[Stay Blog] Staying at Okinawa Hotel, a Long-Established Naha Hotel! A Candid Review of the Breakfast Buffet

This time I actually stayed at “Okinawa Hotel,” a long-established hotel representing Okinawa, in the Daido area of Naha.

“I want to stay at a historic, long-established hotel in Naha, but what’s it actually like to stay there?”
“I want to know the quality of the public bath and breakfast buffet!”

Are you wondering about things like this?

Since it’s a precious stay in Okinawa, you’d want to check beforehand the real feel of staying at an inn with history and prestige.

In this article, I give a candid review from a guest’s perspective, covering the comfort of the rooms, the public bath, and even the breakfast buffet packed with the bounty of Okinawa.

After reading this, you’ll know clearly whether you should stay at Okinawa Hotel.

Who is a stay at “Okinawa Hotel” recommended for?

“Okinawa Hotel” in Daido, Naha, founded in 1941 (Showa 16), is truly Okinawa’s oldest registered international tourist hotel, one that has supported Okinawa’s tourism history all along.

Setting itself apart from modern business hotels and glittering large resort hotels, its biggest appeal is a classic, dignified presence surrounded by greenery.

Having actually stayed, the people I especially felt it’s recommended for are the following.

The first is people who want a calm, quiet inn with good access to Shuri Castle sightseeing.

When it comes to classic Okinawa sightseeing, it’s “Shuri Castle,” symbolizing Okinawa’s history, isn’t it.

From the nearest “Asato Station,” it’s a single ride on the Yui Rail to Shuri Station, and the location is also smooth to reach by car or taxi. It’s especially recommended for people whose main plan is Shuri Castle sightseeing.

The second is people who want to enjoy all-you-can-drink Orion draft beer and awamori.

A privilege of Okinawa Hotel guests, and what personally moved me most, was the all-you-can-drink alcohol offered in the lounge.

When it comes to Okinawa beer, it’s “Orion draft beer.” An automatic server sits here, all you can drink! At the push of a button, beer with a golden-ratio head is poured.

Next to it is even a “Black Nikka Highball” server with its sparkling fizz fully effective.

The third is people who want to fully enjoy Okinawa’s classic local dishes from the morning.

The breakfast at “Okinawa Hotel” is rated very highly in reviews as “just delicious!”, and I could tell how high the level is by actually eating it.

Among the many Okinawan dishes, the ones I especially liked were the chopped salad, Okinawa soba, and taco rice.

[Access] 9 minutes on foot from Asato Station on the Yui Rail! A great location within walking distance of Kokusai-dori too

Okinawa Hotel is a historic, long-established prestigious hotel in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, founded in 1941 (Showa 16).

By train, it’s easy to reach, about a 5-minute walk from “Asato Station” on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail).

By car, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes from Naha Airport via bypass roads and the like, and the grounds also have a convenient parking lot for 50 cars.

In front of Asato Station there’s the supermarket “Sakaemachi Ryubo,” and a bit farther is the Okinawan local supermarket “San-A,” so you’re covered for small shopping and for stocking up on food!

Hotel name	Okinawa Hotel
Address	35 Daido, Naha, Okinawa 902-0062
Phone	098-884-3191
Check-in	15:00 (last check-in: 24:00)
Check-out	11:00
Rooms	78 rooms
Access	About a 7-minute walk from “Asato Station” on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) About 15–20 minutes from Naha Airport by car (taxi)
Shuttle	None
Parking	Available (standard cars; parking fee: ¥1,000 per car per night)
Wi-Fi	Free
Smoking	Not allowed
Vending machines	Available
Coin laundry	Available (paid)
Credit cards	VISA, JCB, American Express, Diner’s Club, DC, NICOS, UFJ Card, Master Card, TOP, JTB; debit cards accepted
Luggage storage	Available before check-in and after check-out
Other	Public bath, shampoo bar, free-flow soft drinks and alcohol (breakfast-included plans only)

Okinawa Hotel room types: comparing retro Western-style rooms to calming Japanese-style rooms

Okinawa Hotel has 78 rooms in total, broadly divided into 6 room types.

Room sizes range from a minimum of 14 ㎡ (semi-double) to a spacious 50 ㎡ Japanese-style room where a group of up to 6 can relax comfortably.

It’s a big appeal of a long-established prestigious hotel that, besides Western-style rooms, it has plenty of Japanese-style rooms where families and groups can stretch out and lounge.

I hear the 6-tatami Japanese-style room is the most popular, and popular with foreign guests too!!

Room type	Capacity	Size
Semi-double room	1–2 guests	14㎡
Twin room	1–3 guests	21㎡
Japanese-style room (6 tatami)	2 guests	15㎡
Japanese-style room (12 tatami)	4 guests	21㎡
Japanese-style room (15 tatami)	4 guests	30㎡
Japanese-style room	6 guests	50㎡

[Stay report] Checking in at the classic lobby! Reviewing the interior full of old-inn charm

Now let me introduce the details of Okinawa Hotel, where I stayed this time.

This time I headed to the hotel in a rental car.

The hotel parking lot is quite spacious and holds 50 cars. Even for Okinawa sightseeing where traveling by car is basic, having this much parking space is reassuring.

This time I stayed on a Friday during the June rainy season, so the parking lot was nearly empty.

Lining the approach to the entrance are tropical plants such as Okinawan stone pillars and palm trees, and the retro-classic white building stands out beautifully!!

Beyond the glass of the main entrance, a magnificent pair of shisa lion-dogs sits solidly to greet you.

I hear the pedestals were brought from the burned Shuri Castle.

Entering, the front counter spreads out right in front on the left.

The displayed white phalaenopsis orchids emphasized the dignity unique to a long-established hotel!

The front desk staff, who are foreign nationals, were kind and polite with attentive hospitality.

After checking in at the front desk, I was handed a wonderfully tasteful card key.

Along with the card key, if you’re on a breakfast-included plan you also receive a card key exclusively for the breakfast venue, “Kugani Terrace.”

What I was happy to find right near the front desk was this well-stocked “shampoo bar”!

I’d let my guard down since it’s a prestigious long-established hotel, but there was a lineup of familiar, capable brands, starting with the salon-quality, hugely popular “BOTANIST,” plus “Diane,” “Ichikami,” “HIMAWARI,” and more. It’s nice that you can choose freely to suit your hair type and favorite scent~.

Right next to the shampoo bar is an “amenity bar” with items neatly organized.

It thoroughly covers staple small items like toothbrushes, razors, hairbrushes, and cotton swabs/cotton pads, and room slippers are also prepared on the lower shelf.

What’s even nicer is that child-friendly items such as a “children’s body sponge” and “children’s toothbrush” are fully provided too! Such attentive consideration is exactly what you’d expect from a long-established hotel loved by a wide range of guests.

This enormous bottle of the “hotel original habu sake” has outstanding presence!

There’s a follow campaign: if you follow Okinawa Hotel’s official social media (Instagram, Facebook, LINE) and show the staff your like-and-comment screen, you can “try one cup” of this habu sake.

If you love alcohol or want a stimulating experience unique to Okinawa, please do try it!!

Another corner of the lobby with a really strong personality is this “sanshin robot.”

The sight of the robot earnestly pressing the strings and moving the plectrum is surreal yet somehow endearing, and the sound of the sanshin echoing through the lobby created a very pleasant Okinawan atmosphere, so please do listen ♪

On the way to the guest room, in the 1st-floor corridor, I found a shisa made from the burned roof tiles of Shuri Castle.

Somehow nostalgic comfort! Twin room introduction

To the elevator hall at the back, straight ahead from the front desk.

This too has a calm Showa-classic look, but it’s cleaned in every corner and the cleanliness is perfect.

Get off the elevator and proceed down the guest room floor’s corridor.

The corridor is designed with warm wood-grain wainscoting and white walls, a clean space that has a retro calm yet doesn’t feel old at all.

This time I stayed in the twin room “Room 406” on the 4th floor.

The room key is a type where you tap the black sensor above the door handle to enter.

This time I had booked a “twin room” for 3 people, and in addition to two single beds, one more extra bed was neatly set up at the back, making an arrangement that is effectively a “triple room” setup.

Note that the air conditioner is positioned by the head of the bed, so you need to adjust it so you don’t catch a cold while sleeping.

The 3 beds are the original two twin beds with an extra bed neatly lined up beside them, and at the head of the bed is a retro control panel, so operating things while lying down is smooth.

A classic, calm space.

Two single-seat sofas with gently curved wooden arms face each other across a square mini table, and the Showa-era parlor feel is irresistible.

The seating is moderately firm and stable, and it was a perfect spot for having tea or toasting with Orion beer I’d bought.

Right next to the sofa area is a solid wooden desk.

A large mirror is mounted in front, so it’s also very handy as a dresser.

The TV, electric kettle, tissues and so on are neatly gathered on the desk, yet there was still enough space in front to spread out a laptop or guidebook.

The TV isn’t even 30 inches, a little disappointing for being small.

Opening the wooden door at the lower right of the desk reveals a compact mini fridge hidden inside.

It’s empty, so you can chill Orion beer, sanpin tea, and Okinawa-limited drinks you bought outside without worry. It’s a type that also has a small ice-making space on top.

Lined up with the fridge and desk is a functional closet.

It’s a neat open type, with sturdy wooden hangers that can firmly hold jackets.

On the right, a clothing deodorizing spray is kept on hand, so caring for your clothes after plenty of Okinawan food is perfect too.

The nightwear provided on the bed is an ecru waffle-weave gown with a wonderfully comfortable feel on the skin.

A high-quality garment with a smooth, light feel that looks like it absorbs water well.

Checking the plumbing area you’re curious about! How clean are the washbasin, bathroom, and toilet?

The room’s bathroom is an easy-to-use 3-in-1 unit bath style combining toilet, washbasin, and bathtub.

Because it’s a historic hotel, some people might brace themselves, but as the photos show, it was surprisingly clean thanks to renovation and thorough daily cleaning!

On the counter, 3 cups in a bag, matching this stay’s number of guests, are set out.

Face and hand soap is also kept right next to it.

Amenities such as toothbrushes and razors are a style where each person picks up only what they need from the “amenity bar” in the 1st-floor lobby, so the room’s washbasin area isn’t cluttered with items and stays neat and functional throughout, which is great too.

On the rack mounted on the bathtub wall, shampoo and conditioner are provided.

Rather than the strongly commercial-looking wall-mounted type common at long-established hotels, they’re simple, refined brown designer bottles, as if from a select shop.

Right near the shampoo is, of course, body wash refilled into bottles of the same design.

Soothing travel fatigue to the core! A report on Okinawa Hotel’s public bath

After a rest in the room, I headed to the hotel’s proud public bath that I’d been looking forward to.

You can move in the comfortable waffle-weave nightwear and slippers provided in the room, so the mood is relaxation, as if you’d come to a hot spring inn.

On arrival, a tasteful noren curtain with “men” and “women” written large greets you.

Step through the noren and inside is a deeply atmospheric changing room that lives up to expectations.

Instead of the digital locking lockers that are common these days, rows of white changing baskets with clearly numbered labels line up. This old-fashioned simple basket style further heightens the travel feeling of having come to a retro public bathhouse.

A hair dryer, various skincare amenities, tissues and so on were also fully provided.

And what made me happily think “as expected!” personally was the water server installed in the center.

There’s no sauna, but you’d like a little hydration after the bath, wouldn’t you!

Opening the frosted glass door and stepping into the bathing area, a surprisingly modern, refined space spread out before me!

It isn’t large enough to be called a public bath, but being able to take a bath at a long-established hotel is truly appreciated!

Orion draft beer and awamori, all you can drink! Blissful lounge time after the bath

After enjoying the bath, on to the “second stage” I’d been looking forward to.

Still in my room nightwear and slippers, I was drawn as if by a magnet to “KUGANI TERRACE.”

This hotel offers a welcome service for guests on breakfast-included plans: free drinks at the lounge (even Orion draft beer, awamori, and highballs!).

It’s equipped with an automatic server that pours “Orion Beer (THE DRAFT),” which is essential to Okinawan nights, and the refreshingly fizzy “Black Nikka Highball” at the push of a button.

What surprised me even more was the large black jar placed right beside it.

It even holds “Zuisen” awamori, one of Okinawa’s leading brands. An ice bucket with ice is placed in front, so you can luxuriously enjoy it on the rocks or with water, at your preferred strength.

Next to the lineup of luxurious alcohol is also a committed authentic café and tea corner, welcome for those who don’t drink alcohol or for relaxing after a meal.

Besides the original blend beans from the renowned shop in Sakaemachi Market, “COFFEE potohoto,” it’s lined with sanpin tea full of Okinawan character, hojicha, sencha, black tea (Earl Grey), and even herbal teas like rosehip and hibiscus that women will love.

This is a regular-coffee-only machine.

You can also take it out to drink in your room!

A dispenser-type soft drink bar is also fully provided.

There was a very Okinawan “pineapple and shikuwasa,” so I tried it, and it was refreshingly fizzy!

Salad and taco rice finished right before your eyes! A tasting report on the gorgeous buffet

Night has passed, and the long-awaited breakfast time has come!

The breakfast venue is that same spacious lounge space I also used after the public bath. In the morning hours it transforms into a bright “breakfast buffet venue” filled with light.

This is the colorful-looking “chopped salad” corner.

You take your favorite ingredients from the lineup onto a plate and hand it to a staff member, and they finely chop it up on the spot (chop) and finish it!

Right in front of you, using a special large half-moon cutter, they go chop-chop-chop! with a pleasant sound, finely chopping the ingredients all at once to finish!

Live kitchens that cook omelets in front of you are common, but having a salad custom-chopped just for you on the spot is rare.

Right next to the lively chopped salad corner are lined up some more stylish cold dishes.

What especially catches the eye is the “octopus carpaccio” beautifully arranged on a silver plate.

The crunchy texture and umami of the octopus fill your mouth.

Moist flaked salmon packed with umami. This too is topped with fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.

Here comes the “self-serve taco rice corner”!

You can make taco rice, Okinawa’s soul food, customized to your own liking. On the counter, appetizing ingredients are lined up in dedicated bowls.

This is lemon-grilled roast pork.

Slow-roasted meat with the umami locked in, with the refreshing acidity and flavor of lemon working perfectly, so even though it’s thick-cut, it looks like it would go down surprisingly lightly from the morning!

You can enjoy Okinawa soba, Okinawa’s soul food, tailored entirely to your liking, from draining the noodles to the toppings.

Adding the classic chopped scallions and red pickled ginger, plus nankotsu soki (pork spare ribs) as you like, and finishing with a few drops of koregusu (chili-infused awamori), you get an authentic Okinawa soba that gently soaks into a morning body!

A colorful, healthy “handmade smoothie corner” caught my eye.

Three kinds of colorful smoothies beautifully poured into shot glasses are lined up on a tray: sea buckthorn (“miracle fruit”) smoothie, beet smoothie, and strawberry smoothie (3 kinds in all).

At the dessert corner, sweet treats, fruit, and even Japanese sweets are densely lined up on the table.

The soufflé chocolate cake is cut into bite-size pieces and stylishly garnished with whipped cream and mint, a rich-looking cake.

So, here’s the Okinawa Hotel breakfast plate I greedily picked out while my eyes wandered!

As expected, the “special chopped salad” made in front of me.

For the rice dish I chose “jushi,” Okinawa’s traditional seasoned rice.
The gentle yet deep umami of the dashi had soaked into every grain of rice.

On the plate I put a little each of an elegant rolled omelet, a meat dish, small side dishes like jimami tofu, and so on.

Whatever I ate had a gentle, somehow comforting handmade flavor, and it was the history and warm hospitality of Okinawa Hotel!!

A luxurious lounge and committed breakfast are the best! Overall review of staying at Okinawa Hotel

This time I stayed at Okinawa Hotel, where history and modernity blend comfortably, and to get straight to the conclusion: “it was a wonderful hotel with more luxury than its price suggests, and full of love for the local area!”

Not only the classic, calm atmosphere inside, but it’s packed with charms that dramatically raise satisfaction during your stay.

Let me look back on what’s wonderful about this hotel, based on staying there, in a few points.

1. A hugely generous free lounge and public bath reward time

Just having a public bath where you can soak away travel fatigue in a big tub would be nice enough, but the lounge service waiting after the bath is simply luxurious! Spending leisurely time with Orion draft beer, awamori, and free soft drinks in hand is truly blissful. The committed coffee from “COFFEE potohoto” also became a luxurious essence of the stay.

2. Enjoy it with all five senses! A breakfast buffet of far-too-high quality

Breakfast is full of “experiential” commitment, not merely a wide variety.

Starting with the made-to-order “special chopped salad” that staff finish with a chop-chop in front of you, there’s plenty of entertainment too, such as taco rice and Okinawa soba you make to your liking.

From the Agu pork roast pork and handmade fresh smoothies to the final dessert, everything was high-level delicious with absolutely no shortcuts.

“Okinawa Hotel” is recommended for people like this!

• Those who want to enjoy a hotel stay with good value and luxury (the richness of the free lounge is overwhelming!)
• Those who want to fully enjoy Okinawa’s local gourmet food from the morning
• Those looking for a hotel near Naha with a public bath where they can relax

From the moment you step in to the final moment of check-out, it became a wonderful stay where you can feel generous hospitality and Okinawan character firsthand.

If you’re considering staying in Naha, this is a wonderful hotel I can confidently recommend as my top pick. Why not choose it as the base for your next Okinawa trip?