Gajumaru Treehouse Diner: A Japanese Treehouse for Grown-ups
Correction — October 27, 2026: The Gajumaru Treehouse Diner is permanently closed and the treehouse structure was demolished in 2015. This article is historical; there is no diner or treehouse to visit today.
The Gajumaru Treehouse Diner is a surreal sight. It is not often that you see a diner housed in a 20 foot tall tree synthetic Banyan tree in the middle of a bustling modern city. Of course such a fantastical eatery would appear in Japan. Japan is world famous for its whimsical culture that readily embraces all things playful and lighthearted. Many Japanese people consider themselves forever young. If you thought your treehouse days were over when you turned 13—think again.
This restaurant is a landmark located on Highway 58 at the entrance to Onoyama Park. Over the years, it has changed names several times. In its present incarnation, its name is “gajumaru”, the Okinawan word for the banyan tree. Very appropriate given its location atop a giant banyan.
The Gajumaru Treehouse Diner offers a stunning view of Naha Harbor. Patrons can access the Gajumaru Treehouse Diner via a spiral staircase. The trunk of the Gajumaru Treehouse Diner features a full service elevator, for those who crave a modern treehouse experience. If you spent hours conducting secret meetings with your friends in your beloved backyard treehouse as a child, dining in a giant tree as an adult is surely a dream come true. Perhaps you can resurrect your top secret backyard society over lunch.
Numerous cultures around the world believe that Banyan trees attract deities and spirits. The Gajumaru Treehouse Diner most likely attracts hungry locals and tourists. It is not hard to envision fairies, elves, and other mythical creatures as you eat dinner in an oversized tree, The Gajumaru Treehouse Diner is the perfect place to let your imagination run wild as you enjoy some fresh organic food. The staff of the Gajumaru Treehouse Diner pride themselves on serving environmentally friendly dishes that leave a small carbon footprint. It is fitting that the employees of a diner housed in a tree should strive to be green. No trip to Japan is complete without frequenting as many quirky establishments as possible. An elevator ride up the trunk of a synthetic Banyan tree should certainly be on your Japanese bucket list.
Address:
50 Ōnoyama Kumoji
Naha, 900-0026
Japan
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Former Gajumaru Treehouse Diner site, Onoyama, Naha, Okinawa, Japan (demolished; historic location only)
- Access
- Closed historic site only. Atlas Obscura currently reports the diner permanently closed and says it no longer existed as of 2015; an independent 2022 history also reports its closure and demolition. The former attraction is no longer accessible. Its old address is historical context only; do not expect a restaurant or surviving treehouse.
- Admission
- Not applicable: the restaurant closed and the treehouse was demolished in 2015. No visitor admission is available.
- Time needed
- Not applicable: the former restaurant no longer exists as a visitor attraction, so there is no visit duration.
- Best season
- Not applicable: the diner is permanently closed and the structure was demolished in 2015; there is no visitor season.
- Opening hours
- None. The former restaurant is permanently closed and demolished; it has no operating hours.
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-27
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The restaurant is closed permanently.