14 Best Hotels in Okinawa, Japan

Come for luxury, impeccable service, and stunning views across the hotel's pools and gardens to Maesato Beach, and the azure waters beyond. If you're looking for a quiet island getaway with plenty of pampered R&R, you'll be well taken care of. Start the day with sunrise yoga, then treatments at the Spa Agarosa. The adjoining golf course is a good option in winter when mainland Japan is covered in snow.

Unusually large beds and a central location—it's a block east of the ferry dock—make APA Hotel a great choice. This is a budget-priced hotel but offers a range of spacious Western-style rooms. If you need more space, there are family rooms for up to three people and deluxe rooms that can easily sleep five.

This is the nicest and most convenient hotel in downtown Hirara, and every room at this contemporary high-rise hotel next to Hirara Wharf boasts ocean views. The rooms are large, and each has a big picture window; corner deluxe rooms enjoy two of them. Suites are large, with L-shapes sectional sofas. There are various dining options at the hotel, but it is also not too far to venture out to the local restaurants.

At the main intersection in Ishigaki City, the Hotel GranView Ishigaki is a short walk from the port, restaurants, and dive shops. Rooms are functional, and the staff are helpful and friendly. Japanese communal baths are open in the morning and evening. This is great choice if you don't have a rental car to get to more out-of-the-way beachside hotels, which ironically have far grander views.

This hotel is an oasis on the coast of Motobu located next to Ocean Expo Park and the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. With gorgeous views out toward Ie Island and doorstep access to Emerald Beach, it is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Use the hotel as a convenient base to also check out Bise Village, Kouri Island, and the northern coastline up to Cape Hedo. Decor is stylish with muted natural tones. All rooms are spacious with ocean views. Most guests arrive by rental car, but the hotel has timetables and discounted tickets for the Yanbaru Express bus to the airport.

What puts Peace Island Miyakojima a cut above the rest are the amenities: all the rooms have their own washing machine, refrigerator, and microwave. It's filled with simple, functional rooms. It's particularly popular with scuba divers and families. In the center of Hirara, the Peace Island puts you within walking distance of the bars and restaurants.

You couldn't ask for a better in-town lodging than this elegant, nicely furnished hotel. Just north of the Makishi monorail station where Kokusai Street gets quieter, the Hotel Royal Orion's nine floors of sturdy accommodations are the perfect place to spend a night on your way through Naha. Standard twin rooms have cozy semidouble beds with rather bland decor; deluxe rooms have opulent bathrooms and big desks.

The Hyatt is elegant but without a stratospheric price tag. It is located beside the quiet Tsuboya pottery district, which provides quick access to busy Kokusai Street. There's a great view of the city from Milano, the Italian restaurant on the 18th floor. Along with a sports gym, there's a rooftop pool surrounded by loungers, and a shallow kids' pool. Some of the suite rooms even have double beds—a rarity in Japan where twin rooms are the norm. The lounge area is quiet and relaxing, a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A few blocks from the pier, this narrow eight-story hotel caters to the economically minded. You can book anything from a spartan room to a spacious deluxe twin at an affordable price. It's within walking distance of downtown and some of the best nightspots. The bus depot, ferry port, dive shops, and car-rental agencies are within walking distance. There's a discount for booking online.

One of Okinawa's finest resorts, the Miyakojima Tokyu Resort delivers everything you could want from a tropical vacation. Rooms are spacious and beautiful, and most have superb views over the Yonaha Maehama Beach. In high season, don't miss the performances of Okinawan dance and music in the evenings. Consider visiting during late May or June, when prices are half of what they are in August.

"Resort" is a misnomer for this small lodge, but the Nilaina has a perfect location, wooden decks where you can kick back, and a hot tub with an ocean view. The rooms could be more spacious—and there are only four of them—but they're smartly built, with excellent details like fancy baths and subtle lighting. They all look out onto the jungle. Snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking tours are on offer, but the diving and sailing tours on the hotel's 38-foot catamaran are unique to Nialaina. Call ahead to get free pickup from Uehara Port.

This bungalow hideaway 15 minutes south of the Churaumi Aquarium is a laid-back alternative to the bigger resorts. The rooms are spacious and most face the beach. The restaurant on the sandy deck is relaxing and intimate, and grill-it-yourself options are especially fun for families. The water is great for swimming, and the beach is quiet at night. This is a good spot to spend a night after circling the northern part of the island or visiting the aquarium.

The exterior may look worn, but the rooms have possibly the best view in Japan. The café has a decent selection of options, but you mainly come here for the beach with good swimming and gorgeous sunset views. It's close to the port and offers diving, snorkeling, and sailing excursions. You save money if you opt for the Japanese tatami rooms rather than Western beds. May close during the winter season December to February.

Staff will pick you up from Uehara Port if you phone ahead.

Located where bustling Kokusai-dori gets quieter, this high-rise hotel's white-tiled lobby leads up to improbably spacious guest rooms done up in Western style. The location, within sight of Makishi monorail station, gives you great access to Kokusai-dori. It's often booked up by groups attending karate tournaments.