Okinawa, JapanNakijin
ALMIS NAKIJIN
Minimalist cliff pavilion
Minimalist cliff pavilion
The pavilion replaces standard hotel rituals with pure seclusion. There is no lobby or restaurant, only silence above the water.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Shinichi Ogawa designed five stark white linear suites overlooking the East China Sea.
Listed
Each suite terrace includes an open-air infinity plunge pool and outdoor soaking bath.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Perched on a cliff overlooking the East China Sea, its rectangular white façade standing out in stark relief against the blue sky, Emil Nakijin is an ultra-modern boutique hotel with just five suites.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a Nakijin cliff top above the East China Sea, surrounded by quiet forest.
The rooms
Each suite is stark white and unadorned. Sliding glass doors open onto a private plunge pool high above the ocean.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An open-air soaking bath sits beside the plunge pool on each terrace, walled in white 160 meters above the sea.
Okinawa
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.