Hotel Alacooju Okinawa Review: Tatami Alcove Rooms, an Infinity Pool, and an Ocean-View Breakfast Buffet

About 25 minutes by car from Naha Airport, in Minatogawa, Urasoe City on Okinawa’s west coast, Hotel Alacooju Okinawa opened in November 2022. It occupies floors 9 through 17 of the combined office-and-hotel building “Yugaf Biz Tower Urasoe Minatogawa,” with the whole upper section turned into a city resort hotel.

If you searched “Hotel Alacooju Okinawa blog” or “reviews” to find this, thanks for your patience! I’ll walk you through everything from the rooms to the in-house facilities to the breakfast buffet, all with photos I took during my actual stay.

This time I stayed one night on a breakfast-included plan, and honestly, both the room size and how well-stocked breakfast was left me thinking “I had no idea a hotel like this existed in Urasoe!”

Here’s exactly what this article covers!

• What the rooms and in-house facilities really feel like
• What’s actually on offer at the breakfast buffet
• The differences between room types, including the Deluxe Tatami Alcove
• Access from Naha Airport and how it sits relative to nearby sightseeing
• Things worth knowing before you book, and common review trends

What Is Hotel Alacooju Okinawa? Basics & Access

It’s a city resort hotel located on the upper floors of “Yugaf Biz Tower Urasoe Minatogawa” at 512-55 Minatogawa, Urasoe City, Okinawa. There are about 120 rooms in total! Floors 2–8 are office floors and floors 9–17 are the hotel — a slightly unusual mixed-use building layout.

Here’s the floor guide sign in the elevator hall. Knowing ahead of time which floor has the pool and which has the restaurant makes getting around during your stay a lot smoother.

The concept is “a great banyan tree standing in the Yanbaru forest,” and you can feel that warm, tree-house-like atmosphere in details throughout the hotel.

Here’s the sign next to the entrance — the “Yugaf Biz Tower” lettering stands proudly among the greenery.

Up close it looks like this! A sign with real presence that conveys the scale of the building.

Seeing the whole building, it’s this tall! Seventeen stories above ground, standing proudly along the west coast.

Looking straight up from directly below, it’s got real impact — an open, airy design befitting a building right on the waterfront.

It’s about a 25-minute drive from Naha Airport, with good access to Chatan’s American Village and central Naha, making it convenient for both sightseeing and business.

Room Tour: I Stayed in the Deluxe Tatami Alcove Type

This time I stayed in the “Deluxe Tatami Alcove” type, popular with families traveling with young kids and anyone who likes to really unwind. It’s on floors 12–15 and 17, and it’s 36 square meters.

Opening the door to the room, a space full of warm wood tones opens up in front of you.

Right by the entrance there’s a round mirror set up unobtrusively — handy for getting ready.

Here’s the whole room. The unified wood-grain design gives it a calm feel.

Around the bed, soft indirect lighting sets a relaxed mood — this seems like a great place to unwind after a long travel day.

The beds were plenty spacious, with room to spare even tossing and turning.

Another nice touch: you can see the TV clearly while lying in bed.

The area around the TV stand was tidy and easy to use.

From this side you can really feel the warmth of the wood paneling.

This is the centerpiece of this room type — the “tatami alcove” space! You can go barefoot and lounge around, which is perfect for families with young kids or anyone who likes to take it slow.

The bedside lamp sets a nice mood too — I’d recommend spending your evening lit only by the indirect lighting.

The design around the window has a bit of character too, and it’s fun that each room has a slightly different look.

Here’s the daytime view from the window — you can see all the way to the East China Sea, with a wonderfully open feel.

At night the view transforms completely, with city lights spreading out beautifully. Definitely check it out both morning and night!

The closet comes with hangers and enough space to store your things properly — no trouble even on a multi-night stay.

Inside the drawer, pajamas and a bathrobe were neatly folded and waiting.

There’s also an information card on the wall covering the hotel’s facilities — handy to have if you’re ever unsure about something.

The bathroom comes with a full-size tub big enough to really soak in.

The sink is a double-bowl vanity, so two people can get ready at once with zero stress!

The lighting there was nice and bright too, making it easy to do makeup or shave.

The toilet comes with a washlet, and the whole bathroom area felt genuinely clean.

Under the sink there are storage baskets ready for all your little odds and ends.

Glasses were properly provided for the number of guests too.

The amenities are a 3-piece set of shampoo, conditioner, and body soap — bottle-style, so they’re easy to use.

Mineral water and an electric kettle are provided together too, handy for brewing tea.

The same set is placed bedside too, so if you get thirsty in the middle of the night you’re covered right away.

Cups are neatly stored away in the drawer as well.

A few packets of drip coffee were provided too — perfect for a quiet moment in the room.

True to Okinawa, there were even sanpin-cha tea bags! A small, thoughtful touch of local flavor.

There’s also a wall panel that lets you control the air conditioning and lighting all in one place.

Facility Tour: From the Lobby to the Infinity Pool

This is the front desk. The design has that warm wood feel, and the resort mood kicks in from the moment you check in.

Here’s the lobby as a whole — you can tell a lot of care went into the ceiling design too.

The elevator hall is fully glass-walled, giving it a wonderfully open feel.

The design around the elevators shows attention to detail too.

The elevators themselves were spotless and pleasant to use.

The hallways are unified with a wooden-slat design too — practically every corner of the hotel is photogenic.

Here’s the hallway on the guest room floor — the calm lighting makes it easy to walk around even at night.

Even hunting for your room number becomes a bit of a fun moment with this kind of interior.

The elevator hall on the 15th floor, where my room was.

There’s a floor guide on this level too. In a mixed-use building like this, where it’s easy to get turned around, this kind of signage is a real help.

I also found an amenity corner! The wooden shelf display looked stylish, stocked with toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and razors.

By the window there’s a lounge area with a hanging chair. Sounds like a great spot to just relax and take in the view.

From another angle too, it’s a soothing space full of greenery.

The sofa seating is generously sized too, so waiting around before or after check-in is a comfortable experience.

There’s a welcome drink tucked in a corner of the lobby too. Okinawa gets hot and you get thirsty fast, so this is a real lifesaver!!

There’s also a fully equipped coin laundry, great for multi-night or extended stays.

It’s 100 yen for 20 minutes. Doing your own laundry is a hassle, so I always end up leaving it to the machine.

There’s a vending machine corner on this floor too, so you’re never stuck for a drink even in the middle of the night.

Unfortunately this pool facility sign was showing as closed at the time — worth checking the operating hours in advance to be safe.

There are luggage carts on hand too, so moving around with big suitcases is easy.

It was a bit overcast during my stay, but the view from the upper floors was still plenty enjoyable.

On the way up to the rooftop terrace, this ocean view opened up through the window.

And here’s the famous infinity pool! A stunning location looking out over the East China Sea and the Kerama Islands.

From another angle it’s just as impressive in scale. It only operates April through October, so check the season before you plan your visit.

Breakfast Report: Eating Through the 9th-Floor Dining Buffet

Breakfast is served at the all-day dining venue on the 9th floor. It runs 7:00–10:00 AM (last entry 9:30 AM), and costs 3,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for elementary schoolers, and 850 yen for young children (age 3+). The menu is centered on creative Okinawan dishes made with local vegetables, and the lineup was as fun to look at as it was to eat.

The moment you step into the venue, the view through the huge windows immediately grabs your attention.

It was lively from early morning, and you could tell just how popular the buffet built around local ingredients really is.

Side Dishes & Okinawan Cuisine Corner

Even “Anmaa curry,” an Okinawan home-style dish, made an appearance! That’s real dedication for a breakfast spread.

There was also a tofu dish loaded with garnish — a gentle flavor that felt just right for the morning.

This one was a soup packed with chunks of tofu — the broth was rich and genuinely delicious.

There was even a reheating cooktop set up, a nice touch that let you enjoy dishes fresh and hot.

Fresh-made omelet was also on the lineup that day, and it came out beautifully fluffy.

You can enjoy both grilled fish and meat too — a genuinely hearty plate came together.

I also found a glazed, simmered meat dish — the kind of seasoning that makes you want another bowl of rice.

Ham and sausage came in a good variety too.

Freshly fried croquettes made an appearance too! That crispy coating is irresistible.

A whole row of small side dishes lined up — a nice touch that lets you try a bit of everything.

More small dishes here too — the kind of lineup that makes you want to plate them up carefully by color.

Plenty of small palate-cleanser dishes too, filling out the spread nicely.

Various condiments were on hand too, so you’re free to mix things up however you like.

Plenty of colorful small dishes were on offer too — a treat for the eyes as much as the appetite.

The tableware was all neatly arranged too, making it easy and pleasant to serve yourself.

Noodle & Soup Corner

Something that looked like Okinawa soba appeared too — a satisfying bowl for early morning.

I also found a colorful noodle dish piled high with tomato and greens.

A stir-fried noodle option was on the lineup too, and it was fun just deciding what to try.

There was a lighter, more refreshing noodle option too — nice to have something for every mood.

The warm soup selection was well stocked too.

The soup lineup felt genuinely substantial — this alone could fill you up.

I also found a gently sweet potage-style soup — it settles beautifully in your stomach in the morning.

The broth-based soup was delicious enough to make you want just one more bowl.

This one was another gentle-tasting soup — I ended up sampling several varieties.

The soup lineup was genuinely extensive — you probably wouldn’t get bored even coming back day after day.

Bread, Salad & Sushi Corner

The bread-and-sausage corner was well stocked too.

The freshly baked bread corner shouldn’t be missed either.

A wide variety of bread, including croissants, was all yours for the taking.

Good to see a solid vegetable-packed salad lineup too.

The salad bar came with plenty of bowls to choose from too.

I also found a fun-looking, dim-sum-style dish.

A colorful assortment of temari-style sushi made an appearance too.

This was another colorful rolled-sushi-style dish.

There was even a takeout-friendly snack option — a nice, thoughtful detail.

Drinks & Dessert Corner

The drink bar had a great selection too — hard to choose between orange juice and tea.

This drink dispenser looked crisp and refreshing too.

I also spotted a refreshing lemonade-style drink — perfect for a hot Okinawan morning.

Tea and coffee were self-serve style too.

There’s a touch-panel coffee machine too, so you can enjoy a genuinely good cup.

A fruit-punch-style dish was on offer too — it looked appetizing just from the color alone.

Fresh fruit was also there for the taking, as much as you liked.

A colorful assortment of fruit and sweets came together nicely on the plate.

I also spotted what looked like a purple-sweet-potato tart! That distinctly Okinawan sweetness is a nice treat first thing in the morning.

The dessert corner was not to be underestimated either.

Sweet treats to finish the meal were all properly stocked, keeping the satisfaction level high right to the end.

Small snack-style desserts were well stocked too.

They even had a gentle rice-porridge option, a nice choice for anyone wanting an easy-on-the-stomach breakfast.

A colorful plate came together! This is really the whole appeal of a buffet.

I also enjoyed the classic combo of orange juice with breakfast.

A refreshing drink to take a breather between courses was on hand too.

Freshly fried, golden dishes were on the lineup too — great news if you’re into fried food first thing in the morning.

Beyond breakfast, the restaurant also runs a lunch buffet at 3,000 yen on weekdays and 3,300 yen on weekends and holidays (11:30 AM–3:00 PM, last order 2:30 PM). There’s no dinner service, so keep that in mind ahead of time.

Bonus: More Shots of the Interior Design & Around the Building

Finally, here’s a roundup of interior-design shots and photos around the building I took before and after checkout!

Seeing the building through the palm trees really amps up the resort mood.

The curved design around the elevator hall left an impression — I couldn’t help but look up.

The rib-like ceiling design was distinctive too — a shape you don’t often see at other hotels.

From a different angle it takes on yet another expression.

I also had a peek at the ground-floor snack corner — rows of distinctly Okinawan treats.

And of course, ending on this view feels right. This East China Sea panorama never gets old no matter how many times you look at it.

Real Reviews & Reputation Round-Up

Here’s a category-by-category summary of what actual guests tend to say — worth checking before you book.

• Location: About 25 minutes by car from Naha Airport. It’s a bit removed from the city center, so many reviewers say having a rental car makes things a lot more convenient.
• Rooms: Guests frequently praise how new and clean everything feels, along with the spacious rooms and comfortable beds.
• Breakfast: The ocean-view dining hall gets strong marks for its variety, and the Okinawan-inspired menu is especially well reviewed.
• Service: Many guests describe the staff as courteous, though some note the front desk can get stretched thin during busy periods.
• Value: Considering the facilities and location, plenty of guests feel they got more than what they paid for.

Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid

• It’s about 30 minutes by car from the city center (Kokusai-dori and the like), so don’t book assuming you can sightsee on foot from here.
• The infinity pool only operates April through October — booking in winter hoping to use it will leave you disappointed.
• The restaurant only serves breakfast and lunch, with no dinner service, so you’ll need to plan for eating out or delivery in the evening.
• Parking costs 1,500 yen (tax included) per night — worth factoring into your budget if you’re renting a car.
• Breakfast can get crowded at peak times, so if you want to eat at a leisurely pace, aim for right when it opens.

Honest Review: Pros & Cons of the Deluxe Tatami Alcove

Pros

• The tatami alcove space lets kids kick off their shoes and lounge around freely
• Opened in 2022, so both the hotel and rooms feel genuinely fresh and clean
• Great window views that look completely different by day and by night
• A full set of amenities, including a good selection of coffee and tea
• The breakfast buffet’s volume and variety exceed expectations

Cons

• It’s somewhat removed from Naha Airport and Kokusai-dori, so you’ll likely need a car
• No dinner service, so you’ll need to eat out or pick something up nearby
• The infinity pool is seasonal, not available year-round
• Since it’s a combined office-and-hotel building, first-time visitors can find their way to the front desk a little confusing

Room Type Comparison Table

Room Type	Floor	Capacity	Size	Features
Deluxe Tatami Alcove	Floors 12–15 / 17	1–3 guests	36 sq m	Comes with a tatami space and low beds, easy to use for young kids and older guests alike
Deluxe Window Seat	Floors 10 / 11 / 14–16	1–3 guests	36 sq m	Has window-side bench seating for relaxing while looking out over the East China Sea and the city
Corner Deluxe	Floors 10–17	1–4 guests	52 sq m	Fits up to 4 guests, with two sink areas — great for friends traveling together or families
Standard Double	Floors 10–17	1–2 guests	18 sq m	A compact type balancing usability and living space

What Sets It Apart From Other Hotels on Okinawa’s Main Island

Its biggest distinguishing feature is being a genuinely rare mixed-use tower combining offices and a hotel, yet having the guest-room floors designed entirely as a proper resort hotel. Despite sitting in an area with a lot of business traffic, it still delivers real resort vibes — an infinity pool, a breakfast venue with ocean views — setting it apart from other city hotels in the area. Sitting roughly halfway between Naha Airport and both Chatan and central Naha also makes it a convenient base for touring around.

Access & Nearby Sightseeing Spots

• About 25 minutes by car or taxi from Naha Airport
• Roughly 50 minutes combining the Yui Rail with a taxi
• Local buses involve transfers and longer travel times, so a car is the recommended option

The “Minatogawa Foreign House” area, lined with stylish cafes and boutiques, is within walking distance. There’s also the large “San-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY” shopping complex along the west coast, so shopping is never a problem. Chatan’s American Village, Naha’s Kokusai-dori, and Shuri Castle are all an easy drive away too.

Booking Tips: Choosing the Right Plan

Here’s a quick rundown of how the breakfast-included plan compares to the room-only plan.

Plan	Breakfast	Parking	Best For
Breakfast-included plan	Included (9th-floor dining)	1,500 yen/night extra	First-time guests who want to check out the breakfast’s reputation, or anyone who wants to skip the hassle of going out
Room-only plan	Not included	1,500 yen/night extra	Anyone who wants to explore local eateries, or values flexibility on a multi-night stay

Restaurant Hours & Crowd Info

• Breakfast: 7:00–10:00 AM (last entry 9:30 AM)
• Lunch buffet: 11:30 AM–3:00 PM (last order 2:30 PM) / 3,000 yen weekdays, 3,300 yen weekends and holidays
• Dinner service: None
• The busiest window tends to be 8:00–9:00 AM. If you want a relaxed meal, aim for right after opening at 7 AM

Sample Itinerary: A One-Night, Two-Day Stay

Day 1

• Arrive at Naha Airport, then drive to the hotel (about 25 minutes)
• Take a coffee break in the “Minatogawa Foreign House” area before check-in
• Check in at 3:00 PM and relax in your room
• In the evening, shop and eat at San-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY
• Wind down enjoying the hotel lounge and the night view from your window before bed

Day 2

• 7:00 AM onward — breakfast buffet at the 9th-floor dining hall
• If the season’s right, get a swim in at the infinity pool
• 11:00 AM checkout
• Head out to sightsee at Chatan’s American Village, Shuri Castle, and other nearby spots

Packing Checklist

• Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses (for UV protection)
• Swimsuit (if visiting while the pool is open)
• A light jacket or cardigan (for AC on the plane and indoors)
• Sandals or beach sandals
• Driver’s license, if you’re renting a car

This Hotel by Travel Style

• Couples: Book the Deluxe Window Seat for a special stay looking out over the ocean
• Families: The Tatami Alcove type lets kids kick off their shoes and relax
• Girls’ trips: A colorful breakfast buffet and plenty of photogenic spots around the hotel
• Business travelers: The convenience of a building that also houses office floors is a real plus

Seasonal Notes

• Spring (March–May): Relatively fewer tourists, making for a comfortable season to visit
• Summer (June–September): The infinity pool runs at full swing — the best season for it. Sun protection is a must
• Autumn (October): The pool’s final month of the season — a good window when crowds ease up
• Winter (November–March): The pool is closed. A great fit for a relaxed trip centered on breakfast and the lounge

Facilities & Services at a Glance

• Wi-Fi: Available in both guest rooms and common areas
• Parking: Available (1,500 yen per night; free for restaurant-only visits)
• Smoking: Not permitted in guest rooms; check for designated smoking areas
• Coin laundry: Fully equipped on-site

My Overall Satisfaction After Staying

• Location: 25 minutes from the airport, right on the west coast — the access was better than I expected
• Rooms: The comfort of the tatami alcove and how clean everything felt left me genuinely satisfied
• Breakfast: Both the selection and quality exceeded my expectations by volume
• In-house facilities: With a lounge and pool on top of everything else, you could easily enjoy yourself without ever leaving the building
• Value: Considering everything you get to experience, the price felt more than fair

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where can I eat breakfast?
A. At the all-day dining venue on the 9th floor, buffet-style, from 7:00–10:00 AM (last entry 9:30 AM)!

Q. Is dinner available?
A. This hotel doesn’t offer dinner service. Plan to use a nearby restaurant or takeout instead.

Q. Is it good for families with kids?
A. Absolutely! With the Tatami Alcove room type, even young kids can take their shoes off and relax comfortably.

Q. Which room type should I choose?
A. The Tatami Alcove is great for families or anyone who likes to unwind, the Window Seat if you care most about the view, and the Corner Deluxe for group stays!

Q. How do I get there from Naha Airport?
A. It’s about 25 minutes by car or taxi. A rental car makes getting around easiest.

Q. Is the infinity pool open year-round?
A. It’s seasonal, running April through October, and closed November through March. Worth checking the official site ahead of time.

Q. Is there parking?
A. Yes, for 1,500 yen (tax included) per night. It’s free if you’re only visiting the restaurant.

Q. Is Wi-Fi available?
A. Yes, internet access is set up in both the guest rooms and the common areas.

Q. Can I smoke?
A. Guest rooms are non-smoking. It’s worth checking with the hotel in advance about designated smoking areas.

Q. How long does it take to get to Chatan or central Naha?
A. Roughly 30 minutes by car to either one.

Q. Is there a lunch buffet?
A. Yes. It’s 3,000 yen on weekdays and 3,300 yen on weekends and holidays, running 11:30 AM–3:00 PM (last order 2:30 PM).

Q. Is there a coin laundry?
A. Yes, it’s fully equipped on-site, so multi-night or extended stays are no problem.

Q. It’s an office-and-hotel combined building — is it easy to get lost?
A. There are floor guide signs on every level, so it’s manageable, though some first-time guests do find it a little confusing at first.

Wrap-Up: Who Hotel Alacooju Okinawa Is Best For

Hotel Alacooju Okinawa turned out to be a city resort hotel with real charm — warm, wood-toned rooms and an ocean-view breakfast buffet that both stood out! Despite the unusual office-and-hotel combined layout, the hotel floors are designed as a proper resort through and through, and it feels like a spot in the Urasoe area that’s only going to get more attention going forward.

Here’s who I’d especially recommend it to!

• Families with young kids who want to relax on tatami
• Anyone who prioritizes easy access from Naha Airport
• Anyone who wants to enjoy an ocean-view breakfast buffet
• Anyone looking for a location convenient for sightseeing in both Chatan and Naha
• Anyone who wants to stay somewhere new and genuinely clean

If you’re considering a stay, I hope this report helps you out!