A Treehouse That Epitomizes Elegance: Japan's Finest Accommodation
Discover one of Japan's most exquisite hotels - a breathtaking treehouse retreat that fulfills the dreams of both children and adults alike Experience a family affair where luxury meets nature, leaving no trace behind Uncover the legacy of this remarkable creation and embark on a journey to reach this extraordinary destination
As a child, Satoru Kikugawa often visited his family's summer home in the countryside near Tokyo. These trips allowed him to develop a deep appreciation for nature. His childhood dream of having a treehouse was inspired by a Japanese children's book titled "I Want a Big Tree."
The realization of that dream came much later, after several decades, during a family trip to Borneo, which ignited a sense of urgency and determination.
According to Kikugawa, while flying over the island, he witnessed a vast forest being devastated and replaced by a palm plantation.
Kikugawa explains that he recognized the economic benefits of selling lumber, but also acknowledged its negative impact on carbon levels and wildlife diversity. With this in mind, he pondered on ways to preserve the environment while still generating income for the local community. This initial idea eventually blossomed into Treeful, an exquisite resort located in Okinawa prefecture.
A handmade hammock outside a Treeful cabin.
Treeful
The only setback was that Kikugawa had no clue about constructing a treehouse. By day, he held the position of chairman at Gala, Inc, a company known for developing role-playing video games and various other projects.
He resorted to YouTube for guidance and started watching instructional videos, investing years of effort and countless experiments. Teaching himself the usage of a circular saw and various other carpentry tools proved to be essential.
Kikugawa managed to acquire a piece of land amidst the forested area of Okinawa. However, instead of selecting a location and simply cutting down a tree, he embarked on a search, wandering until he discovered the perfect tree, which he embraced. From that point onward, he commenced constructing the house, incorporating the tree into its structure.
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A family affair
Kikugawa's treehouse concept initially lacked substantial support. Many perceived him merely as a wealthy individual seeking a pastime.
Nevertheless, one person embraced Kikugawa's idea wholeheartedly: his daughter Maha. In an interview with CNN, she reveals that her father has ingrained a deep appreciation for nature within her since her early years.
Maha pursued her major in ecosystem science and policy at the University of Miami. Later, she joined her father in visiting treehouse projects in Costa Rica and the US.
In 2014, Kikugawa successfully completed his first structure known as Spiral Treehouse, which eventually became part of the larger project now known as Treeful.
"I admire my father's dedication to improving the world through treehouses," Maha tells CNN Travel.
"Since I was young, my father instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature. Now, we collaborate on this eco-friendly treehouse resort to preserve it and inspire others with its principles."
The rustic view from one of Treeful's rooms.
Treeful
Leaving no trace
There are currently four treehouses available at the resort, with each one being carefully designed to minimize its impact on the environment. Among them is the AeroHouse, which is elevated 1.2 meters above the ground to preserve the local wildlife habitat. Additionally, wooden dowels were utilized in place of metal bolts, and the rooms are equipped with composting toilets. To ensure the safety of the water supply, ultraviolet light is used to sterilize the well water, eliminating the need for chlorine.
The treehouse is constructed with shredded wood for its floors and ceiling, allowing sunlight to permeate and nourish the plants beneath without disturbing the ecosystem. Additionally, the in-room furnishings such as lamps and bookshelves are crafted from naturally fallen stones and branches sourced from the forest.
And Donna, the resort goat, keeps the grass maintained.
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Building a treehouse, building a legacy
Seven years after Kikugawa started building a treehouse, the resort opened in 2021.
Since its inception, the treehouse has garnered numerous design accolades and praise from Guinness World Records due to its remarkable distinction of being the world's lowest treehouse. It stands proudly at a breathtaking 3.6 meters (11 feet 9 inches) below its supporting tree's base.
Yet, the founder of Treefuls envisions an expansion beyond the borders of his beloved homeland Japan.
Kikugawa is collaborating with the Cambodian government to construct treehouses inside Phnom Kulen National Park, located near Siem Reap, as part of their efforts to fight against illegal logging.
Between 2016 and 2021, Cambodia experienced a substantial loss of more than 38,000 hectares of forest, which accounts for approximately 9% of its total forest area. Consequently, the forest protection program initiated by USAID had to be terminated due to this alarming situation, despite an investment of over $100 million dollars.
Kikugawa expresses their desire to expand and make this business venture reach an international scale.
Getting there
Visiting Treeful requires planning ahead.
It takes 90 minutes to drive from Okinawa's Naha Airport (OKA) to the location, or a three-hour bus ride (with one transfer) from the town of Genkawa Iriguchi. The Treeful staff recommends arriving before sunset, as they rely solely on natural light and the forest can become very dark.
Treeful Treehouse Sustainable Resort, 578, Genka, Nago City, Okinawa, 905-1141, Japan.
