When Satoru Kikugawa was just a boy, the pages of a book titled I Want a Big Tree inspired him to find a tree suitable for a magnificent treehouse. Years later, driven by this childhood tale, he embarked on a journey through the forests of northern Okinawa. That’s where he discovered his dream tree—a towering Akagi, and got to work.
The Treehouse
Construction began in 2014, and today, that very tree stands as the centerpiece of the Spiral Tree House, one of the extraordinary accommodations offered at the Treeful Tree House sustainable resort in Nago, Okinawa. This unique haven, which opened its doors in 2021, combines both nature and comfort. Ascending the winding staircase to the Spiral Tree House, guests are treated to panoramic views of Okinawa’s lush jungle from every angle. The deck space, decorated with string lights and plush pillows, offers a serene retreat among the treetops. Inside, there are two hammocks, yoga mats, a mini fridge, a compost toilet, air conditioning, and a cozy semi-double bed. Nestled in a neighboring tree is the AeroHouse, a luxurious sustainable retreat made by architect Tadashi Murai and interior designer Yasuhiro Koichi. With its spacious layout and expansive windows, this eco-friendly abode features a fully equipped kitchen, drink cellar, day bed, king-sized bed, shower, toilet, and even a washing machine.
A Relaxing Getaway
The Trophy Tree House is currently under construction, but it’s expected to resemble a Japanese tea room theme and will be outfitted with two futons, a flushable toilet, and a rooftop viewing area. There’s also the Indigo Sauna Tree House, where groups of up to six can enjoy a three-hour sauna session. After that, guests can cool off by dipping into the Genka River below. Adorned with Okinawan indigo-dyed wooden accents and featuring a slit-style structure that floods the interior with natural light, this treehouse offers a perfect escape. In addition to its remarkable accommodations, Treeful Tree House offers guests delicious on-site dining experiences, including fireside dinners featuring Agu pork shabu-shabu, Okinawa soba noodles, seafood BBQ, and more.
Powered solely by renewable energy and constructed with eco-friendly materials, the treehouses exemplify a harmonious coexistence with nature.
This U.S. State Has a Stargazing Route That Connects 2 International Dark Sky Parks and Starry Small Towns — And It’s the ‘Starry-Est Route in America’
When it comes to stargazing, there are two things that are really important: being in a high place and far away from big, bright lights. The state of Nevada has both of these things. Here is how you can have a starry adventure traveling the roads of this state!
The Starry-est Road in America
Nevada has a special road called Park to Park in the Dark. It’s a five-hour drive that goes for about 300 miles. This road connects two places called International Dark Sky Parks. Along the way, you’ll pass through small, quiet towns with very little light.
Remember, you need to be careful and bring everything you need because there aren’t many services around. Starting with Great Basin National Park, you can already enjoy stargazing thanks to the area having some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S. Basically, you can stand anywhere in the park, look up at the sky, and see lots of stars.
Baker, Nevada
The first town you’ll reach after leaving Great Basin National Park is a tiny little 36-person town called Baker. As you can imagine, such a small town doesn’t need much light.
That means one heck of a view of the stars at night. Just north of Baker, there’s a place called the Baker Archaeological Site, which is a great spot to see the Milky Way. It’s the ultimate stargazer’s destination.
Ely, Nevada
Ely is a lovely place, especially in the fall when the leaves on the trees turn gold, orange, and red, making it an autumn wonderland.
Sure, there’s lots of great trails for riding bikes or ATVs around the town, but the best part are its two stargazing spots, both located within state parks.
Tonopah and Goldfield
Nevada is home to lots of long stretches of road with no services, so if you find yourself doing the drive between Ely and Tonopah, be sure to bring along tons of food and water and a full tank of gas. Once you get to Tonopah, though, you’ll find a special park just off Highway 95.
You can get out your telescope and enjoy a picnic while you wait for the stars to come out, or even join in for one of their “star parties” twice a month until the end of October. South of Tonopah is Goldfield, an old mining town. There are two ghost towns nearby, Diamondfield and Gold Point, which are great places to stargaze.
Beatty and Death Valley National Park
Beatty is the entrance to Death Valley State Park on the Nevada side. It’s a quiet place surrounded by open land, making it perfect for looking up at the stars in peace.
In the fall, winter, and spring, park rangers have astronomy programs, but you can also stargaze on your own at any time because the park is open 24/7, making it perfect for loner night owls as well!