3 roomy accommodations with an ocean view under $115/night in Okinawa, Japan, for group travelers who are space-conscious

open-concept house with an ocean view

Wanna take advantage of the exchange rate to travel to Japan soon?

1 Singapore Dollar equals 111.84 Japanese Yen

You better do so quickly because analysts have it that the Japanese yen is likely to recover in 2024 with government interventions or shifts in the Japanese central bank’s policy stance.

So while the rates are still good now, gather your gang and book your flights, and let’s be on our way.

Oh yes, before you travel, you will need a place to stay, right?

In this week’s ‘Travel Thursday’ series, I’ve helped us search for some really roomy accommodations with an ocean view under $115/night in Okinawa, Japan.

In my opinion, it’s apt for group travelers who are space-conscious. So without further ado, let’s get the list started in here!

2-bedroom homey unit with a view of Yaka’s sea

Entire home in Kin-chō, Japan

Price: $110 (for 3 persons)

This inviting home away from home offers a wonderful seaside retreat for families and friends. 

Nestled in a quiet residential area along Yaka’s beautiful coastline, this 2-bedroom unit provides ample space and privacy for 3 or 4 guests. Children under 5 stay for free, so little ones can join the fun with child-friendly furnishings and toys provided (do request in advance).

Wake up to sweeping views of the sea from the comfort of your rental unit, then spend lazy mornings sipping coffee in your living room. The well-equipped kitchen allows you to prep meals or heat leftovers to enjoy together, and free parking means you can arrive on-site and settle right in. When you’re ready for adventure, Yaka’s beach and hotspots are just minutes away.

With spacious rooms, an ideal location, and all the comforts of home, this affordable unit provides an impressive coastal getaway you will want to return to again and again.

Bright and modern home along Nagahama Beach

Entire home in Kunigami District, Japan

Price: $112 (for 3 persons)

This bright and airy beachside retreat will have you feeling like a local in no time. Nestled along Nagahama Beach, this modern home sleeps 3 to 4 guests and is 2 hours from Naha Airport. 

The open floor plan features ample natural light, high ceilings, and ocean views from the comfort of your unit. Two bedrooms—one with a double bed and the other with a bunk bed—spaciously accommodate your travel companions. The fully equipped kitchen is stocked with essentials so you can cook up some meals if you need them. Just 10 minutes away is Nakijin Castle Ruins, perfect for an afternoon excursion.

Your host is on hand to meet you upon arrival and ensure you have everything you need to fully unwind during your stay. This home offers all the conveniences of home in a prime beachfront spot, providing the ideal balance of relaxation and experience.

3-bedroom huge traditional Japanese-style house for 8 guests

Entire home in Nanjō-shi, Japan

Price: $114 (for 8 persons)

We’ve saved the best for the last—an authentic Japanese-style house nestled in Nanjō, a city in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

This traditional 3-bedroom vacation home sleeps up to 8 guests comfortably and features partial sea views, great for large families or groups seeking an affordable getaway. Old-world charm abounds from the tatami mat floors to the shoji screens. Spread out in 1 of the 3 bedrooms, each with futons and mattresses for all, or lounge on the veranda and take in the surrounding views.

Just 40 minutes from Naha Airport by car or 1.5 hours by bus, this hidden escape has a free onsite parking space where you can leave the car behind once you’re done exploring the nearby attractions and the beach.

Children 5 and under stay gratis, making it ideal for multigenerational trips. For a truly authentic slice of old Japan in a huge home all to yourselves, this traditional vacation house has you covered.

Over $100/night may seem a lot for the budget traveler… But if you do some travel math and split the cost, it doesn’t even cost that much per person. Especially for the last listing, $114 ÷ 8 persons = $14.25! That’s probably cheaper than an awkward bed space in a hostel. So gather your tomodachis (friends), it’s time to conquer the land of the rising sun.

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Fly direct to Japan from $66 all-in? Jetstar to launch non-stop flight to Okinawa from Nov 17, runs a 72-hour flash sale from 1 – 3 Aug 17.

You can now fly to Japan for cheap

Good news. Jetstar will be launching non-stop flight to Okinawa, Japan with flights commencing from November 17. Currently, travelers would need to fly to Manila, Hong Kong or Taipei before transiting at Osaka.

From 1 – 3 Aug, Jetstar will run a 72-hour flash sale to Okinawa for just $66 all-inclusive one-way. This is a fantastic deal considering the usual fares will cost $400-$500 on a non-direct route.

The sale will runs from 1 Aug, 10am to 3 Aug, 10am.
Jetstar Okinawa

Book your tickets here now. (Note: The fares will only be released at 10am, 1 Aug)

Share this news with your friends and loved ones!

Terms & Conditions

Flight commences 17 November 2017, subject to regulatory approval. Sale fares are one way economy Starter fares, with 7kg carry-on baggage only. Selected travel periods and limited seat availability apply, see jetstar.com for details. Sale starts 1 August (10:00AM) and ends 3 August 2017 (10:00AM), unless sold out prior. Sale may be extended. A Booking and Service Fee of $5-$10 per passenger, per flight will apply for bookings completed online, based on payment method selected. The Booking and Service Fee will be waived for all bookings paid using Jetstar Vouchers. Other conditions apply, including Jetstar’s Condition of Carriage.

Okinawa’s largest city and its transportation hub, Naha is the gateway to paradise

Naha is the sister city of Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, and you could be forgiven for confusing the two. Not only do they share similar climates and geographies, but Naha is also home to several US military bases and the majority of the US forces stationed in Japan, which means that English is heard around town nearly as often as Japanese. Visitors are treated to an interesting mix of Japanese, American and the local Ryukyu culture when it comes to food. Try taco rice or Spam musubi if you’re feeling adventurous. Several stretches of sand are readily accessible via public transportation, including Manza, Moon and Zampa Beaches, and on rainy days there’s local art and history to discover at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum.

Things to do

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    Gone fishin’

    Nearly every tourist in Naha takes a trip up the coast to Churaumi Aquarium opens in new window, which is considered the best in Japan. It’s home to one of the largest tanks in the world, big enough to hold whale sharks, manta rays and schools of their aquatic friends. In addition to the usual aquarium exhibits, there’s a hands-on tank and an outdoor arena for dolphin and sea lion shows.

  • do2

    Hit the road

    Kokusaidori, literally “international road”, is a major thoroughfare and a great place for shopping, people watching and dining. Check the covered arcades branching off from the street for bargain-priced souvenirs and habu-sake, a local liquor with a pickled pit viper inside. Yunagi is said to dish some of the best Okinawan food in town and Blue Seal Lick Bit offers a place to cool off with a serving or two of the local ice cream.

  • do3

    Kingly perch

    Shuri was the capital of Okinawa’s native Ryukyu Kingdom and Shuri Castle opens in new windowon the east side of town is a reconstruction of the home of their kings. From its hilltop perch, the castle offers eye-catching views of the city and the ocean beyond, and well as well-curated information on the history of the Ryukyu and a wealth of related artefacts.

  • do4

    Leaf it all behind

    If you feel the need to escape Naha’s bustling crowds of shoppers and throngs of sunbathers, Fukushu-en Park opens in new windowmakes for a nice getaway that’s still within easy reach of the downtown area. The traditional Chinese garden, built in 1992 in honour of sister city Fuzhou, China, is free to enter and offers lots of shady nooks, soothing waterfalls and paved paths to stroll.

  • do5

    State of the art

    The Okinawa Prefectural Museum opens in new windowdelivers a double-whammy of art and history. The history exhibits cover the prefecture’s unique history and culture, including the folklore and crafts of the native Ryukyu, while the art exhibits focus on homegrown creators of contemporary art. There are outdoor displays of traditional architecture and native flora and a hands-on exhibit where kids can play and learn at the same time.

When to go

Naha is quite warm year-round, with temperatures rarely reaching the low teens, even in winter. However, clouds and rain can make it a bit too chilly for swimming in the winter months. Summer sees daytime temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.

April to June is the rainy season in Naha, though this tends to bring scattered showers more than sustained downpours. Avoid the Golden Week crowds at the end of April and typhoon season in September.

Some notable festivals in Naha are the 10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade in early August and the Naha Great Tug-of-War, registered as the world’s largest tug-of-war event, in October.

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