Where To Stay in Okinawa: Best Areas + Advice

Last Updated on September 14, 2025

When planning a trip to Okinawa, choosing the best base to explore around the island is crucial to having a seamless visit.

With such a diverse range of travelers visiting Okinawa, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option that everyone gravitates toward. Which is why I created this guide to help you out.

Based on my travels and research, I’ve carefully curated my recommendations to make planning your trip to Okinawa much easier.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic tiny beach bungalow along the coast for two, plenty of wiggle room for a large group or family, a local host family to take you in for the night, or a luxurious spot to earn bragging rights, there’s one on this list that will tick off all your boxes.

All of the recommendations are organized by area, so you’ll get the best options for each one, plus a short description to decide if the area is right for you and your trip. Yes, all the hard work is done for you and you can get to the fun part.

Curated for you, by me, this is my guide on where to stay in Okinawa.

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The Guava Shack is an adorable place to stay in Onna, Okinawa

Where To Stay in Okinawa at a Glance

If you’re looking for a quick summary of where to stay in Okinawa, here is a quick list:

Without a car | Bright corner home

For something unique | Treeful Treehouse & Beachfront cottage

For beaches | Sunset beach house

With a car | Precious old house in Nakijin

With family | Entire renovated home

For solo travelers | Seawall Hostel

For budget travelers | Sunset beach house, All Friends, & Seawall Hostel

For couples | Nature-rich beachside house & 340-degree ocean view

For long-term stays | Onna village cottage & Pension Churami

Where to Stay in Okinawa

This guide on places to stay in Okinawa is divided into different areas so you can better align your accommodation with your travel style.

All the accommodation styles are separated by area: Nago, Naha, Central Okinawa, Ishigaki Island, and the Keramas Islands. There are three different recommendations organized by budget-friendly to splurge-worthy options, so there’s a little something for everyone.

To help you decide where to stay in Okinawa, I added a short description and a pros and cons list to help make the process more seamless.

photo courtesy of Treeful Treehouse

Nago

Nago is the northernmost metro area of Okinawa just before you enter the wild of Yanbaru National Park.

This area has a ton of the most popular things to do in Okinawa like the Churami Aquarium, Orion Beer Factory, Nakijin Castle Ruins, and many more. Best of all, you can opt to stay in the more metro area or really get off the beaten path in nature or at traditional cottages and guesthouses.

It’s best to stay here if you have a rental car since there isn’t much public transport in this area and many attractions are spread out from one another. The variety of accommodations make it easy for budget, solo travelers, couples, and families to find great places to stay with near-perfect ratings.

Pros & Cons

+ Close to many northern Okinawa tourist attractions

+ Plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in nature

– Not recommended for travelers without a rental car

– Far from attractions in the south

Nago hostels

/ / Yanbaru Hostel | This hostel is in the far north close to Yanbaru National Park. Unspoiled nature is preserved here and your stay comes with access to their nightclub, shared kitchen, free wifi, security lockers, and a scenic balcony. They have basic and female mixed dorms for $32 per night in high season.

/ / All Friends | In the heart of Nago, this is an amenity-rich hostel and guesthouse with everything you need: AC, free wifi, lockers, a big kitchen, social areas, and private rooms if you’re traveling as a couple or family. You can get a bed in a mixed or female dorm for $22 per night in high season.

/ / Mambo Hostel | Right next to the Okinawa Churami Aquarium, this hostel is in a prime location for sightseeing in the north. All the rooms have a terrace with a mountain view. Onsite is a shared kitchen, free wifi, and it’s steps away from the famous Emerald Beach. Beds in a mixed or female dorm go for $29 per night in high season.

Nago Guesthouses

/ / Entire cottage in Motobu | Drenched in tradition, this wooden house has tatami floors and an authentic Japanese feel. It’s in the middle of nature, which gives a zen space to settle down each night. There’s a wooden deck with a hammock and a full kitchen. They keep with tradition with beds on the floor. Rent the entire space for $177 per night.

/ / Private beachfront cottage | If you’re looking for a cottage pulled straight off a Pinterest board, here you go. This quaint spot has a sliding glass door that opens directly into the ocean, laundry facilities, a small kitchenette, and beautiful views. It has more of a tiny home feel, so it’s an ideal place to stay in Okinawa for couples. Escape at this idyllic retreat for $107 per night.

/ / Precious old house in Nakijin | The hosts at this 50-year-old house want you to experience traditional Okinawan life during your stay. They only host one group per night, so it’s very intimate. The house is rich in nature with no AC, access to a forest nature bath, bookable messages, and an optional dinner that the hosts cook for you. Book the whole space for $153 per night.

/ / Entire renovated home | This is a steal for less than $200 per night and sleeps up to seven travelers, not to mention it’s beautiful. It has a fully equipped kitchen and is within walking distance of convenience stores, cafes, and a supermarket. It’s just a short drive away from Nago, the Okinawa Churami Aquarium, and other famous tourist sights in the north.

Nago Hotels & Resorts

/ / Entire villa in Ōgimi | This idyllic villa sleeps up to six and has ocean and mountain views, a designated workspace, an organic garden, fast wifi, waterfalls and beaches within a 10-minute drive, hammocks, laundry facilities, and anything else you need. The full-service kitchen is another huge plus. Best of all, this property is a stunner. It goes for $250+ per night.

/ / Mukaka Villa | History meets modernity at this atmospheric villa on Yagaji Island. It’s away from the bustle of Nago with everything you need for a comfortable stay: a nearby beach, free wifi, an in-house restaurant, an outdoor bath, and clean rooms. You get the entire villa, but it’s only one room, so it’s not suitable for larger groups. It runs $400+ per night in high season.

/ / HOTEL天 | An upscale, family-friendly hotel with flexible bed set-ups, spacious rooms, beautiful views, and a friendly staff. It’s right at the base of Yanbaru National Park so it’s perfect if you’re exploring around the north and doing some hiking or snorkeling. One night here for two adults goes for $374.

/ / One Suite THE GRAND | Nothing says luxury much like a 5-star hotel with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Every room has an ocean view and some options have a private hot tub. Honeymoon, anyone? Paradise starts at $500 per night in high season.

/ / Treeful Treehouse | This dreamy treehouse is planted in the verdant jungles of Nago. It’s the perfect way to get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in nature but with all the creature comforts of a hotel. There is a restaurant onsite, bookable tours, spa treatments, wifi, and everything you need to get away for a zen few days. Grab some friends and you can split the $1,000 per night cost six ways.

photo courtesy of Nest Hotel Naha Nishi

Naha

Naha is the capital city of Okinawa and also the largest city on the island.

It was the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, but after the Battle of Okinawa in WWII, most of the original city was destroyed. Today only a few buildings are left that predate the war, which makes historic sites like Shuri Castle, Kokusai-dori, and the Shikina-en Royal Garden pretty popular.

Near the city is the main airport and multiple ports for getting to nearby islands and the rest of Japan. It could be a popular place to base yourself if you’re only in Okinawa for a day or two, or in need of port access to other islands. Shopping and dining are other popular things travelers do while in Naha.

Pros & Cons

+ Reliable public transport

+ Best shopping and dining experiences on the island

+ Urban and developed

+ Easy access to the airport and ports

– Far from popular sites in the north

– Lack of natural sites

– Far from beaches

Naha Hostels

/ / Grand Cabin | This is a hostel meets 3-star hotel kind of crossover that budget travelers will rejoice over. It’s right next to the airport with ample public transport, air con, free wifi, a shared lounge, and a European-style breakfast. You can get a single room with a shared bathroom and toilet for only $22 per night in high season, with breakfast included.

/ / My Place | If you’re a diver visiting Okinawa, this hostel is right by the port in Naha and is operated by a well-known dive shop on the island. It faces the port where boats depart to go to Zamami, Aka, and Tokashiki. They have a variety of rooms for solo budget travelers, families, and groups. You can book tours around Nago directly from the front desk. They even have bike rentals. Their basic dorms, mixed or female, start at $16 per night in high season.

/ / The Kitchen Hostel Ao | Right in Naha city center, this hostel has a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for exploring the city’s highlights. They have mixed and all-female dorms starting at $19 per night in high season. Bathrooms are shared, linens are provided, there’s free wifi and a cafe and bar onsite.

Naha Guesthouses

/ / Modern House in city center | Close to the city center, this is a sleek and modern rental unit that can accommodate up to 15 guests. It has everything you need to experience a residential feel on your trip: a well-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, wifi, gas stove, fridge/freezer, toiletries, and a self check-in process. Rent the whole space for $247 per night in high season.

/ / Bright corner home | This adorable little unit is a short walk from Kokusai-Dori and public transport. It’s a great place for shopping, sightseeing, and dining in the city. It’s rented out by the apartment owner so you get a local feel as well. Grab the entire place for $187 per night in high season.

/ / Adorable rental apartment | This private apartment has 4 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and sleeps up to 10 people. It’s in the center of Naha close to Koksusai-Dori, a convenience store and plenty of great restaurants and bars. To access other areas, this place is 5 minutes from Asahibashi station. Book the entire apartment starting at $240 per night in high season.

/ / Sleek and modern apartment | This beautiful apartment is right in the center of Naha and hosts up to 15 people comfortably. It has all the perks of a resident like a full-service kitchen, free wifi, laundry equipment, dining area, and spacious rooms. It can be booked for $348 per night in high season.

/ / Traditional home with a garden | You can be in the center of Naha, but immersed in Japanese tradition at this unique home. There are 2 bedrooms with 3 beds and 4 Japanese-style mattress sets on the ground. It’s off the main tourist road, so it’s quiet, but still close enough to be a 5-minute walk from Kokusai-Dori and Makishi Station. Book the entire 65-year-old home for $157 per night in high season.

Naha Hotels & Resorts

/ / Nest Hotel Naha Nishi | For the couple looking for a nice, modern hotel in Naha city center, this is a great choice. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the monorail and a short way away from the ferry terminal if you’re getting out of Naha. Clean rooms with comfortable beds start at $112 per night here in high season.

/ / Boutique hotel with skyline view | This newly built boutique hotel near the Yui Rail Station and Makishi Market is ideal for a couple or small group exploring the city. Kokusai-Dori is within walking distance. It has a city skyline view, desk for working, laundry machines, good ac, a small kitchenette, and tv in the rooms. The twin room goes for $98 per night in high season, but they also have rooms to accommodate other groups.

/ / Comfort Inn Naha | This is an affordable and comfortable hotel close to Tomari Port and Naha city center. It’s perfect if you need a quick overnight for port access to Ishigaki or the Keramas since rooms start at $68 per night in high season, with a big breakfast included.

/ / UKISHIMA INN | Traditional, yet still modern, this apartment complex is perfect for a couple exploring in and around the city. It’s a stone’s throw from the city center and has a private entrance, kitchenette, and balcony. It can also be an affordable option for a group of three with the three futon beds and $52 per night price tag.

photo courtesy of Villa VALIOSA ON THE BEACH

Central Okinawa

Central Okinawa is generally the answer I give people who ask me where to stay in Okinawa.

It’s the perfect halfway point between the nature of Nago and beyond and the urban sprawl of Naha. It has the most diverse range of accommodations from massive resorts, luxury hotels, quaint Airbnbs, and a ton of beachfront properties.

Kadena Air Force base is in this area, so you may see a lot of American families. There are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and other residential perks of staying in this area. It’s where I stayed both times I visited Okinawa and would definitely plan to base myself here in the future. I recommend Yomitan and Onna, but there are recommendations sprinkled all over this area.

Pros & Cons

+ Halfway point between Naha and Nago

+ Tons of residential areas

+ More widely spoken English

– Need a car if staying in this area

– More of a Western influence from stationed US military

Central Okinawa Hostels

/ / Seawall Hostel | This centrally located hostel is an affordable base camp to explore north and south Okinawa. Beds in a female or mixed dorm go for $17 per night in high season and include a free shared kitchen, free wifi, security lockers, free parking, and convenience stores nearby. The area also has many different restaurants and a scenic sea wall closeby to catch the sunset.

/ / Aien Coffee & Hostel | Another hostel in Chatan is this trendy spot with an onsite cafe, free wifi, shared bathrooms, and a ton of restaurants and convenience stores close by. From here, it’s a 2-minute walk to the seawall, a great access point for snorkeling and diving, and is close to American Village. Beds in a mixed or female form go for $22 per night in high season.

/ / Surfer’s Cafe & Hostel | This cheap hostel is packed with value in central Okinawa. Onsite is a shared lounge, terrace, restaurant, bar, and free wifi, it is close to the beach and has a small kitchenette for simple meals. With your bed for $17 per night, you get a 500 JPY food/drink credit and an optional $8 breakfast.

Central Okinawa Guesthouses

/ / Smilax Kurichi | This stay is situated in Uruma, which on the east coast near the center of Okinawa. The property has sea views, free wifi, free private parking, a shared kitchen, and each room has a terrace with a view. The hosts and atmosphere are raved by guests, which contributes to the property’s very high rating. It’s a steal for $38 for singles and $77 for couples.

/ / Sunset beach house | This is a beautiful bohemian property in Onna, one of my favorite recommendations for where to stay in Okinawa. There are hotel-quality rooms upstairs and downstairs is a hostel-style space with a shared kitchen, shared bathroom, and dining area. All the rooms have their own private patio overlooking the sea. Grab a private room here for $73 per night, with a three-night minimum.

/ / 340-degree ocean view | The name says it all. Every room, including the bathtub, has a view of the ocean from this modern apartment. You’ll stay on the second floor, and the third floor is a rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities. It can sleep up to 8 people with 2 bedrooms and four beds, but at $152 per night, this wouldn’t be a bad grab for a couple looking for something romantic.

/ / The Guava Shack | This Hawaiian-inspired cottage is a paradise just north of Onna. The host is responsive and hospitable, the property is spotless and in a prime location. It’s also loaded with amenities like nearby secluded beaches, complimentary morning coffee, private balcony, a pool surrounded by nature, wifi, a full-service kitchen, and a healing atmosphere. The entire property goes for $260 per night in high season but can sleep up to four guests.

Central Okinawa Hotels & Resorts

/ / Ocean Villa Fuchaku Okinawa | To live in luxury while based in Onna, this villa is everything you’re looking for. The property is beachfront and can sleep up to 8 people. There are kids’ rooms, a large backyard, spacious living spaces, a full-service kitchen, and individual bathrooms for every bedroom. Families in particular love the amenities and value of this villa. Rent the property for $371 for a group of four with a slight increase for larger groups.

/ / パレスインムーンビーチ | This renovated hotel is modern and clean with its own private beach, infinity pool, mountain and ocean views from the rooms, a fitness center, water sports, sauna room, and open-air bar. It’s also close to a lot of restaurants and convenience stores around Onna. Room costs fluctuate but can get as low as $267 in the high season.

/ / Villa VALIOSA ON THE BEACH | These private villas resemble the famous cave hotels in Greece. The villas are clean and modern with amazing views, full kitchen facilities, spacious and stylish rooms, and a private terrace with a pool and jacuzzi. This is a splurge at $1,000+ per night, but it can sleep up to 8 people so round up your friends!

/ / Umi No Terrace Yomitan Toya | This is an ideally located hotel close to Kadena Air Force Base, Cape Zanpa, the Blue Cave, and many white sand beaches. The rooms are sleek and modern with sea views from the jacuzzi, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and terrace, and everything you need right on the beach. You can grab a room for $300+ per night during high season.

photo courtesy of Nature Bungalow

Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is separate from mainland Okinawa, and makes up Irimote Ishigaki National Park. The park has four main islands: Ishigaki, Irimote, Taketomi, Kohama, and Kuroshima.

It’s a popular day trip from Naha or an exciting addition to an Okinawa itinerary, and because it’s separate from the main island, there aren’t really any pros and cons to staying here. The islands are small and easy to navigate so there aren’t as many considerations when booking a place to stay.

The two islands that give the National Park its namesake are obviously the most popular places to stay, but where you settle down for the night will depend on what you’re doing here. I’ve offered options for both islands below.

Ishigaki Hostels

/ / Ishigaki Guesthouse | An affordable landing pad just 2-minute walk from the Ishigaki ferry terminal. Their motto is come as a guest, and leave as a friend. No curfew, free wifi, shared kitchen and security lockers. Mixed or female dorms start at $30 in high season.

/ / HOSTEL SunTerrace | If you’re on a budget, but looking for something more elevated than a traditional hostel, this is an awesome option. Everything is modern, clean, and well-stocked. They have bunk rooms or private rooms available starting at $25 per night.

/ / Guest House Chura Cucule | A quaint and modern guesthouse with a shared kitchen, shared bathroom, a shared lounge, and free wifi throughout the property. A huge plus is the extra privacy given from the way the rooms are laid out. Male and female dorms are available starting at $31 per night.

/ / Shimaotoya | This guesthouse on Irimote is a short drive away from the ferry terminal and has everything you need for a comfortable and affordable island escape: air con, mountain views, pick-ups from the port, and comfortable beds. Male and female dorms are available starting at $19 per night in high season.

/ / Irumoteso | This stay is loaded with perks: free shuttle from the Irimote port, air con, free wifi, luggage storage, Japanese breakfast and dinner and free-use bicycles all surrounded by rare birds and raw nature. Rooms start at $123 per night in high season.

Ishigaki Guesthouses

/ / 435 guest suite | This quiet bohemian escape is in the small town of Nosoko on the northern end of Ishigaki. It has mountains and wilderness on one side, and the beach on the other. This is the ultimate getaway with everything you need for a remote adventure: kitchenette, terrace with a view, bookable classes, kayak rentals, stargazing opportunities, empty beaches, and exceptional views. The entire place starts at $85 per night in high season with a three-night minimum.

/ / Nature-rich beachside house | On the northern end of Ishigaki, this modern cottage is perfect for those exploring the island with their own rental car. Surrounded by natural mountains and emerald green beaches, this is an idyllic escape for a couple. Onsite is a lush garden, private terrace, beach access, dedicated workspace, and wifi. Book this for $136 per night in high season with a two-night minimum.

/ / Soothing eco-glamping | Planted in the Rainbow Forest is a hidden gem glamping experience on Ishigaki. Immersed in the forest, you can live in harmony with nature as you explore the island. Each tent has its own terrace, kitchenette, and bathrooms with hot showers. Book your escape for $125 per night in high season.

/ /そよ旅 Soyotabi | A charming little oasis with sea views, nearby beaches, a shared kitchen, free bikes, a garden, and a shared lounge area. It’s location gives you great access to the north and western sides of the island. All yours for $57 per night in high season.

Ishigaki Hotels & Resorts

/ / Ocean View Ishigaki | Large groups or families flock to this private villa on the northern side of Ishigaki. It sleeps up to six people and has ocean views, a private pool, kitchenette, private bathrooms, wifi, and amenities to accommodate a variety of different groups. It’s ideal for friends to split the nightly cost since it goes for around $689+ per night in high season.

/ / Beach Hotel Sunshine | Just west of the main town of Ishigaki is this stunning property with an infinity pool, mountain view from the bathtub, and modern, clean rooms. They start at $400 for luxury in paradise.

/ / Jusandi | If you have the budget, this private villa is more than worth the splurge. So good I couldn’t leave it off this where to stay in Okinawa guide. Their villas are self-catering with luxury furniture and an onsite restaurant that looks sublime. The private gardens and pool overlook the ocean. Remarkable. They start at $967 for a couple.

photo courtesy of private Tokashiki villa

Kerama Islands

Much like Irimote Ishigaki National Park, Keramashoto National Park is a group of islands off the coast of Okinawa that people flock to for their famous Kerama blue waters.

Three main islands people explore here: Tokashiki, Zamami, and Aka. The best base for you will depend on what you’re doing and where you’re going. Although it’s not something to stress too much as there are ferries between all the islands and each one can be explored slowly via bike.

Most of my recommendations are for Tokashiki and Zamami as they’re the most frequented by travelers.

Kerama Island Hostels

/ / Kerama Backpackers | This hostel is an affordable place to stay on Tokashiki with bookable tours, wifi, a shared bathroom, a shared kitchen, and lockers. Mixed and female dorms are available for $18 per night in high season.

/ / Minshuku Yadokari | These traditional, Japanese-style rooms are steps away from Numerous beaches on Zamami Island. On the property is a terrace, a garden, homemade Okinawa meals, air con, free wifi, and a shared bathroom with toiletries. Beds start at $57 per night in high season and include breakfast and dinner.

Kerama Island Guesthouses

/ / Feel local in Zamami | A true hidden gem on Zamami Island, this local family wants to bring you in for an authentic Japanese experience. They have bathing facilities, free wifi, laundry, and snorkel gear. There are a few additional notes on their listing that should be read before you commit to this experience (although they won’t steer you away). Beds go for $31 per night in high season with a two-night minimum.

/ / Tokashiki Guest House | This entire bungalow is a steal for a large group or family exploring Tokashiki. Book the whole place for $159 per night in high season. It comes with ensuite bathrooms, barbeque facilities, six futon beds, a kitchenette, linens, and is close to a variety of famous beaches.

/ / Dining & Stay 38 | A picturesque, white sand beach is just steps away from this guesthouse. Their clean rooms come with a balcony, shower, free toiletries, a desk, and air con. There’s also a restaurant onsite serving local Okinawan cuisine. The hospitality was particularly noteworthy during this stay. Grab it for $173 per night in high season.

Kerama Island Hotels & Resorts

/ / Kerama Terrace | This 3-star resort is steps away from a stunning white sand beach. The rooms are modern and updated with comfortable beds, jacuzzis, scenic terraces, and free wifi. Breakfast and dinner are included in the room cost, $425 per night in high season.

/ / Blue Suites Hanamuro | A few steps from Maehama Beach, this hotel is in a prime location on Zamami Island. Every room has a patio with a sea and pool view, hot tub, and free wifi. The welcoming hosts and food were especially noteworthy. Rooms start at $393 in high season.

/ / Kerama Blue Resort | This oceanfront property boasts excellent local cuisine, famous Kerama blue water, clean rooms, and an ideal location for exploring Zamami Island. Rooms start at $114 per night in high season and include an exceptional breakfast.

/ / Private villa with ocean view | You and all your friends or family can have your own slice of paradise at this private beachfront villa on Tokashiki Island. The owner lives onsite and will pick you up from the port and take you to various activities and tours around the island for free. Rent the entire villa for $290 per night in high season.

/ / Walk to the beach on Tokashiki | Another beautiful home on Tokashiki that one of the most top-rated stays on the island. The villa sleeps up to six guests and is in a prime location just steps away from the famous Aharen Beach. The host is extremely accommodating with everything you need to arrive on the island for a comfortable stay. Rent the whole place for $316 per night in high season.

FAQs about Where To Stay in Okinawa

I answered some of the most asked questions about the best places to stay in Okinawa.

What is the best part of Okinawa to stay in?

This depends on what you have planned for your Okinawa itinerary.

Onna and Yomitan are both centrally located and ideal if you are visiting spots in the north and south of Okinawa. This is where I recommend most visitors to stay.

Naha can be a good option if you’re only in Okinawa for a few days or going straight to Kerama Islands or Ishigaki.

Nago and Kunigami are popular spots in the north for all there is to offer.

My best advice is to figure out what you’re doing first, and then plan your accommodation to avoid a lot of transit times. Luckily, there are hoards of great places to stay in Okinawa, so you won’t end your trip with FOMO.

What is the best time to visit Okinawa?

Late April, May, October, and November are typically the best times to go to Okinawa.

Other seasons have their perks, though. In the winter, you can go whale watching and see Japan’s earliest cherry blossoms.

I recommend reading my guide to the best time to visit Okinawa so you can compare each season and what they offer to make the best choice for your travel style and preferences.