Best 9 Villas in Okinawa for 2024

A New Kind of Travel

Rental Cottages Are a Popular Way to Vacation in Isolation!

With the current social circumstances, what is gaining traction in the travel industry are house and villa-style lodgings that don't require any contact with others. They are often located in lush, open areas, away from crowded cities. This article will introduce house and villa-type accommodation plans in Okinawa, Japan's top resort prefecture, which combine both of these qualities.

Naha Airport, Okinawa's largest airport located on the main island of Okinawa, can be reached within two and a half hours of Tokyo's Narita Airport, 2 hours and 15 minutes from Tokyo's Haneda Airport, and 1 hour and 55 minutes from Osaka's Kansai International Airport. There are also direct flights from different airports across Japan, making it a rather convenient destination.

Please note that the Yui Rail monorail, the only railway system in Okinawa, only runs from Naha Airport to the nearby surrounding area, so a rental car is the best way to get around. Don't forget to prepare a valid driver's license and other necessary documents before going to grab your car! And make sure to check our article on the weather and climate conditions in Okinawa before doing so.

1. Villa OMORO Nakijin (Nakijin) 

This is a house built in a luxury villa area, located in Nakijin in the northern part of Okinawa Island. The beautiful ocean spreads out in front of your eyes, and the emerald green sea and the starry night sky can be seen from the fun/relaxation room on the 3rd floor. You can also spend time by the bar, in the jacuzzi, or at the BBQ space on the same floor.

The house is equipped with free Wi-Fi, and there is a private pool that can be used from mid-March to October.

There are three bedrooms, and the master bedroom is furnished with a US king-sized bed, two sofas, deck space, and a toilet and shower room. The secondary bedroom also comes with a US king-sized bed as well as a toilet and shower room, so groups with several adults can stay at the lodge. It's always nice to have bathrooms attached to the bedrooms.

This is a truly splendid house with a large kitchen and spacious dining space.

Northern Okinawa Island

The northen part of the main Okinawa Island has a unique ecosystem called the "Yanbaru Forest," brimming with lush nature. At Churaumi Aquarium, a popular tourist spot, an 8.7m-long whale shark swims leisurely in the Kuroshio Sea (picture 1), one of the largest water tanks in the world. The 1,960-meter-long Kouri Bridge (picture 2) crosses the sea to connect Kouri Island and Nago City's Yagaji Island. Also in this tourist-friendly area are the Nakijin Castle Ruins (picture 3), a renowned Cultural Heritage Site.

It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach this area from Naha by car.

2. KAYATSUMA OKINAWA HOTEL&RESORT (Nakijin) 

Within the approximately 1,650 ㎡ property stands a facility with 52 ㎡ rooms and an infinity pool that gives the illusion of being one with the sea. The contrast of the sea and sky spreading out before your very eyes is utterly enthralling.

There are 4 types of rooms, each complete with an ocean view.

The building design is reminiscent of the tropical islands that host it, and the kitchen is equipped with an easy-to-use IH heater.

3. The Beach Front (Nago) *CLOSED

This villa is located on the eastern part of Okinawa Island, boasting a 2,000 ㎡ property with a private beach to spend time without being disturbed. And if the ocean is not to your fancy, there's a private pool to enjoy too! (can only be used from May to October).

The building is spacious and private, allowing you to forget about the struggles of life and free your mind and body.

There is a hot water jacuzzi on the second floor with a view of the ocean and the starry night sky. Take a relaxing dip and feel the stress melting away.

The private beach is a mere 20-second walk from the lawn garden and is the perfect place to enjoy the glimmering, azure ocean.

Central Okinawa Island

A breezy 30-minute to 1-hour drive from Naha City will get you to central Okinawa Island, a bustling area right by the shore home to many luxury hotels such as HOSHINOYA Okinawa.

There are dozens of tourist spots here, such as the Blue Cave (picture 1) in Onna Village, which is perfect for snorkeling and diving. Mihama American Village (picture 2) is home to a large shopping mall that hosts many different shops with all sorts of products, from everyday items to food and souvenirs.

4. Maeda Ocean Front (Onna)

From Maeda Ocean Front, you can see the ocean spreading out before your eyes from the 3rd-floor balcony jacuzzi. The scenery is especially beautiful during sunset.

The spacious and stylish room is very accommodating, and the bedroom on the third floor comes with an ocean view.

Relax and forget the time by watching the scenery of the beautiful ocean changing each moment from morning to noon and sunset.

5. Mylo Minpaku (Kin-cho)

This house is only a 3-minute walk to Igei Beach, with a spacious garden facing the river where you can enjoy fishing.

The owner designed the interior of the house, which gives off a stylish and comfortable atmosphere.

There are two semi-double bedrooms and one room with a wide king-sized bed. There are also extra futon available, making it perfect for groups of friends.

A quick walk will bring you to the gorgeous white sandy beach and emerald green ocean of Igei Beach, located in Igei Seaside Park. Children can play here safely, and its easy getting clean with the coin-operated showers. As it is located inside a park, it is also a great place for walks.

6. Natural farm ZAMPA (Yomitan) *CLOSED

Outdoor-lovers seeking a different kind of lodging experience, this is for you! This trailer house is located on an open lawn space inside a private farm. You can harvest fresh vegetables and eat them right then and there!

The inside of the trailer house is surprisingly spacious, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and shower.

The open garden with a BBQ set is perfect for those who love cooking outdoors. There is nothing like eating outside while watching the sunset.

Naha Area of Okinawa Island

Naha Airport is the entryway to the main island of Okinawa, and Naha City is home to many of its top tourist spots. One particular highlight is Kokusai Street (picture 1), Okinawa's leading shopping district with a plethora of souvenir shops and restaurants.

Another is Shuri Castle, a World Heritage Site and pride of the locals, but unfortunately, its Seiden (main hall; shown in picture 2) burned down in October 2019. However, it is still worth a visit to try and understand the feelings the people of Okinawa have towards the palace.

7. Naha - House / Vacation STAY 45830 (Naha) *CLOSED

The most attractive features of this accommodation is the stylish interior and close proximity to Kokusai Street, being only a 3-minute walk from Naha's main street. No matter how much shopping you do, the convenient location allows you to easily return to the house, and finding food is no problem!

Cooking for yourself is also possible, as there is an easy-to-use kitchen available. This is a great opportunity to take full advantage of the local ingredients. There are two bedrooms perfect for when you wish to relax.

The house is also ideal for those looking at a longer stay, as it is equipped with a washer, dryer, and other everyday necessities.

Southern Okinawa Island

The south of Okinawa Island can be reached in 40 minutes from Naha by car. It is home to Sefa-utaki, the most sacred place in Okinawa (picture 1), as well as Gyokusendo Cave, a natural monument made up of more than 1 million stalactites (picture 2).

Ishigaki Island Area

Ishigaki Island is full of charm unique to the outer islands. A straight flight from Narita Airport will take 3 hours and 40 minutes, from Haneda Airport will take 2 hours and 50 minutes, and from Naha Airport on Okinawa Island will take around 1 hour. Kabira Bay (picture 1) is the only spot in Okinawa awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, and the view from this scenic spot shows the emerald green sea spreading out in front of you. It is also famous for its gorgeous views of the starry night skies, undisturbed by jet streams. The second picture is a photo of the Milky Way taken from the Tamatorizaki Observation Platform. 

8. Akeeesi365 (Ishigaki)

Akeeesi365 is a log cabin located in Akashi Village, an area remarkably lush in nature, even for Ishigaki. It is also wheelchair-accessible.

As expected of a log cabin, the warmth of the wood radiates into the rooms. There are three futon available for the loft, making it perfect for families, as children can roll around without any worries.

There is an open wood deck and a garden with a BBQ set.

The starry sky as seen from the wood deck. Here you can remove yourself from the stresses of city life and relish the quiet passing of time.

The cabin is only a 3-minute walk from Akashi Beach, famous for the sea turtles that come to lay their eggs.

Miyako Island Area

A 2-hour-and-50-minute flight from Haneda Airport or a 50-minute flight from Nara Airport on Okinawa Island will take you to Miyako Island, one of Okinawa's outer islands famous for its beaches. The gorgeous banks of the scenic Yonaha Maehama Beach (picture 1), said to be one of the best white-sand beaches in East Asia, stretches southwest for 7 km. The clarity of the water and the coral reefs adorning Yoshino Beach (picture 2) make the area perfect for snorkeling.

9. Rakuten Stay Villa Miyakojima Maehama Beach / Vacation STAY 24807 (Miyako)

"Rakuten STAY" is a new brand that specializes in private lodging in Japan. It offers top quality and absolute safety, prepared with keyless and high-security smart locks, as well as 24-hour emergency response.

Each building is furnished with two spacious double beds. There is also a ceiling projector called "popIn Aladdin" that can display television, movies, or moving picture books on the walls, making it a wonderful space to enjoy at your leisure.

The private deck is equipped with a micro-pool and BBQ set, and the open atmosphere is perfect for relaxing.

The lodging is only a 3-minute drive to the aforementioned Yonaha Maehama Beach. The bridge shown in the picture is Kurima Bridge, which stretches for 1.7 km connecting Miyako Island and Kurima Island.