Based in Okinawa, travel and lifestyle blogger @owncolorstravel shares recommended spots and travel tips for visiting Okinawa, mainly aimed at travelers from other parts of Japan and international visitors interested in Japanese culture.
With the grand opening of Junglila Okinawa, one of Okinawa’s biggest theme parks, set for July 2025, this tropical destination is becoming an even hotter pick for domestic travel in Japan.
In this post, I’m sharing my experience staying at a resort hotel in northern Okinawa that I’ve been curious about for a while.
Why not make the most of this summer by enjoying both Junglila and a tropical resort getaway?
・Okuma Private Beach & Resort
Okuma Private Beach & Resort 913 Okuma, Kunigami Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, 905-1412
Okuma Private Beach & Resort is a resort hotel located in Kunigami Village, the northernmost village on Okinawa’s main island.
It’s about a 2-hour drive from Naha, so it’s a bit of a trek—but totally worth it! The hotel sits in the heart of Yanbaru, a lush and nature-rich area in northern Okinawa, surrounded by beautiful blue sea and deep green forests. It’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge, both physically and mentally.
Driving for two hours straight can be a bit tough, though—so I took a break for lunch in Onna Village along the way.
Driving in Okinawa on a sunny day is honestly the best—it’s such a good vibe.
After arriving at the hotel, I headed to check in. The path from the parking lot to the front lobby was beautifully maintained, lined with all kinds of plants and bright bougainvillea. It really gave off that relaxing resort feel right from the start—I loved it!
There are Korean staff members at the hotel too, so guests from Korea can feel right at home.
After check-in, one of the staff walked with me to my room and helped carry my suitcase. We chatted about Korean dramas along the way, and since I’ve been to Korea a few times myself, it was really fun to have that kind of conversation.
・Rooms
The hotel sits on a spacious property and offers cottage- and villa-style rooms. Some of them are even pet-friendly, so you can stay with your dog—and there’s even a dog run on-site!
For some reason, there’s also a torii gate (a traditional Japanese shrine gate) set up on the grounds.
This time, I stayed in a Palm Cottage Room, which was painted in soft pastel colors like light blue and pale yellow—really gentle and relaxing tones.
One of the nice things about the Palm Cottage is that it’s close to the parking lot and smoking area, and just like the Garden Villas, it also has great access to the beach and restaurants, so it’s perfect if you want to stay active. By the way, the room that’s farthest from the front desk is actually the Main Cottage.
Let’s take a room tour of the Palm Cottage.
The room is 29 square meters, and with its pastel blue and white color scheme, it felt clean and refreshing—more than comfortable enough for a solo stay. On the terrace side of the Palm Cottage, there’s a shallow lagoon-like pool of water that reflects beautifully, creating a stunning combination with the palm trees. The view of the sunset from the terrace was absolutely gorgeous.
Lined with palm trees, there’s a chapel just across the road, and beyond that is the beach.
Along with the hotel’s amenities like the hibiscus-scented shampoo, I usually bring my own bath salts or other soaking products when staying in a room with a bathtub—it really helps me relax while traveling.
At beach resorts, your skin tends to get dry from all the sun and salt, so after a bath, I also make sure to moisturize with body cream.
Since some hotels don’t provide these kinds of amenities, I definitely recommend bringing both with you!
・Pool and Beach
This is the pool area.
At Okuma Private Beach & Resort, there’s a main pool, a lazy river, a kids’ pool, and an activity pool. The whole area feels really open and spacious, and right in front of the pool you’ll find white sand and the beautiful blue sea stretching out before you.
It wasn’t too crowded, so it was super relaxing. I think both families and solo travelers can really enjoy this place.
There are all kinds of marine activities to enjoy, like snorkeling, banana boat rides, and sunset cruises, so you can really make the most of the Okinawan beach experience.
This pier with the bell is a great photo spot. Since it gets backlit in the afternoon, I recommend taking photos in the morning! That said, around sunset it gives off a really nice, romantic vibe like this.
I did some swimming too, but honestly, just listening to the sound of the waves felt incredibly soothing—like nature’s own therapy. On the first day, the waves were a bit rough, but the next day was perfectly calm and sunny. The ocean was such a stunning shade of blue, it totally made sense why it’s known for having top-level water quality.
At the beach, there’s an area where you can play beach volleyball, or you can just relax under a parasol and take it easy.
・Dinner and breakfast buffet
At Okuma Private Beach & Resort, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style at the Surfside Café.
Coffee and soft drinks are included in your stay, but alcohol is charged separately. They also have options like all-you-can-drink menus for an extra fee.
So, I treated myself to some champagne.
The buffet here has a wide variety of dishes, and everything I tried was tasty—there really weren’t any misses. I seriously wanted to try everything!
What stood out the most was the Okinawan-style pork and egg rice ball made fresh right in front of you by a sweet obaa (grandma) during breakfast—it was absolutely delicious.
One of the most popular morning highlights at Okuma Private Beach & Resort in Kunigami Village, Okinawa, is the “Obaa’s Breakfast Corner.”
Every morning, a local grandma from Kunigami lovingly prepares traditional Okinawan dishes that are full of heart and comfort. It feels just like waking up at your grandma’s house—warm, peaceful, and full of care.
One must-try is kachuyuu, a simple yet flavorful soup made with bonito flakes and miso. It’s a longtime Okinawan staple with a rich, savory aroma that gently eases you into the day.
Then there’s the beloved Okinawan soul food—pork and egg onigiri. You can pick your own toppings, and it’s made fresh right in front of you. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for fueling your day.
On a sunny morning, enjoying this meal while taking in the lush greenery from the terrace is such a treat. If you visit, don’t miss out on trying the onigiri—it’s a must!
Other great picks include yushi dofu (fresh Okinawan tofu) and nabera-nbushi (a traditional dish made with sponge gourd and miso), along with other classic uchinaa (Okinawan) dishes. You can enjoy a well-balanced breakfast that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
The food at this hotel is honestly top-notch—I highly recommend it!
・Okinawan souvenir shop attached to the hotel
This is the souvenir shop located inside Okuma Private Beach & Resort.
It offers a wide range of Okinawan-themed souvenirs—from popular Orion Beer T-shirts and merchandise to local snacks, like shrimp chips flavored with island chili peppers. You’ll also find goods related to the Yanbaru region, as well as swimwear, so even if you come empty-handed, you’ll be covered.
If you’re visiting Okinawa, you’ll definitely want to pick up some uniquely Okinawan treats and items to make the most of your trip!
The shop also offers Okinawan specialties, local souvenirs, and original hotel merchandise—perfect for picking up a little something to remember your trip by. Why not stop by and take a look during your stay?
・Wedding in Okinawa
With its crystal-clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and endless sunshine, Okinawa is the perfect destination for a resort wedding.
One standout location is Okuma Private Beach & Resort, nestled in the lush natural beauty of Yanbaru and known for its long, unspoiled shoreline. With only two weddings held per day, it’s ideal for couples who want to spend quiet, meaningful moments together. It’s also a great way to combine your special day with a trip, making unforgettable memories with family and guests.
Why not celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones with a once-in-a-lifetime wedding in Okinawa—where your journey and memories come together in the most beautiful way?
・Other facilities
Other facilities at Okuma Private Beach & Resort include a cozy lobby lounge, a scenic bathhouse and sauna open until 11 PM, and an aromatherapy salon.
Guests staying on a lounge access plan can enjoy the exclusive Club Lounge, and during the summer season, the Beach Café Oasis opens for a laid-back beachfront experience.
With so much to enjoy, you’ll definitely want to stay at least two nights to make the most of this full-featured resort hotel.
So, what do you think of Okuma Private Beach & Resort, a resort hotel tucked away in the Yanbaru area of northern Okinawa?
While it’s a bit of a drive from Naha Airport, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and really soak up all that Okinawa has to offer.
Even as someone who lives in Okinawa, I was genuinely impressed by the great value and delicious food—staying here turned out to be a fantastic choice. I definitely recommend adding it to your travel list!
