Where To Stay In Okinawa First Time 2024 - 6 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Okinawa first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Okinawa first time?
Where to stay in Okinawa with kids?
Where to stay in Okinawa with a car?
Where to stay in Okinawa without a car?
Where to stay in Okinawa main island?
Where to stay in Okinawa near beach?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
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Overview of the best areas to stay in Okinawa
| Name of the area in Okinawa | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Naha City is the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture and is the most convenient area to further explore Okinawa. You’ll find historic sites like Shuri Castle, lively shopping streets like Kokusai Street, and easy access to transportation hubs like Naha Airport. What makes it so special: the convenience of exploring Okinawa without much hassle. *You can click on the purple or blue link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Onna Village is located on the west coast of Okinawa Island, and is known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed and resort-style vacation, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and other water activities. What makes it so special: high-end resorts with beautiful beaches. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Situated in the central part of Okinawa Island, Chatan Town is known for its American influence due to the presence of the U.S. military bases. This area offers plenty of recreational options with many restaurants and shopping centers like Mihama American Village. The area also provides excellent access to attractions like Sunset Beach. What makes it so special: a good combination of fun things to do and a convenient location. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Also known as Koza, Okinawa City is another area influenced by the U.S. military presence. It has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to both locals and tourists. It’s also a good base for exploring nearby attractions like the Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park. What makes it so special: a fun city with a proper nightlife scene and a good base to further explore nearby attractions. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Yomitan is a picturesque village located between Naha and Onna Village. It offers a mix of traditional Okinawan culture and natural beauty, with attractions like Zakimi Castle and Yachimun no Sato (Pottery Village). Yomitan is also known for its pottery and crafts. What makes it so special: a quieter town where culture and natural beauty play an important role. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Situated in the northern part of Okinawa Island, Nago City is known for its scenic coastal areas and outdoor activities. It’s a great base for exploring attractions like Cape Manzamo, Kouri Island, and the Churaumi Aquarium, which is home to one of the largest aquarium tanks in the world. What makes it so special: a good combination of scenic views and outdoor activities, ideal for families. |
Where to stay in Okinawa first time
The best areas to stay in Okinawa first time are Naha City, Onna Village, Chatan Town, and Okinawa City.
Naha City is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture and is the most convenient area to further explore the island.
The city itself is bustling with many fun things to do including the popular Kokusai Street and the city functions as a transportation hub.
For a more holiday feeling, Onna Village is the perfect option as it’s known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.
Chatan Town is a great option for those who want to combine plenty of recreational options with sightseeing. Besides, this town is located centrally, and from here, you can easily visit the highlights of the island.
Okinawa City is, similar to Chatan Town, influenced by the U.S. military presence and is particularly known as a bustling city with a proper nightlife scene.
Especially younger travelers who like to have a fun night out tend to stay here.
Now, there are several other great options, but generally speaking, these four places are often the top choice for first-time visitors.
If you seek a quieter experience on the island, then Yomitan Village is an excellent option. This town is also known for its natural beauty and traditional culture.
And Nago City is located in the northern parts of the island where you can enjoy scenic coastal areas and outdoor activities, making it an excellent area for families.
Where to stay in Okinawa with kids
The best areas to stay in Okinawa with kids are Onna Village, Naha City, and Nago City.
Onna Village is known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, making it an excellent choice for families.
Many resorts offer family-friendly amenities such as kids’ clubs, pools, and activities like snorkeling and water sports suitable for children.
This is by far the best option if your budget allows it.
If you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor activities with your kids, consider staying at Nago City.
Just keep in mind that this city is located all in the north and having a car is not an unnecessary luxury.
If you want to fully explore Okinawa, then the capital of the island is a better option.
Naha City is the capital of the island and this city offers all the convenience you can think of.
Here, you can find plenty of fun things to do and visit several major attractions, such as Shiru Castle, Okinawa World, and Kokusai Street.
And it’s the best base to further explore the island.
However, it’s a city and doesn’t feel like a holiday destination, though.
Where to stay in Okinawa with car
The best areas to stay in Okinawa with car are Onna Village, Nago City, Yomitan Village, and Okinawa City.
Onna Village is located on the west coast of Okinawa and provides easy access to scenic coastal drives as well as major attractions.
You can explore the picturesque Cape Maeda (Maeda Misaki), drive along the coastline to Cape Manzamo, or visit the famous Churaumi Aquarium in nearby Motobu Town.
Another great option is Nago City, which is a great base to explore attractions like the beautiful Kouri Island, famous for its Kouri Bridge and Heart Rock, and enjoy scenic drives along the coast to places like Cape Manzamo and the Yanbaru Forest.
For a more cultural and traditional holiday, consider staying in Yomitan Village.
From here, you have good access to the main roads to further explore the island and enjoy scenic coastal rides.
Lastly, if you want to stay more centrally in a more vibrant part of the island, Okinawa City, also known as Koza, is your best option as from here, you can easily explore both the southern as the northern part of the island.
It’s also convenient to drive from here to Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park and to nearby areas like Chatan Town and Naha City.
As you can see, when travelling with car, you don’t have to stay in the areas where the majority of the tourists usually stay.
Where to stay in Okinawa without car
The best areas to stay in Okinawa without a car are Naha City, Onna Village, Chatan Town, and Okinawa City.
The most convenient area of these four is Naha City.
From here, you can easily arrange tours, use public transport, or hire a driver to get around the island.
Onna Village is a popular tourist destination full of luxury resorts and transport can be easily arranged via the hotels, or simply use public transport.
Chatan Town is influenced by the presence of U.S. military bases and because of that, it’s quite easy to arrange transportation from here.
Okinawa City has a relatively compact downtown area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options within walking distance.
It’s well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to explore nearby attractions like the Okinawa Comprehensive Athletic Park and Koza Music Town without a car.
If you’re planning to visit every corner of the island and want to enjoy a bustling city center in the evening, I highly recommend staying at Naha City, though.
The best areas to stay in Okinawa main island are Naha City, Onna Village, Chatan Town, and Okinawa City.
All of the recommended areas in this article are located on Okinawa’s main island.
Naha City is by far the most convenient area to fully explore the island.
Onna Village is the best option if you want a resort-like experience on the island.
Chatan Village is the ideal area when you want to combine recreational options with sightseeing.
And Okinawa City is your best option if you seek to combine nightlife with exploring the island.
Where to stay in Okinawa near beach
The best areas to stay in Okinawa near beach are Onna Village, Chatan Town, Nago City, and Yomitan Village.
Onna Village is renowned for its stunning beaches, including Maeda Beach, Manza Beach, and Nirai Beach.
This is an upscale area ideal for tourists who want to indulge in comfort and have access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Chatan Town is home to several popular beaches, including Sunset Beach and Araha Beach.
Sunset Beach offers breathtaking views of the sunset and is a great spot for swimming and picnicking.
Araha Beach is a family-friendly beach with calm waters, perfect for children to play and swim.
Nago City is home to several beautiful beaches along its coastline, such as Kouri Beach and Emerald Beach.
Kouri Beach is known for its scenic views and emerald-green waters, while Emerald Beach is located within the Ocean Expo Park and offers facilities for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Yomitan Village is home to picturesque beaches like Zanpa Beach and Toguchi Beach.
Zanpa Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and enjoying panoramic views of the ocean, while Toguchi Beach is known for its clear waters and coral reefs, making it ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
1. Naha City
Naha City is the capital of Okinawa and this comes with a lot of convenience and accessibility.
It is home to Naha Airport, the main gateway to Okinawa, making it easy to reach when flying into the island.
The city also serves as a transportation hub with excellent bus and monorail (Yui Rail) connections.
As you can expect from a capital city, there are plenty of things to do.
Key attractions such as Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Shikinaen Royal Garden are located here.
Kokusai Street, the city’s bustling shopping and entertainment district, is another major attraction that you have direct access to.
The city offers a great food scene, with many restaurants serving delicious Okinawan cuisine, including local specialties like Okinawa soba, Rafute (braised pork belly), and goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry).
When it comes to accommodation options, you can basically everything that fits your budget.
From luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, you can easily find something suitable in convenient locations within the city center, providing easy access to attractions, dining, and transportation.
Is there anything not to like about this area?
First of all, it’s the largest city in Okinawa and it attracts many crowds.
Secondly, it has limited natural beauty, and that’s one of the main reasons why people visit Okinawa in the first place.
Lastly, the urban development of the city lacks authenticity.
Thirdly, you don’t have direct access to the beaches.
There are coastal cities on the island that offer far more picturesque views and authenticity.
If you prioritize convenience, Naha City is the best option you have.
But if you prefer to have direct access to the beaches, or prefer a less crowded city, don’t worry, there are plenty of other good areas that do suit your preferences.
For most tourists, Naha City is an excellent base, though.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Okinawa in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Onna Village
Onna Village is a popular destination for tourists who really want to have a holiday experience.
The area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, such as Manza Beach, Maeda Beach, and Nirai Beach.
You can enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery in this area.
What sets Onne Village apart from the rest of the areas, is that it’s home to many luxury resorts and hotels that offer top-notch amenities.
It’s all about relaxation and enjoying the beauty of Okinawa.
Cape Maeda (Maeda Misaki) and Cape Manzamo are popular spots for enjoying this beauty and we highly recommend you visit these two places.
Onna Village mainly attracts families and couples and is particularly a family-friendly area.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, which houses a diverse range of marine life, including whale sharks, is one of the top attractions for families here, but you can also enjoy glass-bottom boat tours, parasailing, and other water activities suitable for all ages.
As you’re located close to Naha City, the capital of Okinawa, you are within reach of all the convenience of this city.
Exploring the rest of the island is incredibly easy from here, by either private or public transport.
It can easily be arranged by your hotel, although public transport is more difficult as it’s a bit of a remote area.
Is there anything not to like?
The premium price tag.
If your budget allows it, Onna Village is the best area you can possibly think of.
It’s just an expensive area, making it not an option for every type of traveler.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Okinawa in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Chatan Town
Chatan Town is a centrally located area in Okinawa that offers the perfect combination of attractions, convenience, and entertainment.
The area is heavily influenced by the presence of the U.S. military, which has several bases on the island.
One of the major attractions in Chatan Town is Mihama American Village, which is a direct result of the influence of the Americans.
This is a vibrant shopping and entertainment district with a unique blend of American and Okinawan culture.
Here, you can find a giant Ferris wheel, many shops, unique restaurants, and entertainment for young and old.
But Chatan Town has more to offer than the American influence.
The area is home to beautiful beaches such as Sunset Beach and Araha Beach, and are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
As you’re located more centrally than the previously two recommended areas, it’s incredibly easy to further discover the island.
The town is well-connected by public transportation.
Chatan is a place for young and old.
There are many family-friendly activities, but the area is also known for its nightlife scene.
You can find plenty of bars, pubs, clubs, and karaoke venues.
It’s all about leisure and relaxation here in Chatan Town.
So, what’s not to like about this area?
First of all, it’s incredibly touristy and crowded.
Secondly, it lacks natural beauty and scenery.
Many tourists visit Okinawa for its magnificent natural beauty, and when staying in Chatan Town, it feels more like staying in a theme park.
Luckily, you can easily visit the beautiful parts of the island from here.
But if you’re seeking a tranquil experience, Chatan Town is not for you.
Yet, I can’t deny the fact that it’s a very fun area for young and old and if you want to combine sightseeing during the day and entertainment during the night, it’s actually one of the best options you have on this island.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Okinawa in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Okinawa City
Okinawa City, also known as Koza, is another popular part of Okinawa among tourists that is influenced by the presence of the U.S. Military.
But where Chatan Town is a family-friendly destination, Okinawa City attracts a different audience.
The area is known for its affordable accommodation options and nightlife scene.
Around the Gate 2 Street area near Kadena Air Base, you can enjoy all sorts of bars, restaurants, and clubs.
But staying in Okinawa City isn’t just about nightlife.
When choosing this area as your base, you are centrally located on the island.
The city offers easy access to popular attractions both to the north and south, such as the Churaumi Aquarium, Cape Manzamo, and Shuri Castle.
And although the city does have an American influence, you can still witness local culture, contrary to the other popular tourist areas, although there are also plenty of American-style business too.
If you’re a younger traveller, or simply want to stay somewhere cheap with access to all the Western amenities, Okinaway City is the place you’re looking for.
But if you’re not into nightlife, or you simply want something quieter than Okinawa City
Some of the best hotels to stay in Okinawa in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Yomitan Village
Yomitan Village is the exact opposite of the previously recommended area.
Whereas Okinawa City is a nightlife area heavily influenced by the presence of the U.S. Military, offers a peaceful atmosphere.
It’s the ideal retreat for tourists seeking relaxation and tranquility.
When it comes to scenic beauty, you won’t be disappointed.
Yomitan is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, with picturesque beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters.
As this village offers more of a rural village setting, traveling around is much more difficult compared to the central areas.
But in return, you have access to beautiful nature that’s ideal for outdoor activities.
From snorkeling to diving, and kayaking to hiking, the adventurous traveler will love it here.
Yomitan Village is also known for its warm and welcoming hospitality.
And the local food scene is outstanding too, with specialties like Rafute (braised pork belly), Soki soba (Okinawan noodle soup), and Mozuku seaweed dishes all over town in one of the many izakayas.
Keep in mind that nightlife is limited, which is obvious from a quiet area like Yomitan.
Also, Yomitan Village is located remotely, so having or renting a car is definitely not an unnecessary luxury.
But if you want to experience the local scene in Okinawa that’s not spoiled by mass tourism, this is the best option you have!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Okinawa in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Nago City
The last area that I recommend is Nago City.
It’s located towards the northern parts of the Island and is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.
You have excellent views of the East China Sea, as well as beautiful green hillsides, and coastal cliffs.
Those seeking an outdoor adventure can visit the nearby Cape Manzamo and Kouri Island.
But the area is also suitable for hiking, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
Nago City is home to several cultural attractions that offer insights into Okinawa’s rich heritage.
Highlights include the Nago Pineapple Park and the Neo Park Okinawa.
Overall, Nago City is a great family-friendly destination with activities for all ages.
Most importantly, the area is home to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, which is an absolute must-visit!
When travelling with kids, make sure to visit the Nago Castle Ruins Park, where kids can run and play in a historical setting.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere with good access to the beautiful parts of the island, and you’re travelling with kids, Nago City is one of the best options you have.
Just keep in mind that Nago City is considered located remotely and you don’t have as good access to public transport compared to the other cities.
Because of that, it’s highly recommended to rent a car to fully explore the island.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Okinawa in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.