Many people visit Okinawa seeking extraordinary experiences, such as its stunning beaches and unique culture. To make your trip to Okinawa even more special, why not stay at a deeply unique accommodation?
Here, I’ll introduce three particularly memorable strange accommodations I’ve stayed at.
These spots are especially recommended for solo male travelers looking to keep costs low.
Minshuku Green House (Naha)
Minshuku Green House is located about a 10-minute walk west from Asahibashi Station in Naha.
Exterior
Thanks to its proximity to Asahibashi, which has a Yui Rail station and a bus terminal, this accommodation offers excellent travel convenience. What makes it unique is its incredibly affordable rate—just about 2,000 yen per night for a private room. Additionally, features like coin-operated air conditioning and hair dryers, along with the building’s well-worn charm, create a deep, authentic atmosphere reminiscent of budget lodgings in Southeast Asia.
Guest room
Kitchen
Coin-operated Air Conditioning
The interior of the accommodation has minimal fluorescent lighting, which adds to its unique ambiance. The adjacent property is a park, so stepping outside offers plenty of natural sunlight. While capsule hotels or dormitories in Matsuyama offer a similar price point with cleaner facilities, this place is highly recommended for those looking to experience a deeply unique lodging atmosphere.
One thing to note: the reception process can be a bit unclear, and I accidentally entered the owner’s living quarters by mistake. Be careful when checking in!
Location: 2-9-1 Nishi, Naha, Okinawa 900-0036, Japan
Guesthouse Connect (Ishigaki Island)
In Okinawa, there’s a cultural tradition called yuntaku, where guests enjoy chatting and socializing with each other, and many people choose guesthouses specifically for this experience. This guesthouse, in particular, is popular among long-term visitors to Ishigaki Island. While higher-priced guesthouses often attract a more consistent guest demographic, staying at Connect allows you to meet a wide variety of travelers and engage in lively conversations.
Of course, not everyone you meet will necessarily be “pleasant company,” so it’s important to exercise caution. That said, the opportunity to connect with people you might not usually encounter makes for a truly unique experience.
Bed room
Link: https://guesthouseconnect.wixsite.com/connect
Location: 174-2 Ōkawa, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0022, Japan
Tamashiro-so (Hateruma Island)
Tamashiro-so, located on Hateruma Island, is a beloved guesthouse with many devoted regular visitors.
Hateruma Island is Japan’s southernmost inhabited island, accessible by ferry from Ishigaki Island. As accommodations on the island are limited, it’s essential to book in advance. The ferry is notoriously rough and often canceled due to weather, so checking the forecast and planning accordingly is crucial to avoid being stranded on the island.
While Hateruma has several tourist attractions, such as the southernmost monument, stargazing spots, and Nishihama Beach—considered Japan’s most beautiful beach—the island is primarily a place to enjoy the simplicity of “nothingness.” Staying in a deeply unique lodging like Tamashiro-so amplifies the charm of such an experience.
Compared to the previously mentioned accommodations, this guesthouse is on another level, rivaling budget lodgings found in India or the Middle East for its deep and unique atmosphere.
Exterior
Interior
Dining room with heavy breakfast
Guestroom
The island’s port is within walking distance of the village, but the owner, Mr. Tamashiro, will pick you up in his car. Mr. Tamashiro is a friendly and approachable man, though his behavior might give the impression of being heavily intoxicated or in poor health, which was a bit concerning.
Picking-up car (Nissan Serena)
As with many Okinawan guesthouses, yuntaku—a tradition of socializing with fellow guests—is a hallmark here. During weekends and holidays, the guesthouse becomes lively with regulars, but unfortunately, during my stay, I was the only guest, so I didn’t get to experience yuntaku.
Yuntaku Space with Barley Tea Container
Mr. Tamashiro’s Favorite Awamori, “Zanpa” (Rare Outside Hateruma)
The difficulty of reaching Hateruma makes the experience even more memorable and unique. Sadly, Mr. Tamashiro has since passed away, and Tamashiro-so closed its doors in 2023.
