Where to Stay in Okinawa: Naha vs Resorts
The only railway on Okinawa is the Yui Rail monorail in Naha and Urasoe, so the choice is between car-free Naha and car-based resort areas further north.
Areas at a glance
1.6 km main street served by three monorail stations; the airport is on the same line.
Chatan (American Village)
Shopping and entertainment complex in Mihama with hotels, reached by several bus routes.
Onna Village
West-coast village about 50 km north of Naha with many large resort hotels along Route 58 and Cape Manzamo.
Motobu
Peninsula home to Churaumi Aquarium, about 2 hours by car from Naha Airport.
Getting there
Yui Rail runs from Naha Airport through Naha to Tedako-Uranishi in Urasoe (19 stations, about 37-40 minutes end to end). Onna Village is about 50 km north of Naha; Churaumi Aquarium is about 2 hours from Naha Airport by car.
Good for
- No rental car: Naha near a monorail station
- Beach resorts: Onna Village along Route 58
- Shopping and sunset: American Village in Chatan
Watch out for
- Outside Naha you will need a car or buses; there is no rail network.
- Okinawa is introducing a percentage-based accommodation tax.
Booking tips
- Split stays: Naha for the first and last nights, a resort area in between.
- If you plan to visit Churaumi Aquarium, a stay further north shortens the drive.
FAQ
Do I need a car in Okinawa?
Not if you stay in Naha. For resorts and the north, a car or long-distance bus is needed.
Where should I stay for beaches?
Onna Village on the west coast has many resort hotels.