Travel Budget for Okinawa Visit Okinawa on a Budget or Travel in Style

Okinawa, Okinawa-ken, Japan

Okinawa is an idyllic archipelago known for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Okinawa and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel to Okinawa?

You should plan to spend around $216 (¥33,479) per day on your vacation in Okinawa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $76 (¥11,740) on meals
  • $18 (¥2,730) on local transportation
  • $249 (¥38,574) on hotels

A one week trip to Okinawa for two people costs, on average, $3,020 (¥468,706). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $216
    ¥33,479
  • One Week Per person
    $1,510
    ¥234,353
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,020
    ¥468,706
  • One Month Per person
    $6,472
    ¥1,004,370
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,020
    ¥468,706
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,041
    ¥937,412
  • One Month For a couple
    $12,944
    ¥2,008,740
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Okinawa cost?

A one week trip to Okinawa usually costs around $1,510 (¥234,353) for one person and $3,020 (¥468,706) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Okinawa on average costs around $3,020 (¥468,706) for one person and $6,041 (¥937,412) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Okinawa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Okinawa on average costs around $6,472 (¥1,004,370) for one person and $12,944 (¥2,008,740) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Okinawa expensive to visit?

Okinawa is a well-liked archipelago that lures countless visitors with differing travel preferences and spending habits. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

You may find Okinawa to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $53 (¥8,254) per day, mid-range travelers spend $118 (¥18,469) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $214 (¥33,479) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Okinawa.

Within Asia, Okinawa is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Okinawa is generally more expensive than most.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Okinawa Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Okinawa?

The average Okinawa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Okinawa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Okinawa cost?

Okinawa on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$32
(¥4,954)
$71
(¥11,040)
$124
(¥19,287)
Local Transportation 1 $4
(¥625)
$9
(¥1,429)
$18
(¥2,730)
Food 2 $17
(¥2,662)
$39
(¥6,099)
$76
(¥11,740)
Entertainment 1 $6
(¥906)
$13
(¥2,071)
$26
(¥3,958)
Alcohol 2 $3-9
(¥485-1,455)
$7-21
(¥1,104-3,313)
$13-40
(¥2,081-6,244)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Okinawa is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $53 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Fortunately, Okinawa has plenty of hostels such as Myplace Guest House, Guest House Umikaji, and Seawall Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities. For visitors to Okinawa, food is often a highlight, but budget travelers frequently choose street food or cook in their hostels, which may limit their experience of the local culinary delights.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to Okinawa are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $118 per person, per day.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $214 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the archipelago, prepare for a pricier experience. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Jungle River Trek: private tour in Yanbaru, north Okinawa - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Okinawa

In Okinawa, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $80, but during peak season they jump to an average of $149. You can find budget options starting at $32 up to luxury rates at $463. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Okinawa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $249 (¥38,574). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $124 (¥19,287) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $124
    ¥19,287
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $249
    ¥38,574

Hotels in Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Okinawa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Okinawa

The average hotel room price in Okinawa based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $80 in the low season and $149 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Okinawa

The effecient public transportation in Okinawa allows for cheaper accommodations outside the archipelago, but commuting might take a bite out of your travel budget and time.

This family-friendly archipelago makes Okinawa a great option for traveling with kids, and you'll want to find a larger place to stay.

This archipelago has a variety of resorts to explore. You might find one that includes meals, or at least breakfast, and many come with onsite dining options.

Many visitors spend up to a week in Okinawa. If you're going to be in town for a long time, you may want to find a vacation rental with a kitchen. This will let you prepare at least some of your own meals.

If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid summer, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Okinawa

With a good public transit network in Okinawa, many of the main sights are easy to reach. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle. Public transit is a great way to save some cash and get around, but only if it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are available, too.

It's unfortunate that the walkability in most of the archipelago is lacking. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $18 (¥2,730) per person, per day, on local transportation in Okinawa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Okinawa is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $18
    ¥2,730

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.

In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Airport Transfer! Naha Airport (OKA) to Center of Naha for $124 details
  • Naha Airport (OKA) Private Transfer to Multiple Destinations for $29 details
  • Private Transfer from Naha City Hotels to Nakagusuku Cruise Port for $121 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Okinawa
How much does it cost to go to Okinawa? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Okinawa
The price of renting a car in Okinawa will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Okinawa

Make sure to enjoy the fantastic food in Okinawa by taking the time to savor all the local flavors. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Okinawa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Okinawa is $76 (¥11,740) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $76
    ¥11,740

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Okinawa is around $39 (¥6099) per person, with previous travelers spending from $17 to $75. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Okinawa are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $12
  • Lunch: $6 to $16
  • Dinner: $12 to $27
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

Okinawa has it's own distinct cuisine that is very unique from traditional Japanese cuisine. The dishes are actually heavily influenced by Taiwanese cuisine. Common ingredients include pork, bitter melon, purple yam, mango, papaya, pineapple, dragonfruit, and calamansi. There are many local restaurants around the area where you can sample some local cuisine.

Interestingly, there are also several American chain restaurants that came to the area to serve the US military, even before they reached mainland Japan. A&W is available and serves hamburgers and root beer. Spam is also common throughout the islands.

Food in Okinawa

Food & Dining Tips

Traveling with children? Look for dining spots that have a children's menu. This can lead to significant savings since those meals are often more budget-friendly. Some restaurants might not list these options, so it's wise to ask your waiter before you decide what to order.

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Enjoy the scenery while saving money by planning a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a lovely park or picturesque spot for your meal.

Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Okinawa

It's not surprising that visitors come to Okinawa, as it offers scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Okinawa typically cost an average of $26 (¥3,958) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $26
    ¥3,958

There are some interesting sights around Okinawa, but most people come to the islands to soak up some sun on the beaches. You can usually expect comfortable weather, even during the winter months when mainland Japan gets quite cold.

Cultural sights in the area include the Shuri Castle, which was rebuilt in Naha, and the well preserved village of Taketomi in the southern Yaeyama Islands. There are also several historical sights that relate to World War II. Most are located on the main island of Okinawa with the most famous being Peace Memorial Park in Naha, the navy's former underground headquarters, and the Himeyuri Monument.

Churaumi Aquarium on the Motobu peninsula is one of the most impressive aquariums in the world. It has one of the world's largest tanks where you can see whale sharks and manta rays.



Okinawa offers some of Japan's best water sports. It is possible to enjoy snorkeling, diving, surfing, sailing, or fishing around the islands. The area is a world class diving destnation with over 400 types of corals, 5 types of sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and hammerhead sharks, as well as plenty of tropical fish. Snorkeling is best off of the smaller islands. Tokashiki is a popular day trip from Naha and can be reached by ferry.

Although surfing is popular, it's quite challenging in the area. The waves break over shallow rocks or reef and the waves can be challenging.

Offshore fishing is world class. Many of the fish are seasonal, but there are usually fish for every season. Marlin, mahi mahi, and tuna are all abundant in the area.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in OkinawaMuseums and historic landmarks are a big part of what makes Okinawa so popular. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in OkinawaScuba diving is a leading activity for adventure seekers in Okinawa. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Beaches:
Beaches in OkinawaCountless visitors to Okinawa are eager to kick back by the beach. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Hiking:
Hiking in OkinawaDon't miss out on the wonderful hiking opportunities around Okinawa. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

A nice way to explore destinations in Okinawa is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Kayak & Snorkel: private tour in Yanbaru, north Okinawa for $140 details
  • Naha Bar Hopping Tour in Okinawa for $104 details
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa for $37 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Okinawa

Active and entertaining, the nightlife in Okinawa is a hit with visitors who love spending time at local bars, clubs, and parties. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $27 (¥4,162) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Okinawa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $27
    ¥4,162

Nightlife in Okinawa

Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.

Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Okinawa

  • During summer, the archipelago experiences higher prices and larger crowds. To keep your expenses down and enjoy a calmer visit, consider traveling during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Since Okinawa is quite large, it typically offers various price ranges for accommodations, dining, and activities. You can save money by comparing options, booking early, and enjoying free attractions.
  • Traveling at a slower pace can help you save money and truly appreciate the beauty around you. Overloading your itinerary with activities can lead to excessive spending. However, taking it easy and enjoying the moment usually results in a lighter wallet.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Scuba diving in Okinawa is a major draw for many visitors. However, it can get quite expensive, leaving little flexibility in your budget. Dive trips, gear rentals, and boat excursions are likely to be significant expenses. Also, review your travel insurance to confirm it covers all situations, including accidents and weather-related cancellations.
  • Traveling with young ones usually means you'll want a private vehicle or taxi. Skipping the public transport hassle can make life simpler, but be ready to spend a bit more cash.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Okinawa.

Why would you recommend Okinawa to budget travelers? Or, why not?

The beaches here are terrific and all of the restaurants and hotels are nice. We loved our time here and the hotel was relaxing and fun. But it's not cheap and you'll need to hunt around for the best deals on restaurants. Also snorkeling tours are awesome but it adds up. If you stick to enjoying the beach and free stuff then you can save a lot of money.

xander
-
Dec 23 2023
Traveling in Okinawa
Okinawa Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

Okinawa's pleasant climate and easy accessibility make it a popular travel destination for Japanese and international travelers alike. While it remains slightly undiscovered among foreign travelers, this continues to change every year.

Okinawa is an interesting place to visit in that it has its own unique culture and language. The population identifies themselves as unique from those living on mainland Japan and there remains a subtle, lingering resentment based on historical tensions that existed in the area. Okinawans refer to themselves as uminchu, or "sea people." Okinawans are credited with the creation of the martial art of karate. The area's music and food has also grown in popularity and the music shares many similarities with American rock and jazz. It is often played on the sanshin, which is a banjo like instrument.

Okinawa has a subtropical/tropical climate. The temperature stays about 68 degrees Fahrenheit most of the year and the islands are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs.



Neighborhoods & Around

Okinawa's inhabited islands are divided into the geographical archipelagos: Okinawa Islands, Miyako Islands, and Yaeyama Islands. Okinawa Islands are in the northeast and include Ie-jima, Kume-jima, Okinawa Island, and Kerama Islands. Miyako Islands are where you'll find Miyako-jima. Yaeyama Islands include Iriomote-jima, Ishigaki Island and Yonaguni.

Major cities include Ginowan, Ishigaki, Itoman, Miyakojima, Nago, Naha, Nanjo, Okinawa, Tomigusuku, Urasoe, and Uruma.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.