From September 19 to November 8, 2026, Banta Cafe by Hoshino Resorts — one of Japan's largest ocean-view cafes — is hosting an autumn reading event called "Yonnā BOOK days." The event takes place at the cliff-top cafe overlooking the sea in Yomitan Village, Okinawa.
As the intense summer heat subsides and a comfortable sea breeze rolls in, autumn in Okinawa becomes one of the most pleasant seasons of the year. To celebrate the season for reading, Banta Cafe is placing bookshelves throughout its expansive landscape — from the clifftop to the beach below. New this year is the "Umikaze Book Garden" (Sea Breeze Book Garden) on the clifftop lawn, where visitors can settle in with a book while looking out over the ocean.
"Yonnā" (よんなー) is an Okinawan dialect word meaning "leisurely" or "at your own pace."
1. Uchinānchū no Honbako — A Library Curated by Okinawa's Sages
Okinawa has a rich tradition of publishing — the island has so many publishers relative to its population that locals joke "there are more authors than readers." Yet many of these locally produced books rarely make it to mainland bookstores. Banta Cafe has assembled a special selection of around 100 books to help visitors discover a new side of the island. The lineup includes personal recommendations by Okinawan artisans, karate practitioners, and other local sages, as well as titles handpicked by local booksellers around themes such as "Okinawa," "sea," "food," and "travel."
2. Relax with a Book on the Lawn — Umikaze Book Garden
Taking advantage of Banta Cafe's sweeping landscape — which stretches from the clifftop down to the shore — small bookshelves are set up throughout the grounds: on the "Seaside Terrace," the "Large Roof Deck" with its panoramic view, and various other spots. Brand new for 2026 is the "Umikaze Book Garden," where visitors can lounge on the grass and immerse themselves in autumn reading while the ocean breeze washes over them.
3. Yonnā Book Fair and Seaside Read-Aloud Sessions
On weekends during the event period, the "Yonnā Book Fair" brings together used bookstores and independent booksellers from around the prefecture. Visitors can browse hard-to-find local books and enjoy casual conversations with the shop owners. At the Umikaze Book Garden, a storytelling group also hosts read-aloud sessions featuring picture books that share Okinawan culture and values, all set to the soothing sound of waves and autumn wind.
4. A Seasonal Sweet to Enjoy While Reading
During the event period, the cafe offers a limited menu item perfect for reading companions: the "Sakusaku Umu Shoe," a crispy cream puff ("umu" meaning "sweet potato" in Okinawan dialect) filled with rich brown sugar cream and made with purple sweet potato in season during Okinawa's autumn. The combination of the cookie-style pastry's crunch and the deep sweetness of the brown sugar cream pairs perfectly with a good book.
Event Overview
Event: Yonnā BOOK days
Period: September 19 – November 8, 2026
Yonnā Book Fair & Read-Aloud Sessions: September 19, October 24 and 31, 2026
Limited Event Menu: Sakusaku Umu Shoe — ¥700 (tax included)
About Banta Cafe by Hoshino Resorts
One of Japan's largest ocean-view cafes, Banta Cafe by Hoshino Resorts is set on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the sea. The grounds feature four distinct areas stretching from the cliff down to the beach, each offering Okinawa-inspired drinks and food for guests to enjoy at their own chosen spot.
Address: 560 Gima, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0327
Phone: 098-921-6810
Hours: 10:00 AM – 1 hour after sunset (last order at sunset); from 8:00 AM on weekends and holidays
Access: Approx. 60 min by car from Naha Airport; approx. 90 min by limousine bus from Naha Airport
Website: https://banta-cafe.com/
