Where to stay in Okinawa?

To stay in Naha, Okinawa's main city

Located in the southwest of Okinawa's main island, Naha is the archipelago's capital. With its international airport, it is frequently the gateway for tourists wishing to discover Okinawa. It is therefore the most popular place in the archipelago.

However, it is also the most affordable place in the archipelago in terms of budget. Its liveliness, day and night, is due to the large number of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The city's many historical and cultural attractions also make it an attractive place to stay.

The main sites of interest here are

• Shuri Castle, a former royal residence built in the 15th century
• the Fukushu-en gardens, inspired by Chinese materials
• Kokusai Street, the city's main commercial thoroughfare
• Naminoue, the city's only stretch of sand

Accommodation in the capital consists mainly of hotels and apartments. With a wide choice of accommodation, it's possible to stay here on a budget.

As the city is quite spread out, you can take the monorail to get around. Tickets valid for one or two days are very practical and cost-effective. Spending a few days here is a good way to get around before visiting another island territory. From the port of Tomari, numerous ferries leave for other islands in the Okinawa archipelago.

Accommodation in Nago, the ideal family vacation destination

In the north-west, Nago is also an interesting place to stay in Okinawa. Located 70 kilometers north of Naha, it is a first-rate tourist destination, thanks in particular to its many beaches. It's also the ideal place for a family vacation, with many attractions for youngsters.

The main sites of interest in this area are

• Nago Castle, built in the 14th century and home to the annual Cherry Festival in January
• Nago Citizen, a stretch of sand 5 kilometers to the south
• the Busena Underwater Observatory, an underwater trail where you can see tropical fish
• Nago Pineapple Park, a pineapple-themed amusement park.

Nago is a lively town. The large number of stores and restaurants makes it a pleasant place to visit. To stay in Nago, you'll find mainly hotels and villas. The prices of the latter are generally reasonable in relation to the beauty of the area.

On a human scale, Nago can be explored on foot. However, public transport can be useful for getting to nearby sites, such as the castle and the most beautiful beaches. From Naha, it takes just over an hour by bus to reach Nago.

To stay in Nakijin, for its historic side

Located in the north-west, 15 km north of Nago, Nakijin is a destination prized primarily for its tranquility and historical appeal. The ruins of Nakijin Castle, dating from the 15th century, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The sheer size of the ruins, together with the imposing height of the stone walls still preserved, make this a much-visited spot, appreciated by local and foreign tourists alike. What's more, the magnificent view over the East China Sea adds a certain charm to the area.

In addition to these ruins, you can also visit the Churaumi Aquarium, the second largest aquarium in the world after Atlanta. You'll also have the opportunity to go scuba diving, as well as to sample the succulent fruit specialties of the region.

Deciding to stay in the Nakijin area can therefore be worthwhile for a 2-3 day visit. The accommodation available for staying there is mainly B&Bs and villas offering good value for money.

Accommodation in Ishigaki, to make the most of the beaches

If you want to relax on beautiful beaches during your stay in Okinawa, Ishigaki Island is the place to go. This island is located in the southern part of the archipelago.

The quickest way to get there is by plane from Naha, which takes around three hours. There are no ferry between Okinawa and Ishigaki.

To stay on Ishigaki Island is therefore a very attractive option for travellers looking primarily, if not exclusively, to make the most of the seaside in complete tranquillity. Ishigaki's beaches are renowned for being among the most beautiful in the archipelago. The most important are Sukuji and Yonehara in the north, and Sunset in the far north.

There is a wide range of accommodation available. They are mainly located around these three, as well as around Ishigaki in the south, the largest city on the island of the same name. These are mainly bed & breakfasts and resorts.

From the port of Ishigaki, you can also take a ferry to other nearby islands, such as Taketomi, Kohama and Iriomote. Journey times vary between 10 and 45 minutes.

Lodging in Miyako-jima, for its authenticity

Miyako-jima, in the south of the Okinawa archipelago, is the largest of the 8 entities of the Miyako Islands. Its magnificent landscapes and turquoise waters make it a very popular destination for the Japanese. The authenticity of Okinawa's natural environment is mainly due to the low level of urban development. The whole area is very rural.

The main sights to see are the various beaches, such as Sunayama in the north and Yonaha in the south-west. It's also worth visiting the south-eastern end of Miyako-jima. This is where you'll find Cape Higashi-hennazaki, considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Japan.

Accommodation in Miyako-jima consists mainly of bed & breakfasts and apartments. Spending a large part of your stay on this island depends on your main expectations. It's also possible to visit three other nearby islands, thanks to their bridge connections. Ferries can also be taken from the port to other destinations.

Accommodation in Tokashiki, a protected natural area

Located around 30 km west of Naha, Tokashiku is the largest of the Karama islands. To get there, you can take a ferry from Naha to the port of Tokashiki. The journey takes around 40 minutes.

What makes Tokashiki so special is that a large part of its territory is covered by the Kerama National Park. Its coral reefs and the quality of its waters have earned it this title. Scuba diving is a popular activity, thanks to the transparency of the water and the diversity of the coral. Tokashiku beach is recommended for both bathing and relaxation.

Because of the specific nature of the area, very few accommodations are available to stay in Tokashiki. It's more common to stay in Naha and take the ferry to Tokashiki for the day. The short journey time makes it easy to visit Tokashiki in this way.