like breakfast. We wanted a later breakfast to start our morning slowly after a good lie-in. Waking, naturally, with daylight as our floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the incredible forest before us; it was hard not to just lie there in awe of nature.  

Eventually, we made our way to the Spiral Treehouse to make a fresh Chemex. Our mornings were spent at the treehouse, phoneless. With our coffee, we practiced some self-guided meditation and yoga. 

Breakfast, we took back on the deck of our AeroHouse. On the menu was baked Ube bread with local jams and fresh-cut vegetables. It was the perfect, simple, and cold start to the day. 

Back at the Treehouse, we spent the rest of the morning until lunch. Ganesh, taking a break from his high-stress tech job, journaled about life, stress, and career goals. He meditated more and read. 

I also journaled, but in a more creative fashion, and spent time reading in the hammock. That rooftop was such a special place, with giant butterflies flying ahead and the insects a constant comfort with their buzzing. 

The call for lunch moved us back into the AeroHouse. Lunch was a vegan bento box, with rice, veggies, and a cold iced tea. After lunch, we spent some time in the AeroHouse. I read in the sunroom, Ganesh, spent some time in the living room, relaxing, reading, and writing. 

Before dinner, we moved out to the Treehouse rooftop for an evening sunset session of yoga and reading in the hammock. Tonight would be our first BBQ dinner… and wow…

Our hosts sent us a WhatsApp when it was time to head out to the patio for dinner. Hot coals simmered in an open, low-to-the-ground BBQ. A tower of bamboo steamers sat atop the iron bars, cooking. Sitting down, we got the instructions from our hosts, and as we ordered sake with dinner, they filled our glasses and departed. 

It was up to us to finish our semi-interactive vegan BBQ dinner. Once the vegetables and vegan dumplings finished steaming, we dipped them into sauces, and enjoyed lively conversation with the sounds of the forest around us. 

Our treehouse was lit in the distance. With a sake refill on the way, we had the choice to turn our BBQ into a fire pit.

Donna, the garbage disposal was not far off, munching on some leftover fruit from the welcome baskets. 

Dinner is a bit buggy, so we made sure to wear long pants and shirts.

Day 3: Spa and Sauna

Our day was almost the same as the previous one. To make the most of the beautiful property we were staying at, we had another slow, peaceful morning. With the windows, again cracked, we were gently awoken by the sounds of the river and forest. 

From there, we went over to the Treehouse to do our morning routine: making a slow cup of coffee, meditating, and moving.

Again, the call for breakfast brought us back to the AeroHouse patio. This time, we swapped Ube bread for an Okinawan super-food herb bread—both were equally delicious. I was thankful we booked enough nights to try both types of bread. 

After breakfast, we spent more time reading, writing, and exploring the property. 

We had booked facials and the sauna experience around 1 pm. So, after another vegan bento box for lunch, we got into our swimmers and robed up. Suzu, our concierge, met us at the AeroHouse to walk us over to the sauna. We got a tutorial on how to use the sauna and slide. 

Then, Ganesh went back to the AeroHouse, while I got my facial. The facialist used incredible local Okinawan scents and products for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. After I was done with my facial, it was Ganesh’s turn. 

Once we were both finished, it was time for the sauna. The sauna can accommodate up to 6 people at a time, but we reserved it just for the two of us. We had two hours to move between the sauna, with Okinawan essential oils, plunging in the cold river below on the side, and reading and relaxing in the cooling room. 

The glass walls of the sauna were such a nice way to connect with and appreciate nature. It really felt like the humidity and warmth of the Okinawan forest were in the room with us. 

Our facials and sauna experience was about 4 hours of our afternoon. By 5 pm, we headed back to the AeroHouse to shower and get ready for dinner. 

Tonight we had reserved another vegan BBQ dinner. It was very different from last night’s dinner, so we had lots of variety. On the menu were vegan burger patties for protein and a smorgasbord of grilled veggies.

We had ordered more sake and wine, and stayed out late into the evening, turning the BBQ into a fire, and the flying foxes flew out overhead. 

Day 4: Breakfast and Check Out

We couldn’t believe how quickly it felt like our time at Treeful Treehouse came to an end. It was one of those experiences that was simultaneously slow but went by fast. Despite those slow mornings and afternoons, reading and writing, three nights came and went.

After one last sleep, waking up to the sights and the sounds of the forest, and after one last yoga and meditation session at the treehouse, it was time for the last breakfast. 

Lingering as long as we could, we made sure to visit the egg treehouse, gift shop, thank our wonderful hosts, and take one last walk across the property.

We left a little piece of our hearts at Treeful, and as we drove away, we knew we would have to come back.

Important to Know Before Booking

Bugs and Insects

Insects are part of the Treeful Treehouse property. You will encounter them when sitting outside of your Treehouse, at dinner, and when walking. Insects are critical to a healthy ecosystem, and Treeful supports them. If you are squeamish or can’t handle a few insect bits at dinner, Treeful might not be for you.  

Don’t Arrive Late, If Possible

Treeful is in a remote part of Okinawa. The last part of the drive is down a narrow and winding road, some of which is unpaved. It is not recommended that you arrive after dark. 

In fact, it is recommended that you arrive before 2:30 to maximize your time at the property and enjoy it to the fullest. It also means you can join the 3:30 pm River Trek tour!

Because there is a lot to the property, from getting acquainted with the Treehouse and AeroHouse and getting settled, it can take a while to get situated. So, don’t be late. 

Dinner and Food

The food at Treeful is incredible. I recommend you book their BBQ dinner at least once, if not more! They have a lot of variety, so even if you are there for a few nights, you won’t be eating the same thing. 

There are, of course, kitchens, but we liked relaxing and letting others prepare our delicious food. 

They do have fully vegan meals available. These need to be booked in advance, and the first three groups to book will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Fill Out Google Forms

Don’t delay in filling out the Google Form, which they will send you after booking. If you want to book excursions, meals, a sauna, or anything else, responding promptly is key!

Who This is Right For

Treeful is right for the sustainable traveler looking to invest in a green property committed to the natural environment and to human connection with it. 

• This is for those looking to slow down, relax, and enjoy the peaceful moments in nature. 
• For those looking to splurge on sustainable luxury in a remote and rural area. It is for people who like rustic luxury.  
• And it is for those who appreciate all living things, from insects to big trees and flying foxes. 

Who It is Not Right For

It is not for those who don’t see value in investing in nature. It is not for those who want a 5* resort, pretentious luxury. It is not for penny-pinchers or people who don’t like bugs or nature. It is not for those looking for a fast, action-packed day. 

How to Get To Treeful Treehouse

Treeful will provide you with specific driving instructions. While it is easy to find on Google Maps, they have a preferred way to get there that is easier for you and less dangerous. So, follow their instructions. 

Treeful does not offer a shuttle service from Naha. You are on your own to reach their property. We had an international driver’s license and rented a car. If you do not have a car rental or international license, you will need to plan for a private transfer. Treeful can recommend a private company familiar with the area.

What to Pack

• Don’t forget your swimsuit for the sauna and river swimming. 
• Hiking clothes that can get wet or are quick-dry. 
• Books
• Long pants and a shirt for dinner with bugs
• Yoga clothing 
• Food, if you want to cook on your own
• Offline documents to disconnect and still enjoy reading and writing 
• Creatives, bring your paints, journals, camera, or whatever medium you want, nature to infuse a little zest into your life. 

Treefuls has a lot of what you might need. From binoculars, trekking shoes, a hat, coffee, towels, and other essentials. 

How Much We Spent

I don’t often talk about budget here, but I’ll let it slip this time. We paid a little over $6,000 CAD for 3 nights. This included all meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 vegan dinners), all our drinks (multiple bottles of sake, wine, and beer), two facials, a private sauna booking, our river trek, and 3 nights’ stay in the Spiral Treehouse and AeroHouse 1.

Again, it is common for a group of 6 to split this cost amongst themselves. We wanted a luxury and private experience and splurged, so there are ways to better manage your costs. 

You can also choose to cook a few more meals yourself, skip the facials, and drink less. For us, it was worth it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. 

Comment and Share Treeful Treehouse Sustainable Resort in Okinawa

Treeful Treehouse was honestly one of the best places I’ve ever stayed in my long tenure of travel. For me, as an environmental scientist, regenerative tourism expert, and intrepid traveler, it was well worth the cost. It was a stay that seamlessly blended my love for nature and ecology, sustainable local tourism, and luxury comfort without compromising on environmental cost.

I would return in a heartbeat and love to stay at different treehouses. This review is independent and unsponsored, and I recommend this splurge to anyone seeking a meaningful, novel stay in Okinawa, Japan.

Would you book a few nights at Japan’s most sustainable treehouse resort in Okinawa? Let me know in the comments.