'If you can't stay hungry, just start working!,
A famous Japanese proverb that is widely used on and around Okinawa Island goes something like this. We all know and appreciate the fact that Japan is an industrious country that has turned the tables on its bad luck with hard work of immense proportions. It is through adages like these, that we get a glimpse into that Japanese attitude and never-say-die spirit.
Okinawa, located about 400 miles off the Japanese coast, is the biggest island of the archipelago also named as Okinawa. In administrative terms, it is better described as 'Okinawa Prefecture'. With over 50 islands being a part of this massive archipelago, a wealth of natural resources and strategic positions in the Japanese Sea make sure that Okinawa remains at the forefront of national schemes drawn up by Japan. Furthermore, close proximity of the archipelago to China prompts a state of continual tension in the region. But fortunately none of this has ever adversely affected the tourism in the region.
In Japanese, the term Okinawa literally means a string in the sea. This alludes to the string like structure of archipelago. Featuring warm sub-tropical weather patterns, exquisite beaches of Okinawa regularly attract thousands of tourists from Japan as well as from around the world, adding to the already large population of the island (around 350,000).
If you wish to visit Okinawa in near future, you should be better off knowing that Okinawa will never let you down. In order to help you get ahead with your itinerary planning and all the things that go with it, we are presenting a quick-fire guide to Okinawa hotels and what it is that you will be coming across in the name of hospitality when you visit Okinawa.
Cheap Hotels in Okinawa
Japan is a rather cheap country to travel in. This is not to say that a trip to Japan will cost you next to nothing “ far from it. It's just that relatively weak currency leaves Japan rather vulnerable to price inflations and fluctuations. This automatically puts tourists carrying stronger foreign currency in a position of advantage.
You can make the most of this advantage by going for cheap hotels in and around Okinawa Island. Of course, the number of options is kind of limited because the island itself isn't that large. But whatever seems to be available is decent enough a lot to choose from.
United Resort and Star Capsule are two budget hotels in Okinawa that we think you must give a try if you actually end up visiting Okinawa. There are quite a few other options too, especially if you don't mind staying at a modest inn or a simple motel!
Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Okinawa
Since Okinawa is an island city, it is to be expected that it houses more than a handful of luxury resorts that tourists can safely take shelter at in order to reap the benefits of incredibly luxurious stay they provide.
While choosing luxury Okinawa hotels, pricing may turn out to be a problem, simply because these resorts tend to be priced quite exorbitantly. But once you find a way to deal with that fact, there's nothing that can sour your trip to Okinawa.
Right by the Manza Beach, you can find a picturesque InterContinental property that will let you have all the amenities you expect from a luxury resort, and then many more.
Similarly, on Nago Island, Kanucha Bay Hotel and Resort presents itself as a formidable player in this category. What's better to know is that it's priced much more reasonably than most of the other luxury hotels in Okinawa.
Alternative Lodging Options in Okinawa
Tourists who are always looking for alternative lodging options would be rather disappointed to know that there is a clear and definite dearth of these in Okinawa.
Despite its status as the most popular tourist destination in Japan, Okinawa hasn't managed to set up a network of holiday rentals or beach houses that visitors can have for themselves for the whole duration of their stay. This is one region that Okinawa needs to bring itself up to speed if it is to enjoy the kind of support it gets from travelers and tourists without interruption.
Top Things to Do/See in Okinawa
There are quite a few sights and activities that Okinawa offers to its visitors. While most of these are, in one way or another, aqua-centric, some are indeed historically important and naturally surreal.
There are countless beaches available throughout the archipelago. Blessed with warmth pretty much all year round, these beaches provide a sure-shot respite from daily life and its travails to the tourists.
The ancient Ryukyu Kingdom of Okinawa has long been obliterated. But its impressive ruins can still be found in some parts of Okinawa. Shuri Castle, for example, stands dilapidated even today, much in way of an homage than pride.
In Naha, Peace Memorial Park is a sombre tribute to people and soldiers who lost their lives to the travesty brought about by the Second World War.
If you are travelling with your family and children, Churaumi Aquarium can be a good place to hang out at while having immense fun. Loaded with some of the most exotic specimens of marine life, this aquarium can also be a good learning center for children, about marine life conservation and its importance. Large whales, sharks and sting rays are popular attractions for thousands of tourists who visit the aquarium.
Best Time to Visit Okinawa?
The best time to visit Okinawa is throughout the year. During summer months (February to May), the tourist activity is undoubtedly the highest, as temperatures start soaring and surfing, kayaking and other ocean sports pick up traction.
During these months, most of the lodging options in Okinawa “ including cheap hotels “ go overboard in setting up their pricing plans much higher than what they normally do. So, to avoid having to deal with that, you can choose to visit Okinawa in October or November.