One Suite The Terrace, a resort villa on Kouri Island in Okinawa Prefecture, has introduced an awamori tasting corner dedicated to hotel guests, aiming to make Okinawa's traditional spirit a more integral part of the stay experience.
Reviving Awamori Culture Through a Guest Experience
The awamori industry has been facing declining shipment volumes in recent years, alongside shifts in drinking habits — particularly among younger generations. Against this backdrop, new efforts to preserve and share awamori culture have become increasingly important.
The tasting corner at One Suite The Terrace allows guests to sample and compare a curated selection of awamori sourced from distilleries across Okinawa Prefecture. Exploring the different regional characteristics, flavor profiles, and the distinctive depth that awamori offers is at the heart of the experience.
Pairing Awamori with Okinawan Cuisine
For guests new to awamori, the hotel offers guidance on approachable bottles and enjoyable serving styles, each matched to the in-room dining options available:
- Shabu-shabu: Awamori diluted with water (mizuwari), which highlights the subtle flavors of the broth and ingredients
- Sukiyaki: Awamori on the rocks, drawing out the rich body and aroma of aged koshu varieties
- BBQ: Awamori mixed with sparkling water (soda-wari), a refreshing combination to enjoy in the island breeze
Rather than a simple tasting exercise, the concept ties awamori to Okinawan food culture, creating a stay experience that gives guests a more meaningful connection to the local traditions.
One Suite The Terrace opened in April 2019 as a collection of independent villa-style rooms with views of the sea surrounding Kouri Island. The property is designed to offer a high level of privacy and an unhurried island atmosphere, welcoming couples, families, and groups looking for a peaceful retreat.
