What are the best places to stay in Okinawa, Japan?
By Kailin Martin. January 22, 2024
Okinawa, situated among the enchanting Ryukyu Islands off Japan’s southern coast, stands as a premier beach destination in Asia. Beyond its captivating turquoise waters and sandy shores, the island boasts a distinctive blend of culture, cuisine, and flora, setting it apart as a gem within Japan. Recently, Okinawa garnered widespread attention as a Blue Zone, hosting a notable number of centenarians. Yet, its allure extends beyond longevity, drawing visitors from across Asia who seek respite in its serene ambiance and convenient proximity to South Korea, China, and mainland Japan.
While Okinawa’s pristine beaches offer abundant opportunities for snorkeling and paddleboarding, the island also caters to diverse interests. Urban enthusiasts flock to vibrant locales like Naha and Chatan, teeming with restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. Meanwhile, those yearning for a more tranquil experience explore areas such as Onna, Motobu, and Nago, each offering proximity to attractions like the renowned aquarium.
For those desiring a slower pace and an immersive cultural journey, Ishigaki and Miyako Island emerge as idyllic havens. These idyllic havens, adorned with quaint towns and family-owned establishments, provide an authentic Okinawan experience. Here, every lodging and dining option is a local gem, allowing visitors to fully embrace the unique charm and traditions of Okinawa’s way of life.If you are interested in where to stay in Okinawa, you may also be interested in where to stay in Hawaii.
Best places to stay in Okinawa
Onna
Premier Resort Destination / Beaches / Sightseeing
Onna, situated along the midsection of the western coastline of the island, boasts some of Okinawa’s most stunning landmarks and is the island’s premier resort destination, making it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers to stay. Among its notable attractions are Cape Manzamo, a picturesque rock formation offering panoramic ocean views; the renowned Blue Cave, a top-notch snorkeling spot; and the Zakimi Castle Ruins, a meticulously restored Ryukyuan gusuku and designated World Heritage Site.
Moreover, Onna is home to several snorkeling-friendly beaches, including the relaxed sandy shores of Manza on the right side of Cape Manzamo and the slightly more adventurous Mermaid’s Grotto on the left—although caution is advised due to potential sea hazards.
The culinary scene in Onna adds to its allure, featuring delectables like poke, seafood delights, and traditional Okinawan soba noodles. Additionally, the locality boasts a wealth of locally owned cafes serving freshly baked pastries and authentic Japanese coffee.
Naha
Sightseeing / Nightlife
Naha is Okinawa’s biggest and only city home to a plethora of attractions, famous dining establishments, and nightlife making it the perfect spot for visitors looking for a busier trip to a bustling city. Its strategic location near Okinawa’s southern treasures, such as the lesser-known beaches of Itoman Kyan, adds an intriguing dimension for those exploring beyond the tourist hotspots.
Navigate the bustling labyrinth of Kokusai Street or immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Naha by visiting its numerous temples and shrines, with Shuri Castle being a notable highlight. Positioned along the coastline, Naha also offers a range of boat tours, from exhilarating whale watching excursions to leisurely cruises.
Naha is the only spot in Okinawa where visitors can find true nightlife. There are plenty of bars throughout the island however, Naha is the only place you will find DJs and your typical club environment. There are also speakeasies, restaurants serving various cuisines, food halls, and unique vending machines!
Chatan
Families / Beaches
Chatan is a great central location for first-time visitors and families due to its close proximity to areas bustling with restaurants, bars, shopping, and other activities. Chatan houses the famous American Village, an American-themed village with burger joints, pizza places, and souvenir shops with American-esque memorabilia. The Sunabe Seawall and Ginowan are also areas within the Chatan region and are well known for great food and nightlife.
Chatan is also home to some of Okinawa’s nicer hotels and spa resorts as well as shallower and more family-friendly beaches, like Araha Beach. Staying in Chatan means you are always a short ride away from large malls, oceanside cafes and restaurants, giant parks, and some of Okinawa’s newest attractions, like their newest arena, completed in 2022, where visitors can catch a basketball game.
Chatan is also approximately only a 45-minute drive from both Naha and Onna, making it accessible to two other great areas to visit while in Okinawa.
Nago
Beaches / Outdoors / Adventure
Nago is perfect for those who are looking to spend the majority of their time outdoors and on adventures rather than those looking for more of a city-like scene. Nago is a unique part of Okinawa as it straddles the line between the city and a countryside environment.
The north side of Okinawa is known to be much quieter with more vegetation and less crowding. It is where you will find more locals living and flourishing. Whereas the south is where cities and tourism are. Nago, and Motobu for that matter, tend to be the point at which the atmosphere changes. Parts of Nago will be rich with restaurants and shopping; however, the main appeal of the region is its beautiful landscapes.
Nago is most known for Nago Castle Park and its other beautiful opportunities to hike like Todoroki Falls. There are also some beautiful beaches in this area and attractions like Neo Park Okinawa and Pineapple Park.
Motobu
Beaches / Sightseeing / Families
Motobu emerges as an ideal destination for those seeking a serene beach retreat with picturesque views, catering to both relaxation seekers and families. Situated at the westernmost point of the island, this scenic locale is renowned for its emerald beaches and close proximity to smaller islands and rock formations, providing a perfect setting for sightseeing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding expeditions.
Notably, Motobu is home to the world-famous Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, distinguished as one of the few aquariums globally equipped with tanks spacious enough to house a Whale Shark.
Themed around marine life, Motobu offers additional attractions like Genki Village, enhancing the area’s appeal for those fascinated by aquatic wonders. The coastal beauty of Motobu is complemented by picturesque hotels and golf resorts, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Moreover, hidden culinary gems, often off the beaten path, contribute to Motobu’s charm, offering some of the island’s finest dining experiences while providing breathtaking ocean views.
Ishigaki Island
Beaches / Culture / Snorkeling
Moving off the main island of Okinawa and to Ishigaki Island, this is the perfect spot for those looking not only for a relaxing beach getaway but for an experience where they will get to know a local culture and community.
Here you will find some of the most underrated beaches on the planet. Not only are the waters a crystal clear turquoise, but the beaches are sandy making it a great spot for those looking to sit on the beach for days on end.
Given its remote location, visitors can experience amazing snorkeling and catch sightings of beautiful reefs, exotic fish, and sea turtles. The island’s locals have also remained passionate about persevering its natural beauty so much of the island’s vegetation and landmarks remain intact allowing visitors to see stalactite caves and mangroves. The majority of hotels and restaurants are owned by locals giving the island a homey and welcoming feel that will stay with visitors forever.
Miyako Island
Beaches / Relaxation / Diving
Miyako Island is an ideal destination, particularly suited for solo and adult travelers seeking a retreat to disconnect and unwind on pristine beaches for an extended period.
Positioned between Okinawa and Taiwan, Miyako Island boasts miles of sandy shorelines and clear waters. The island’s relative obscurity makes it an appealing choice for those desiring an off-the-beaten-path experience. While rich in marine life for snorkelers, Miyako Island distinguishes itself with exceptional scuba diving sites, featuring an abundance of underwater caves—a diver’s paradise.
In addition to its coastal allure, Miyako Island offers parks and cave formations, adding a touch of variety to the island’s natural attractions. However, the primary draw of this destination lies in its serene atmosphere, providing travelers with the opportunity to completely relax and immerse themselves in the tranquil ocean and beach environment. Miyako Island caters to those seeking a peaceful escape, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely and rejuvenating solo or adult adventure.
Our recommended hotels in Okinawa
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in OkinawaNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
