Website: http://yonna-kan.com/
Mayor Oshiro’s Mountain Vegetable Community Revitalization Project
Mayor Oshiro’s Mountain Vegetable Community Revitalization Project
Located in the western part of Kunigami Village, the Yona settlement has a population of about 200 people. After retiring from his job at the Kunigami Village office, Mayor Yasushi Oshiro has dedicated himself to local community revitalization. His efforts have often been featured on TV and in newspapers, and the work done in the Yona settlement has been recognized with the “Okinawa Prefecture Community Development Award.”
Mayor Oshiro’s approach to community revitalization revolves around mountain vegetable cuisine. It’s said that Okinawans have been using over 300 types of plants from the mountains as food for centuries, though only about 70 varieties are still commonly used today. However, as the older generation passes on, knowledge of these plants is fading, even in regions like Yanbaru, where people increasingly buy vegetables from markets.
Mayor Oshiro aims to revive mountain vegetable cuisine, not only to preserve the cultural heritage of eating these plants but also to create economic opportunities. He envisions a future where mountain vegetable farming expands, offering new agricultural jobs for younger generations. Since these plants are native to Okinawa, they have their own natural defenses against pests and require minimal maintenance.
Besides mountain vegetables, Oshiro’s dishes also include other locally sourced vegetables, mostly purchased from farmers within Kunigami Village. This supports local farmers, who take pride in growing vegetables for their own consumption without using pesticides, making their produce healthier and more environmentally friendly.
On the first floor, guests can enjoy mountain vegetable dishes prepared by Mayor Oshiro. If the weather is good, outdoor seating is available, allowing guests to dine surrounded by Yanbaru’s abundant nature, where the sounds of Okinawa rails, wintering Grey-faced Buzzards, or summering Ruddy Kingfishers can often be heard.
Lunch at Yonna-kan
The mountain vegetable meals at Yonna-kan must be reserved in advance! You can book by calling +81-90-9780-7594 or emailing yonnabaiten@gmail.com (English inquiries welcome).
Mountain vegetable meal: ¥2,000 per person (for groups of five or more) The variety of mountain vegetables and other ingredients used changes monthly, making each meal a unique and delicious experience!
Accommodation at Yonna-kan
Yonna-kan has three rooms on the second floor: two small rooms for two people and one larger room for six people. Although the rooms are small, they offer wonderful views and are fully equipped.
Staying at Yonna-kan is best enjoyed with both breakfast and dinner, giving guests the chance to savor the delicious mountain vegetable cuisine.
Activities at Yonna-kan
In addition to accommodation, guests can book a tour of the Yona settlement or participate in traditional crafts like grass weaving with Mayor Oshiro.
