Where To Stay In Okinawa: 8 Best Areas

Okinawa doesn’t feel like mainland Japan. The water is that Caribbean blue, sea turtles swim up to the shore like it’s normal, and the island culture has its own language and food traditions. But it’s also a 67-mile-long island with terrible traffic and wildly different areas. Where you stay can make or break your trip.

After 3 months of moving between different towns, I learned that where you stay completely changes your Okinawa experience. Resort versus local village. American influence versus traditional Ryukyu culture. Convenient versus remote. This guide covers 8 best places to stay in Okinawa so you can match your accommodation to what you actually want from the trip.

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Quick Guide

Area	Vibe	Best for…	Need car?	Beach quality	Airport Proximity
Naha	Urban, historic	First-timers, nightlife, culture, solo travelers	No	Poor	0 min
Onna	Resort town	Beach lovers, families, snorkeling	Yes	Excellent	60 min
Chatan	Resort town	Nightlife, diverse food, entertainment	Helpful	Good	40 min
Nago	Resort town	Nature lovers, authentic experience	Yes	Good	90 min
Motobu	Quiet, coastal	Aquarium visitors, diving, local character	Yes	Excellent	100 min
Yomitan	Cultural, artsy	Pottery, sunsets, authentic food, culture	Yes	Very Good	50 min
Zamami	Remote island	Snorkelling, sea turtles, whale watching	No – a bike is better	Amazing	90 min + ferry
Ishigaki	Tropical island	Serious divers, island hopping, stargazing	Yes	Amazing	Separate flight required

Getting Around Okinawa

Okinawa is a small but long island, 67 miles (112 km) to be exact. The traffic here can be a nightmare, especially around the army bases between 4-6:30 PM. Okinawa is car centric, meaning most of its citizens drive and do not use public transport.

The bus network is excellent, especially around Naha, Chatan and Nago, the buses are frequent, comfortable and affordable. However, there is no bus lane so you unfortunately don’t get to skip the traffic. Naha also has a monorail which circles the city, including the airport but does not go further around the island. Price depends on distance but expect to pay 260 – 1200 yen.

If possible, it’s best to rent a car during your Okinawa trip. You’ll have the freedom to reach remote areas, especially the north of the island where buses aren’t as frequent. Renting a car is straightforward with sites like DiscoverCars.

Map Where To Stay In Okinawa

Where To Stay In Okinawa

Naha

Naha is Okinawa’s only real city, and it’s the only place on the island where you don’t need a car. The monorail connects the airport to your hotel in 15 minutes, and from there you can reach Shuri Castle, the port for Zamami Island ferries, and every restaurant or bar via the monorail or frequent buses.

This is where Okinawan nightlife actually exists. Kokusaidori Street (the main drag) stays open late with izakayas, bars, and clubs. The side streets off Kokusaidori have tiny standing bars where you’ll meet locals sipping some local awamori. There’s a 24/7 Don Quijote for late-night snacks and a proper late-night food scene around Makishi Market.

Naha is concrete-heavy and has no real beaches. But it’s the only area where you get Okinawan history (Shuri Castle, the former Ryukyu Kingdom capital), shopping, and actual urban energy. It’s also the cheapest accommodation base and the jumping-off point for day trips to Zamami Island (ferry from Tomari Port takes 50-90 minutes).

Things To Do In Naha

• Kokusaidori Street -palm tree lined street packed with shops and restaurants
• Shuri Castle – 13th century castle and grounds
• Kokusai Street Food Village – open air market with approximately 20 izakayas
• Fukushuen Garden – Chinese style garden with koi fish
• Shikina-en Royal Gardens – Ryukyu kings’ second residence, explore the modest house and large scenic gardens
• Shuri Kinjo Town Stone-paved Road – 238 metre historical uphill path

Stay In Naha…

Onna

Onna Village sits right in the middle of Okinawa’s west coast and gives you some of the best beach access on the entire island. The water here is that perfect turquoise color you see in photos, and beaches like Moon Beach and Manza Beach have soft white sand that actually lives up to the hype. Cape Manzamo is probably the most famous spot in the area. It’s this cliff that juts out over the ocean and looks like an elephant’s trunk. The views from up there are incredible, especially at sunset. If you’re into snorkelling or diving, Onna is one of the best area to stay in Okinawa because the coral reefs are right offshore and packed with tropical fish.

The other big advantage of staying in Onna is the location. You’re about halfway between Naha Airport and the northern part of the island, so you can easily do day trips in either direction without spending your whole day in a car. There are plenty of hotels and resorts here, from big international chains to smaller local places, so you have options for every budget. The restaurant scene is solid too, with everything from resort dining to little family-run spots serving traditional Okinawan food. It’s touristy for sure, but in a good way where everything is set up to make your trip easy.

Things To Do In Onna

• Snorkel or dive at Blue Cave (Maeda Point) – one of Okinawa’s most famous dive sites with glowing blue water in an underwater cavern
• Cape Manzamo – see the elephant trunk rock formation and get sunset photos over the cliffs
• Beaches – Moon Beach or Manza Beach
• Ryukyu Mura theme park – experience traditional Okinawan village life and cultural performances
• Teida Glass Studio – glass making

Stay In Onna…

Chatan

Chatan is where modern Okinawa meets American influence. The Mihama American Village is the centerpiece here, a massive entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, bars, and a beach right next to it. It feels more like Southern California than Japan, with Mexican restaurants, burger joints and stores selling American brands. This area developed because of the nearby US military bases, and that influence is everywhere. Some people love it for the variety and energy, while others find it too Americanized. But if you want nightlife, diverse food options, and a livelier scene than typical Okinawa, Chatan delivers.

Chatan has some excellent beaches like Sunset Beach and Araha Beach that are perfect for swimming, beach sports, and watching planes take off from Kadena Air Base in the distance. The area has good infrastructure with plenty of hotels and condos at various price points. You’re also close to Naha, making it easy to access the airport or explore the capital.

This is the best place to stay in Okinawa for families or anyone who appreciates having tons of restaurants and entertainment within walking distance. It’s definitely not traditional Okinawa, but that’s exactly what some people are looking for. The vibe is casual, fun, and surprisingly international for a Japanese island.

Things To Do In Chatan

• Mihama American Village – American themed entertainment complex with lots of restaurants
• Sunset Beach – relax and watch planes take off from nearby Kadena Air Base
• Araha Beach – swim or paddle in the calm water
• Dive the Torii Beach area or nearby wrecks like the Emmons (advanced divers)

Stay In Chatan…

Nago

Nago is the gateway to northern Okinawa and feels completely different from the resort areas further south of the island. This is where you stay if you want to explore the wilder, more rugged side of the island. The city itself is the second largest in Okinawa, but it still has a laid back local vibe that you don’t get in Naha or the resort strips. From here, you can easily reach the Yanbaru forests, which are these dense subtropical jungles full of hiking trails and rare wildlife. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is also nearby, and it’s genuinely one of the best aquariums in the world. The massive Kuroshio Sea tank with whale sharks swimming overhead is worth the trip alone.

Nago also puts you close to some beautiful beaches and islands that tourists often miss. Kouri Island is just a short drive away, connected by a scenic bridge that’s perfect for photos. The area has a good mix of nature and local culture, with pineapple farms, small fishing villages, and mountains in the background. If you’re planning to spend time exploring northern Okinawa or want a base that feels more authentically Japanese and less like a beach resort, Nago is your spot. The food scene here leans more local too, with izakayas and Okinawan soba shops that cater to residents rather than tourists.

Things To Do In Nago

• Churaumi Aquarium – whale sharks and manta rays in massive tanks
• Kouri Island – drive across the scenic Kouri Bridge and visit Kouri Ocean Tower for views
• Mount Nago – hike for panoramic views of the city and ocean
• Pineapple Park – learn about pineapple cultivation and sample fresh fruit
• Nago Castle ruins + walk through the cherry blossom gardens (spectacular in January/February)
• Busena Marine Park – glass-bottom boat rides and the underwater observatory
• Orion Beer Factory – brewery tour and fresh beer tasting

Stay In Nago…

Motobu

Motobu is one of those places that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves, probably because it sits in the shadow of the famous Churaumi Aquarium. But that’s actually part of its appeal. The peninsula juts out into the ocean in northern Okinawa and has a rugged, less developed feel compared to the resort areas down south. The coastline here is dramatic, with rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and some really excellent diving spots. Sesoko Island is connected by bridge and has a gorgeous beach that’s popular with locals but still relatively quiet compared to tourist hotspots. The water clarity here is outstanding, and if you’re into underwater photography or just want to see healthy coral reefs, Motobu delivers.

Beyond the aquarium, which really is world class and worth visiting even if you’ve been to plenty of aquariums before, Motobu gives you a good base for exploring the northern region without committing to staying all the way up in the mountains. There are some great local restaurants serving fresh seafood, and the town has a working port feel rather than a polished tourist vibe. You’ll find reasonably priced hotels and guesthouses here, and the whole area feels more authentic and less packaged than places like Onna. If you want access to northern Okinawa’s nature and attractions but prefer staying somewhere with actual local character and good value, Motobu hits that sweet spot. It’s close enough to everything but far enough from the crowds that you feel like you’re experiencing real Okinawa rather than resort Okinawa.

Things To Do In Motobu

• Snorkel at Gorilla Chop
• Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium – massive Kuroshio Sea tank with whale sharks
• Sesoko Beach on Sesoko Island – crystal-clear water and good snorkelling
• Dive or snorkel at Motobu Healthy Beach or the Gorilla Chop dive site (named after a rock formation)
• Take a boat tour to see wild dolphins in the waters around Motobu Peninsula
• Nakijin Castle ruins – another UNESCO World Heritage site with ocean views

Stay In Motobu…

Yomitan

Yomitan Village is where you go for culture, sunsets, and a more authentic slice of Okinawan life. This area is famous for its pottery tradition, and you’ll find studios all over the village where local artisans make Yomitan-yaki ceramics using techniques passed down for generations. You can visit these studios, watch potters work and pick up unique pieces that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Yomitan has some excellent beaches like Nirai Beach and Zanpa Beach that are less crowded than the big resort areas. Cape Zanpa, with its white lighthouse perched on coral cliffs, offers some of the most spectacular sunset views on the island. The cape is also a great spot for checking out the rugged coral rock formations at low tide.

The special thing about Yomitan is how it balances tourism with local life. Yes, there are hotels and tourist facilities, but you also have regular neighbourhoods, local markets, and a strong sense of community. The village hosts traditional festivals throughout the year, and you can find family run restaurants serving home-style Okinawan cooking that tastes like someone’s grandmother made it. American military history is also woven into the area since several bases are nearby, which gives Yomitan an interesting cultural mix. If you want beaches and culture without staying in a big resort complex and you appreciate good food and craft traditions, Yomitan gives you that experience.

Things To Do In Yomitan

• Watch the sunset at Cape Zanpa and climb the white lighthouse for coastal views
• pottery studios in Yomitan to see Yomitan-yaki ceramics being made and shop for unique pieces
• Spend time at Nirai Beach or Zanpa Beach for swimming and snorkeling
• Zakimi Castle ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved walls
• Murasaki Mura (Ryukyu Kingdom Village) for cultural shows and traditional craft experiences
• Snorkel or dive at Sunabe Seawall, popular with both beginners and experienced divers

Stay In Yomitan…

Zamami Island

Zamami is part of the Kerama Islands, sitting about 40 kilometers west of Naha, and it’s one of the best kept secrets for people who want that tropical island experience without traveling all the way to Ishigaki. The ferry ride takes about 90 minutes on the regular ferry or 50 minutes on the high-speed one, which makes it doable as a day trip but really deserves at least an overnight stay. The Kerama Islands are protected as a national park, and the water here is so clear and blue that it has its own name – Kerama Blue. Zamami has two main beaches, Furuzamami and Ama, both with powder-soft sand and incredible snorkeling right off the shore. You can see sea turtles swimming around like it’s no big deal, and the coral reefs are healthy and full of tropical fish.

The island itself is tiny and has a super relaxed vibe. There’s a small village with a handful of guesthouses, a few restaurants, and not much else, which is exactly the point. You can rent a bike or scooter and circle the whole island in less than an hour. From the observation decks on the hills, you get panoramic views of the surrounding islands and ocean that look like something out of a postcard. Zamami is also one of the best places in Japan to see humpback whales during winter (January to March) when they come to breed in the warm waters. If you want to escape the crowds, disconnect from everything, and experience what Okinawa’s islands felt like before mass tourism, Zamami is perfect. Just know that accommodation is limited, so book ahead, and the island pretty much shuts down early in the evening.

Things To Do In Zamami Island

• Snorkel at Furuzamami Beach to see sea turtles, coral reefs, and colorful tropical fish right from shore
• Ama Beach for a quieter swimming and snorkelling experience with equally clear water
• Go whale watching from January to March to see humpback whales breaching and raising their calves
• Hike or bike to the Takatsukiyama Observatory for sunset views over the Kerama Islands
• Take a boat tour to nearby uninhabited islands

Stay In Zamami Island…

Ishigaki

Ishigaki is not just another part of Okinawa. It’s a separate island in the Yaeyama Islands, about 400 kilometers southwest of the main Okinawa island, and it feels like a different world entirely. The beaches here are somehow even more beautiful, with Kabira Bay being one of the most photographed spots in all of Japan. The water there has an emerald green colour that doesn’t look real, and glass-bottom boat tours let you see the coral and fish without getting wet. Ishigaki is also your jumping-off point for visiting other remote islands like Taketomi, Iriomote, and Kohama. Each of these islands has its own character, from water buffalo cart rides through traditional villages to jungle rivers and waterfalls.

To get here you will need to take a flight, but what makes Ishigaki worth the extra travel is the combination of incredible nature and a relaxed pace that feels miles away from modern life. The island has mountains you can hike for panoramic views, mangrove forests to kayak through, and some of the best diving and snorkelling in Japan. The night sky here is amazing too because there’s so little light pollution. You can actually see the Milky Way and Southern Cross constellation.

Ishigaki City has enough restaurants, hotels, and services to keep you comfortable, but the island overall maintains a sleepy, end of the world vibe. Stay here if you want to go deeper into island life, if you’re serious about water sports, or if you want to use it as a base for island hopping through the Yaeyamas. Just know you’ll need to fly here separately from the main Okinawa island, which adds time and cost to your trip.

Things To Do In Ishgiaki Island

• Take a glass-bottom boat tour at Kabira Bay to see the emerald water and marine life
• Snorkel or dive at Manta Scramble to swim with manta rays (seasonal, best summer)
• Visit Taketomi Island for a day trip and take a water buffalo cart ride through the traditional village
• Hike Mount Omoto or Nosoko for jungle trails and views over the island
• Kayak through the mangrove forests on the Miyara River
• Do a day trip to Iriomote Island for waterfalls, jungle rivers, and remote beaches
• Go stargazing at night – Ishigaki has some of the clearest skies in Japan for seeing the Milky Way

Stay In Ishigaki…

Where To Stay In Okinawa Without A Car

If you don’t intend to rent a car then I recommend staying in places in Okinawa with good public transport. Naha, Chatan and Onna have the best transportation and are central so you are not too far from other locations on the island.

Where To Stay In Okinawa FAQ

How many days do you need in Okinawa, Japan?

I suggest 4-6 days in Okinawa, it’s a long island and is not the easiest to travel around due to the traffic. It’s really beautiful, with a unique culture that is a joy to get to know.

I would spend my time as follows: 2 days in Naha, 1 day in Zamami (day trip from Naha), 1 day Chatan, 2 days Yomitan + Onna, 1 day Nago + Motobu, 2 days in Ishigaki.

What months do typhoons hit Okinawa?

I advise against travelling to Okinawa during the typhoon season: June to September. This brings high wind, rain and extremely rough seas. You are recommended to stay indoors until it passes, this obviously negatively impacts your Okinawa trip. You’re here to experience the incredible nature, not hide from it.

When to not visit Okinawa?

June – September has the least favourable weather with extreme humidity, and possible typhoons. The rainiest season is May – June, but showers are short and shouldn’t last all day.

Spring has the best weather for relaxing on the beach, the temperatures hover around the mid to high 20°C’s (68°F).

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