Where to Stay in Okinawa and How to Have a Good Time

About Okinawa

Okinawa, a stunning island prefecture in Japan, is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Known for its subtropical climate and friendly locals, Okinawa offers a unique blend of Japanese and Ryukyuan cultures. From historical castles and marine parks to bustling markets and mouth-watering local dishes, there’s something for everyone in Okinawa. Other than that, Okinawa is also considered as one of the healthiest places on earth. No wonder people in Okinawa are known to live longer! They believe when they are always on the move and it helps them to be active instead of being lazy. Doing the house chores really help them to keep moving. 

Best Attractions to Visit in Okinawa

• Shurijo Castle: The UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of the Gusuku sites and their related properties reflecting the Kingdom of Ryukyu, Shuri Castle keeps its doors open for anyone who wants to have a glimpse into Okinawa’s royal past.
• Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: One of the world’s biggest aquariums with an amazing variety of aquatic creatures.
• Kokusai Street: A vibrant market street in Naha ideal for picking up some souvenirs or enjoying local snacks served from vendors lining the sidewalk.
• Cape Manzamo: Located on Okinawa Island, Cape Manzamo is known among tourists because it offers an amazing view over the East China Sea. At low tide, there are tidal pools and on its seaside lies ‘Toilet Bowl’ – a famous place for scuba-diving enthusiasts too.
• Okinawa World: A cultural theme park home to Gyokusendo cave and traditional Ryukyuan crafts.

How Safe is Okinawa for Tourists?

Tourist scams, pickpocketing and bag snatching are some of the minor problems that you can experience in Japan. However, Okinawa has a lower crime rate compared to other popular tourist destinations in Japan. Though these occur occasionally, they are not common occurrences. 

What is the Weather Like in Okinawa?

Okinawa's climate is humid subtropical, with lengthy summers and mild winters. The seasons are varied, with activities such as whale watching, hari festivals, sagaribana flower displays, and karate celebrations. The typical sea temperature ranges from 21°C in February to over 30°C in August, allowing for aquatic activities. The rainy season lasts from mid-May to late June, with intermittent showers and the possibility of typhoons from June through September. Coats and sweaters are occasionally required in winter.

How to Get from Okinawa Airport to the City Centre or To Nearby Tourist Destinations

Naha Airport is on the main island. There are many ways to get around Okinawa. On the main island, there’s monorail, buses and taxis. But for getting off the beaten track and going at your own pace, especially on the more remote islands, rental cars, bicycles and motorcycles are the way to go. Choose what suits your plans.

Flights

Naha Airport is a hub for flights to Okinawa’s beautiful remote islands. Air travel connects to Miyako and Yaeyama islands in the south, Daito islands in the east and Kume island in the west.

Yui Rail

The Yui Rail monorail connects 19 stations in around 40 minutes and is a fast and easy way to get to main tourist spots from Naha Airport.

Rental Bicycles

Whether beach walking or city cycling, renting bicycles are the way to go.

Rental vehicles

Renting a vehicle is the way to explore Okinawa. They allow you to go off the beaten track, hit the open road and create your own itinerary. Some companies rent out motorcycles and RVs as well as cars. Motorcycles are good for solo travellers, RVs are good for families or groups who want to really experience the freedom of travel. Okinawan traffic rules and road signs.

Taxi

Taxis are available everywhere in Japan but Okinawa is one of the cheapest. Shuttle taxis are a great way to get to your hotel from the airport fast and on time. Besides transportation, guided sightseeing taxis allow you to learn and experience more while seeing Okinawa’s islands.

Bus

Community buses run on the main island. Fares can be paid in cash or with an OKICA IC card. These rechargeable cards can be purchased at monorail stations, bus terminals and some FamilyMart convenience stores around Okinawa. Buses do not accept ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 bills so bring change before boarding.

Ferry

Okinawa has a vast network of ferries connecting the beautiful islands. Some bigger islands have flights, many of the smaller islands are only accessible by ferry. Most of the main routes have regular and rapid services and the fare is often cheaper than flying. Also note that weather conditions can affect ferry services and travel time.

The Best Restaurants in Okinawa

• Izakaya Nirai Kanai / 2-4-6 Maejima Naha

A famous local spot due to its authentic Okinawan food and lively atmosphere.

• Chinsuko Arakaki Honpo / 2-10-21 Makishi, Naha

It is known for selling top quality cookies and tea from Okinawa.

• Ukishima Garden / 1-8-1 Tsuboya, Naha

This organic focus is taken up at Ukishima Garden whose menu contains vegan alternatives that are both healthy and fresh.

• Heki / 2-4-3 Kumoji, Naha

One of the places you must try their steaks in Heki as they are made from the best local beef available.

• The Pengin Shokudo restaurant / 199-1 Okawa Ishigaki city Okinawa

The Pengin Shokudo restaurant draws inspiration from the concept of [Nuchi-sugui (the medicine of life)], featuring chemical-free products grown naturally according to seasons, serving meals that nourish your body as well as mind.

Best Shopping Malls in Okinawa

• AEON Mall Okinawa Rycom. A big mall with an extensive blend of international and local firms also having excellent dining options.

Address: 4-1-1 Awase Kitanakagusuku

• San-A Main Place is known for its variety of shops which stock fashion items, electronics, groceries etc.

Address: 4-4-9 Omoromachi Naha

• Depot Island – a unique shopping experience where there are retail outlets together with restaurants and entertainment joints within one complex.

Address: 9-1 Mihama Chatan

Budget Hotels in Okinawa

Music Hotel Koza by Coldio Premium 

2-chome-20-22 Uechi, Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-0031

• Popular Facilities: Restaurant, WiFi, Elevator 
• Check-In: From 15:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 11:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 772 m 
• Popular in the Area: Okinawa Zoo

Hotel Shalala  

2041 Ikehara, Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-2141

• Popular Facilities: 24-Hour Front Desk, WiFi 
• Check-In: 15:00 - 00:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 10:00

Minshuku Sazanka 

18-18 Shiromaecho, Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-0002

• Check-In: From 15:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 10:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 1.75 km 
• Popular in the Area: Okinawa Zoo

Sunrise Kanko Hotel 

2 Chome-1-46 Goya, Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-0021

• Popular Facilities: Restaurant, Elevator 
• Check-In: From 14:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 11:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 681 m 
• Popular in the Area: Okinawa Zoo

Sazanka 

Shiromaecho 18 18, Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-0002

• Popular Facilities: WiFi 
• Check-In: 16:00 - 20:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 10:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 1.76 km 
• Popular in the Area Okinawa Zoo

Top-Rated Luxury Hotels in Okinawa

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa 

1343 - 1 Kise, Ginoza-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 905-0026

• Popular Facilities: Swimming Pool, Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, Parking, WiFi, Elevator 
• Check-In: 15:00 - 00:00
• Check-Out Time: 12:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 950 m 
• Popular in the Area: Kariyushi Beach, Busena Beach, Kise Beach, Busena Marine Park

Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa  

1108 Serakaki Onnason, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-0404

• Popular Facilities: Swimming Pool, Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, Parking, WiFi, Elevator 
• Check-In: 15:00 - 00:00 
• Check-Out Time: Before 11:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 1.55 km 
• Popular in the Area: Onna Seaside Park Nabii Beach

Halekulani Okinawa 

1967-1 Nakama, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-0401

• Popular Facilities: Swimming Pool, Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, Parking, WiFi, Elevator 
• Check-In: 15:00 - 00:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 12:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 1.05 km 
• Popular in the Area: Kariyushi Beach, Busena Beach, Busena Marine Park, Kise Beach

Hotel Nikko Alivila 

600 Gima Yomitan Son, Nakagami District, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-0393

• Popular Facilities: Swimming Pool, Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, Elevator
• Check-In: 15:00 - 00:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 12:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 2.76 km 
• Popular in the Area: Zakimi Castle

InterContinental - ANA MANZA BEACH RESORT, an IHG Hotel 

2260 Aza-Seragaki,Onna-son, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-0493

• Popular Facilities: AC, Swimming Pool, Parking, WiFi 
• Check-In: From 15:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 11:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 714 m 
• Popular in the Area: Onna Seaside Park Nabii Beach

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Okinawa

Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa 

2591-1 Yashibaru Kunigami-gun, Ginoza-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 904-0401

• Popular Facilities: Swimming Pool, Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, WiFi, Elevator 
• Check-In: 15:00 - 00:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 11:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 668 m 
• Popular in the Area: Kariyushi Beach, Busena Beach, Busena Marine Park, Kise Beach

Pet Policy

• Two pets are allowed.

Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort 

550-7,Hirara Kugai, Miyakojima City, Miyakojima-shi, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 9060015

• Popular Facilities: AC, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, 24-Hour Front Desk, Parking, Elevator, WiFi 
• Check-In: From 15:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 11:00

Pet Policy

• Max weight: 10 kg

Spice Motel Okinawa 

1066 Kishaba, Nakagami District, Kitanakagusuku-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 901-2311

• Popular Facilities: Restaurant, WiFi 
• Check-In: 15:00 - 22:00 
• Check-Out Time: Before 11:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 1.05 km 
• Popular in the Area: Camp Foster, Okinawa Zoo, Chatan Park

Pet Policy

• Up to two large dogs are allowed

Iraph Sui, a Luxury Collection Hotel 

818-5 Irabu Irabu-nagasokobaru, Miyakojima-shi, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 906-0503

• Popular Facilities: Restaurant, Swimming Pool, 24-Hour Front Desk, WiFi, Elevator 
• Check-In: 15:00 - 00:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 12:00

Pet Policy

• 2 dogs 30 kg maximum per room in specific rooms
• Maximum pet weight: 30.0 kg.

Resort Hotel Bel Paraiso 

1069 Kamiunten, Nakijin-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, 9050403

• Popular Facilities: Swimming Pool, Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, WiFi, Elevator 
• Check-In: 15:00 - 22:00
• Check-Out Time: Before 11:00 
• Distance to Downtown: 2.64 km 
• Popular in the Area: Warumi Bridge

Pet Policy

• Each guestroom can accommodate up to two pets (dogs).

Local Cuisines in Okinawa

• Goya Champuru: Stir fried bitter melon with tofu, pork and eggs.
• Taco Rice: A fusion dish with taco flavoured ground beef on rice.
• Soki Soba: Okinawan soba noodles with tender pork ribs.
• Umi Budou: Sea grapes, a type of seaweed, eaten with vinegar.
• Rafute: Braised pork belly in sweet soy sauce, super tender.
• Agu Pork: Premium Okinawan pork, so flavorful.
• Chinsuko: Okinawan shortbread cookies.
• Sata Andagi: Fried doughnuts, crispy outside and fluffy inside.
• Jimami Tofu: Peanut tofu, only in Okinawa.
• Beniimo Tart: Purple sweet potato tart.

Family-Friendly Attractions in Okinawa

• Churaumi Aquarium: See whale sharks and manta rays.
• Okinawa World: Big Gyokusendo Cave and cultural shows.
• Okinawa Zoo & Museum: Great for kids with lots of animals and interactive.
• Cape Maeda: Snorkel and dive with marine life.
• Ryukyu Mura: Traditional Okinawan life and crafts.
• Neo Park Okinawa: Free roaming animals and birds.
• Murasaki Mura: Workshops on traditional crafts.
• Ocean Expo Park: Churaumi Aquarium, gardens and traditional village.
• Bios no Oka: Boat rides, animal encounters and scenery.
• Zanpa Beach: Swimming and beach games and picnics.

How to book a hotel room in Okinawa Online?

Booking a hotel room in Okinawa is easy with Traveloka . Simply visit the Traveloka  website or app, enter your destination and travel dates, and browse through a wide selection of accommodations such as nearby hotels, flights, and other tourist attractions to visit. Happy travelling!