Okinawa’s resort boom fueled by tourism recovery and condo demand
- Adam German
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
On August 1st, the Nikkei Shimbun reported that Okinawa is undergoing a resort hotel construction surge, driven by a strong tourism rebound and rising demand for hotel-condominiums.
In fiscal 2024 (April 2024 to March 2025), visitor numbers to the prefecture were expected to hit 9.95 million, matching pre-pandemic levels. Over the past decade, hotel and ryokan guest rooms have increased by 60%.
A popular financing model involves selling strata-title owned condominium units within resort hotels. These units, often priced above ¥100 million, are equipped with kitchens and managed under hotel brands. Owners can earn income by renting out unused units without dealing with maintenance. Developers benefit from faster cost recovery and risk diversification.
Rihga Royal Resort Okinawa Chatan CG rendering courtesy of the company’s website.
One standout project is the Rihga Royal Resort Okinawa Chatan, opening in 2026. Located in American Village, its 209 units sold out in five months, with top prices reaching ¥450 million. Other major projects include the Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Okinawa by Malaysia’s Berjaya Group in Onna Village, and new condo hotels by Tokyu and Mitsubishi Estate across Miyakojima and Motobu.
Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Okinawa arial CG rendering courtesy of the developers.
However, concerns are growing. In Onna Village, over 9,000 hotel rooms are either operating or approved, prompting warnings of overdevelopment. Miyakojima, which relies on groundwater, faces rising pressure on water supplies. Developers are turning to recycled water systems in response.
Okinawa future development schedule courtesy of the Nikkei Shimbun, edited by Patience Realty. Bolded names indicate those planning to sell strata-title condo-hotel units.
Labor shortages also loom large. “Many hotels face operational challenges. Talent retention and branding will separate winners from losers,” said Naohisa Takakura, CEO of Takakura Corporation in Naha.
Source:
Nikkei Shimbun (Japanese only; paywalled)
