"Active sightseeing is fun, but I also want some time to relax."

Have you ever felt that way while traveling? Read a book that piques your interest, get some work done, or update your social media accounts while enjoying the Okinawan atmosphere. We will introduce you to cafes where you can indulge in some "your own time."

A sophisticated, adult café created under the supervision of Blue Note

"A restaurant for adults"

The interior of the cafe has a chic atmosphere with jazz playing, which perfectly matches the theme. BLUE BOOKS cafe OKINAWA is located in a place overlooking the harbor, away from the hustle and bustle of Kokusai-dori, Naha's main street.

"BLUE BOOKS cafe OKINAWA opened on the first floor of HOTEL RESOL TRINITY NAHA in April 2022. It is a cafe that gives off a resort-like and relaxed atmosphere, and some people seem to like the atmosphere so much that they spend the whole day here from morning until night."

So says store manager Daisuke Nakamatsu. BLUE BOOKS cafe is overseen by Blue Note Japan, known for the jazz club Blue Note Tokyo. Nakamatsu explains that the company's extensive know-how and attention to detail are put to good use at BLUE BOOKS cafe OKINAWA.

"Blue Note oversaw the interior design, music, books, art, tableware, sound equipment and lighting."

<There are seats with electrical outlets so you can relax. Of course, Wi-Fi is also available.>

<Over 400 carefully selected books on the themes of "nature," "food," and "life" are available for free browsing. You can also purchase the books you like.>

<The art displayed in the store was created by an artist from Okinawa>

The space is sophisticated down to the smallest details, such as the sound and lighting, which is typical of Blue Note, a jazz club. The subtle "Okinawa" atmosphere may also be the work of the club manager, Mr. Nakamatsu.

A seasonal menu created by the manager who was born and raised in Okinawa

"I was born and raised in Okinawa, and moved to Tokyo after graduating from high school. I worked in restaurants in Aoyama and Azabu for about 20 years."

Nakamatsu-san originally worked as a French and Italian chef and product developer in Tokyo. He returned to Okinawa after the COVID-19 pandemic, and that's when he discovered BLUE BOOKS cafe OKINAWA.

"While working at a grand maison restaurant for many years, I came to feel more strongly that there is more to it than just the food. It goes without saying that a restaurant should serve delicious food. The space in which you can enjoy your meal, including the music, lighting, and interior design, is also important."

BLUE BOOKS cafe values the atmosphere as much as the food. This point seems to have resonated with Nakamatsu's thoughts. Incidentally, Nakamatsu, who is originally from Okinawa, is the one who mainly selects ingredients and develops seasonal menus.

"We use vegetables and meat produced within the prefecture. We value seasonal ingredients, so you can enjoy different ingredients depending on the season."

Our recommendations are the salads featuring seasonal vegetables and the special cold brew coffee!

We asked Nakamatsu about his recommended menu items that will give you a taste of Okinawa.

"I definitely recommend trying our 'Soy Meat and Farm Vegetable Garden Salad'! We use seasonal vegetables that are harvested in Okinawa at the time, so the salad will be completely different depending on the season."

<Garden salad with soy meat and farm vegetables>

"The recommended drink is the cold-brewed coffee, which is extracted slowly over a long period of time. It has a soft fruity aroma and sweetness that makes it easy to gulp down, making it the perfect drink for Okinawa, where it's warm all year round."

<Cold-brewed coffee made with ou·bai·tou·ri beans, also served at Blue Note Tokyo>

It's easily accessible, just a three-minute walk from Asahibashi Monorail Station. However, it's a quiet and relaxing place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you want to take a break during your trip, be sure to stop by BLUE BOOKS cafe OKINAWA.

■店舗名　BLUE BOOKS cafe OKINAWA
■電話番号　098-975-9290
■住所　〒900-0029 沖縄県那覇市旭町７ ホテルリソルトリニティ那覇 1F
■アクセス　旭橋駅、那覇バスターミナルより徒歩3分
■公式HP：http://bluebookscafe.jp/okinawa/
■公式SNS：https://www.instagram.com/bbc_okinawa/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.