Amami Islands
While tightly knitted together, these stunning, architect-designed, fully self-contained waterfront villas retain a sense of privacy and rate among the…
Must-see hotels in Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
Naha
New in 2017, this lovable private hotel has simple polished concrete rooms with exceedingly comfortable full-sized beds, ample balconies, functional…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
For a secluded and romantic experience, head to Soraniwa on the south coast. This small, stylish cafe-hotel is run by a young couple transplanted from the…
Naha
There's a lot to love about this homely little design hotel, which could have been plucked from Tokyo's Omote-sandō and transplanted into Naha's up-and…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
Kume-jima's nicest digs are found near the airport, fronting the lovely-at-sunset Shinri-hama beach. The resort boasts an attractive (though shallow and…
Amami Islands
These relaxing whitewashed cottages by the airport evoke Yoron-tō's sister island, Mykonos, in Greece. The best cottages are the beachside 'B type' units…
Yaeyama Islands
Formerly the Hotel Nikkō Yaeyama, this thoroughly renovated and rebranded hilltop complex, though far from the shoreline, makes an excellent choice for…
Ōsumi Islands
Tidy Japanese-style rooms in this family-run ryokan in Nishi-no-Omote are homely and full of natural light. If you speak Japanese, you can hit up the…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
At the west end of the main village, this diver-focused minshuku has good, clean Western- and Japanese-style rooms just a minute's amble from the beach…
Ōsumi Islands
Overlooking Yakushima's southeast coast, this stunning collection of luxury villas blends ocean views with Balinese design elements. Sustainable practices…
Okinawa-hontō
This exquisite ryokan is one for those whose wallets can stretch a little further than most, and who value the finer details of the culinary art of…
Yaeyama Islands
This sumptuous offering from the renowned team at luxury brand Hoshinoya certainly delivers. The best part about these decadent digs is that after dark it…
Yaeyama Islands
Just above Kabira-wan on the north coast, Iriwa is a comfortable guesthouse with dorm beds, two large private rooms, a small self-contained cottage and…
Yaeyama Islands
Truly a retreat, this spacious, fully equipped beach house affords privacy and peace in beautiful abundance. On Ishigaki's sparsely populated northern…
Hanamuro Inter-Islander's Hotel
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
Since the building that houses it is also a marine-biology research facility, this minshuku may look a little industrial from the outside. But the rooms…
Ōsumi Islands
This secluded accommodation features Japanese- and Western-style rooms in rustic riverside cabins connected by wooden walkways. Soak up the beauty of your…
Ōsumi Islands
This well-run youth hostel is about 3km west of Onoaida, nestled into the forest. Accommodation is in either Japanese- or Western-style dorms, and the…
Amami Islands
This dive centre/resort has comfortable wood-floored Western-style accommodation perched on a promontory over a lovely bay. Guestrooms have gorgeous,…
Ōsumi Islands
With two homely, fully equipped bungalows near the local break, this place is (as you might guess) on the east coast of Tanegashima. Reservations are…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
If you're seeking something out of the ordinary, opt to stay at the singular, utterly delightful Casa de Hamaca. Run by Japanese runner and world…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
'Cha-bira' means 'I'm home!' in the local dialect, and anchored by a shady tree in the garden out front, this friendly place feels just like home. Its…
Amami Islands
Run by the effusive Shikasa-san, this hillside minshuku has spacious, comfortable Japanese- and Western-style rooms. There's a cheery kitchen area, and…
Ōsumi Islands
This simple and clean youth hostel doesn't offer meals, but there are several good restaurants close by. It's a 10-minute walk from Miyanoura port – turn…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
The genial, English-speaking Hiro presides over this laid-back spot where young neighbours and friends cruise in to hang out. Accommodation is available…
Naha
The smart business/tourist hotel owned and managed by JR Kyūshū is one of downtown Naha's nicest offerings. General design elements and old-school hotel…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
A few blocks inland from the beach, this tiny guesthouse, formerly known as 'Birafuyaa', is run by a welcoming, clued-in couple who have created a kind of…
ANA Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort
Yaeyama Islands
The Intercontinental has beautifully refurbished rooms, all of which have wood floors and at least partial ocean views; rooms in the main building also…
Yaeyama Islands
Centrally located in Ishigaki city two blocks north of the ferry and bus station, this welcoming pension offers appealing, spacious Western- and Japanese…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
This serene South Asian–themed inn sits above a lovely secluded beach on Ikema-jima. Wood-floored, Western-style rooms offer peace and quiet – especially…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
Peace Island has a bright, clean, welcoming vibe, even if the rooms are decidedly average – except for the luxury of washer-dryer units in every room. The…
Yaeyama Islands
Just a few minutes' walk from the port and central Ishigaki city, Hotel Patina is a small, friendly hotel that's far enough from downtown to be quiet at…
Ōsumi Islands
Run by a friendly, English-speaking woman, charming Nagareboshi has spotless, spacious rooms and a very laid-back vibe. From the pier road in Nishi-no…
Amami Islands
In the village of Kanami, at the very northeast tip of the island, this friendly, homely divers' lodge has a great location overlooking a good snorkelling…
Amami Islands
This friendly and casual minshuku is popular with young people. Both Western- and Japanese-style rooms are available, and all share bathrooms. Starting…
Yaeyama Islands
Between Uehara Port (上原港) and Funaura Port (船浦港), this peaceful hillside hostel has comfortable dorms and simple Japanese-style private rooms. Meals are…
Amami Islands
This smart, architecturally designed modern hotel has a proud traditional appeal. Located not far from the airport, it makes a great base for short stays…
Amami Islands
While it's almost too cool for school, this classy collection of converted Airstream campers will undoubtedly elicit more smiles and sighs of delight than…
Naha
About three minutes' walk from Kokusai-dōri, the Sun Palace is a giant step up in warmth and quality from a standard business hotel. Staff are friendly,…
Yaeyama Islands
Two minutes' walk from the ferry landing in Uehara, this hospitable minshuku has basic Japanese-style rooms and an informative manager who produces…
Southern Beach Hotel and Resort
Okinawa-hontō
Located in Itoman city, south of Naha, this freshly updated resort offers an oasis from Naha's hustle and bustle while remaining within easy reach of the…
