Up until 500 years ago, the port of Naha, the gateway to the Ryukyu Kingdom, was a group of islands scattered throughout the bay known as “Ukishima”. As a tributary state of imperial China, a causeway connecting Ukishima to the capital of Shuri was built in order to welcome Chinese imperial delegates. Although the road no longer remains, one can retrace its path, which runs directly in front of Hotel Strata Naha.
The hotel’s name,Strata, was coined from the English term “strata” for describing layers of earth. By unearthing layers of preexisting cultural gems, its aim is to also add new layers of beauty to the ever-changing cultural landscape of the island. From the exterior to the guestrooms, this concept of “layers” can be seen and felt throughout the hotel.
Strata is conveniently located a 30-second walk from the Miebashimonorail Station and a 8-minute walk from the lively Kokusai Dori street. Experiencing the hotel’s tranquil atmosphere, one appreciates the sharp contrast with the sprawling bustle of the city of Naha. Tropical lighting from the courtyard illuminates the lobby, creating a soft boundary between inside and out.
The guestrooms are attractively furnished with lampshades, bed runners, and cushion covers decorated with Shuri-oritextiles, using traditional techniques such as Hanakura-ori and Roton-ori. The Bingata traditional stencil dyed fabrics that enhance the rooms were created in collaboration with artists and combine the concept of Stratawith authentic Okinawan designs inspired by nature.
The hotel’s 221 rooms have 10 different styles, and one especially stands out: the Panorama Suite. With an open five-meter ceiling, and three sides of the room covered with wide-view windows, guests are presented with a 180-degree vista of Naha. This view is even more dramatic because the room itself protrudes from the rest of the building like a cube floating in air!
Complete with a restaurant “aya-nu-mui” with a wood-burning brick oven, an open café “CAFE STRATA”, and the rooftop bar “Sky Salon” overlooking the city of Naha, Strata is replete with pleasures for guests as well as those living nearby. Strata has succeeded in creating a new intersection of the traditional and modern through its mix of Okinawan and contemporary culture.
*Due to the prevention of COVID-19, there may be changes to the opening hours, etc. For more information, please check the official website of Hotel Strata Naha.
