SOCIAL WORKATION is a tour-type workation themed around “remote work in a resort area” + “interaction with participants.”
In addition to the usual workation, you can make friends to play with, expanding your range of activities and making your stay more enjoyable.
So, what does a day at Social Workation look like? Here’s a day experienced by staff member Ichikawa, presented as both a Working Day and a Holiday.
WORKING DAY
7:30 AM – Morning Walk to Naminoue Beach
I make it a habit to start my day with light exercise. Being in Okinawa, I couldn’t resist visiting the beach, so I took a walk to Naminoue Beach, which is within walking distance from the hotel.
Though compact, the beach is easily accessible and has high water clarity. You can visit casually with just a towel and swimsuit in hand. There’s also an impressive shrine nearby that’s worth a visit.
9:00 AM – Breakfast in the 1st Floor Lounge
(Left: Huevos Rancheros, Right: The Island Torta)
Returning from the walk, it’s time to get ready and head to the lounge for breakfast. The breakfast at ESTINATE HOTEL Naha is luxurious, featuring dishes that combine Mexican cuisine with Okinawan ingredients and cooking methods, under the concept of “Ryukyu-Mexican Fusion.”
Try the Huevos Rancheros, featuring tortillas with tomato sauce, cheese, Okinawan black sugar teriyaki chicken, and a fried egg, served with homemade tomato sauce and chili con carne. Another option is the Island Torta, a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, spam, and sweet potatoes, offering unique textures and flavors.
10:00 AM – Work in the 1st Floor Lounge
After breakfast, start working in the lounge. The atmosphere is similar to a café, making it a comfortable environment for productivity.
1:00 PM –Lunch at Mikado Diner
For lunch, we headed to Mikado Diner, a popular eatery just a three-minute walk away. Known as the birthplace of Okinawan soul foods like Okinawa Champon and Pork Tamago, it’s a local favorite. Today, I enjoyed the Yushidofu set meal, which was delicious.
2:00 PM – Work in the 10th Floor Work Lounge
Back at the hotel, continue working in the 10th-floor work lounge, which is perfect for focused work. The lounge is equipped with power outlets, Wi-Fi, and private rooms for web meetings.
4:00 PM – Visit Cafe POPO
7:00 PM – Finish Work & Visit a Nearby Hot Spring
We had plans to visit a hot spring together, so I focused on my work and finished by 7 PM. We rented a car and headed to Ryujin no Yu at Senaga Umikaji Terrace. This hot spring is one of the few in Okinawa that offers a Löyly (steam) sauna experience. Located near the airport, you can watch planes take off from the open-air bath, adding a unique touch to the relaxing experience.
10:00 PM – Drinks in the 10th Floor Lounge
Back at the hotel, we gathered in the lounge, where everyone joined for a toast. We shared stories about the delicious lunch, fun spots, and enjoyable izakayas. We chatted excitedly about where to go the next day. Having friends to share experiences and information with made the stay much more enjoyable than coming alone.
12:00 AM – Prepare for Tomorrow & Sleep
After returning to my room, I checked work emails and planned my tasks for the next day. I went to bed around 1:00 AM while watching the local news.
HOLIDAY
7:30 AM – Run to Shurijo Castle Park
Today, I went for a longer run to Shurijo Castle Park. After exploring the park, I heard about a large Akagi tree nearby and decided to visit it. The tree was in a slightly secluded area, and I got a bit lost. However, a kind local noticed and kindly gave me directions.
10:00 AM – Breakfast at Better Girl
After returning to the hotel and taking a shower, I headed to “BETTER GIRL” for breakfast, a place recommended by one of the participants the day before. The café features an open, two-story interior and offers a hearty and delicious breakfast.
1:00 PM – Drive to Seaside Drive-In on the West Coast
▲Seaside Drive-In on the West Coast, Onna Village
With free time until the evening, I flipped through a book titled “Architecture of Okinawa” that was available in the hotel lounge. Intrigued by what I read, I decided to drive to the Seaside Drive-In in Onna Village. The founder was inspired by a restaurant on a U.S. military base and opened this drive-in in 1967 in his hometown. For over 50 years, this place has been satisfying the appetites of drivers. Feeling the history, I enjoyed exploring this long-standing establishment.
Left: The retro neon sign exudes a nostalgic atmosphere.
Top right: From the restaurant, you can view the sea, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Bottom right: The menu includes Western, Japanese, and Chinese dishes. The white fish fry set, priced at 900 yen, is very filling.
6:00 PM – Sauna & BBQ at Onna Village Gome
We headed to the sauna and BBQ facility “Onna Village Gome” situated in the great outdoors, with a total of 14 people and three cars. After enjoying the hot sauna, we cooled off in the cold bath while watching the sunset over the East China Sea—such a luxurious experience. Lying back in a camping chair surrounded by nature, I truly felt that I had come to Okinawa.
▲ BBQ next to Sauna venue
10:00 PM – Ice Cream at BLUE SEAL
On the way back, we stopped by the flagship store of the Okinawan local ice cream shop “BLUE SEAL” at the Makiminato location. I particularly wanted to visit at night to see the neon lights. The ambiance, a fusion of Okinawan and American culture, is absolutely captivating.
12:00 AM – Sleep
After a refreshing sauna, fall asleep quickly upon returning to the hotel.
(Reported by: Yuki Ichikawa, Photos: Monitor Participants, Yuki Ichikawa)
※This article has been partially revised and republished from its original version in July 2022.
