Hoshinoya Okinawa, the eighth facility in the Hoshinoya chain operated by Hoshino Resorts, is a luxury resort surrounded by natural coastlines. Based on the theme of a Gusuku residence that sublimated Ryukyu culture, the resort offers guests an extraordinary experience where they can immerse themselves in the nature and culture unique to Okinawa.
Text by Chieko Tsuruoka (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published on January 13, 2025]
What is Hoshinoya Okinawa?
On July 1, 2020, Hoshino Resorts opened Hoshinoya Okinawa in Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture. The theme of this facility, the company's eighth, is "Gusuku Residences." Stepping inside through the "Gusuku Wall," inspired by the Gusuku, a historic site in Okinawa and the Amami Islands, guests are greeted by a unique, luxurious space shaped by the nature and culture unique to Okinawa.
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Address: 474 Gima, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture, 904-0327
Phone number: 050-3134-8091 (Hoshinoya general reservations)
Number of Rooms: 100
Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM/12:00 PM
Price: From 170,000 yen per night (per room. Tax and service charge included. Meals not included.) *Normally, reservations are accepted for a minimum of two nights.
Access: About 1 hour by car from Naha Airport (Airport limousine bus available for a fee)
Hoshinoya Okinawa URL:https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyaokinawa/
All rooms are oceanfront
Hoshinoya Okinawa's guest rooms are arranged along a 1km stretch of coastline, meaning all rooms have oceanfront views. All rooms are suites with a bedroom and living space.
In addition to simply facing the ocean, the hotel is low-rise, with only two floors, allowing guests to enjoy a close-up view of the sea. In front of you is a stretch of coastline known as "ino," a shallow sea where coral reefs grow and where native plants grow. This coastline is a natural coastline that has not been excavated or sanded, something that is rare even in Okinawa these days.
Based on the concept that "the most luxurious way to spend time in Okinawa is to gaze at the beautiful ocean and live as if you were at home," the resort is designed as a year-round resort where you can enjoy the ocean close by at any time, regardless of the season.
The concept of "living like you're at home" is embodied in the earthen floor dining area with a large table provided in every guest room. It is a relaxing space where you can eat, chat with friends, and spend time in an extraordinary space.
There are four types of guest rooms: "Tida (Sun)," "Fushi (Stars)," "Haru (Fields)," and "Tin (Heaven)."
The essence of Hoshinoya Okinawa is the "Gusuku Residence"
What makes Hoshinoya Okinawa unique is its "Gusuku Residence" theme. Hoshinoya Okinawa is surrounded by a gusuku wall built on the land side, forming a counterpoint to the coastline. Based on the image of "what if a gusuku existed along the sea," Hoshinoya Okinawa's long and narrow design is surrounded by a gusuku wall along with the sea, emphasizing an extraordinary, luxurious space that is cut off from the outside world. Gusuku were originally built with the purpose of protecting people's lives from conflict, so in reality they were located in the mountains or on high ground. However, Hoshino Resorts imagined that "if a gusuku had been built in times of peace, it would have fostered a rich life along the coast with a beautiful sea view," and that is why it took on its current form.
The Gusuku Wall is made of "HPC (Hybrid Prestressed Concrete)", an ultra-thin concrete that originated in Okinawa. Rust-resistant carbon wire is used instead of rebar, making it possible to make the concrete thin while maintaining its strength. The Gusuku Wall has a total of 367 panels. It is approximately 1km long, and to prevent the stone wall from sinking even in soft soil, a combination of three types - flat, curved, and bulging - has been used to create a gentle curve.
The reception is located outside the Gusk Wall, and is designed to resemble the deep sea, as the hotel is positioned as a place where you transition from the everyday world to an extraordinary one.
Enjoy a luxurious stay
In addition to the guest rooms and reception, various thoughtful touches are provided to ensure guests enjoy a luxurious stay.
One of the most notable examples is the creative cuisine that offers new ways to enjoy Okinawan food.
Dinner can be enjoyed in the dining room. The dinner course, available only at Hoshinoya Okinawa, is a must-try. Based on the concept of "Ryukyu Gastronomia - Bellezza," the course focuses on the healthy beauty that food brings, focusing on "kusuimun" (food is medicine) and "bellezza" (beauty in Italian), which are teachings brought about through trade during the Ryukyu Dynasty. The menu features dishes made with ingredients unique to the subtropical climate, the unique culinary culture nurtured since the Ryukyu Dynasty, and techniques from various parts of Italy that are rich in regional flavor. The executive chef is Shigeru Masai, who has held the position since 2021.
The hotel also offers the aforementioned gathering service, where you can enjoy freshly cooked meals in your room, as well as Banta Cafe by Hoshino Resorts, a casual seaside diner.
You can also enjoy the infinity pool, which is open 24 hours a day, all year round.
The infinity pool at Hoshinoya Okinawa was built to take advantage of the cliff-like terrain that originally jutted out into the sea, and is designed to make you feel close to the ocean even in this location. The pool is heated, so you can enjoy it 24 hours a day, all year round. In winter, lanterns are placed by the poolside, and a "Sunset Hot Pool Apero" event is held, where you can gaze out at the winter starry sky from the warm pool. You can experience Okinawa's nature all year round.
Other unique features include a spa based on the concept of "nourishing with the power of Okinawa's nature," and a dojo that can serve as a base for guests to experience Okinawan culture during their stay.
Experience special seasonal programs!
Hoshinoya Okinawa offers a variety of programs depending on the season.
A must-see program currently being held is the "Amber-Scented Afternoon Tea." Enjoy a relaxing poolside experience, even in winter, while enjoying sweets made with Okinawan rum. Sugarcane, Okinawa's signature crop with a history spanning over 400 years, is harvested in winter. An afternoon tea made with rum, made from sugarcane juice and molasses, is the perfect winter treat. In recent years, awamori breweries have begun producing Okinawan rum. Gold rum, white rum, and dark rum, each with different flavors and colors depending on their aging period and production method, are paired with sweets and savory dishes that complement their unique characteristics. The program runs until Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Reservation:https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyaokinawa/
Be sure to take advantage of the programs that are unique to Okinawa's warm winters, including the New Year's Banquet, which will be held from Sunday, February 1st to Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, and will give you a glimpse into the Ryukyu New Year.
