Naha City Area Guide
Naha City, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, is located on the southwestern edge of the Japanese archipelago, separated from mainland Japan by sea. Situated in the southern part of Okinawa Island, Naha serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the region. With convenient air access—approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo and about 2 hours from Osaka—Naha attracts attention both as a tourist destination and a place to live.
The city is easily accessible from Naha Airport, with the city center just about 15 minutes away via the Yui Rail monorail. Naha welcomes visitors year-round with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, natural landscapes, and historical sites such as Shurijo Castle. The bustling area around Kokusai Street features shopping malls and restaurants, creating a convenient environment not only for tourists but also for foreign residents.
Naha offers a wide range of rental housing options from studios to family-sized apartments, allowing residents to enjoy a relaxed Okinawan lifestyle while staying closely connected to local culture. With its unique historical background, subtropical climate, and distinctive way of life, Naha provides an attractive and fascinating living environment for foreigners.
Naha City Key Data
- Area
- 41.46 km²
- Population
- 310,007
- Population Density
- 7,477 people / km²
- Foreign Residents
- 7,651
Major Stations and Access to Key Areas in Naha City
Major Train Stations in Naha City
- Naha Airport Station (Yui Rail)
- Asahibashi Station (Yui Rail)
- Kenchomae Station (Yui Rail)
- Omoromachi Station (Yui Rail)
- Shuri Station (Yui Rail)
Average Travel Time Between Major Stations
| Departure Station | Naha Airport | Asahibashi | Kenchomae | Omoromachi | Shuri |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naha Airport Station | 0 min | 11 min | 12 min | 19 min | 27 min |
| Asahibashi Station | 11 min | 0 min | 1 min | 8 min | 16 min |
| Kenchomae Station | 12 min | 1 min | 0 min | 7 min | 15 min |
| Omoromachi Station | 19 min | 8 min | 7 min | 0 min | 8 min |
| Shuri Station | 27 min | 16 min | 15 min | 8 min | 0 min |
Living Convenience for Foreign Residents
International Schools
- Okinawa Christian School International (OCSI): Located in Okinawa City, this Christian-based school offers an American curriculum from kindergarten through high school in English.
- World International School Okinawa: Located in Ginowan City, this school offers multilingual education and supports the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for a diverse student body.
- New Life Academy International School: A small Christian-based school in Naha City offering an American-style curriculum in an English-speaking environment.
Medical Facilities with Foreign Language Support
- Okinawa Red Cross Hospital: A general hospital in Naha City with English-speaking staff and emergency services available.
- Omoromachi Medical Center: A facility offering internal medicine, dermatology, gynecology, and multilingual medical interpretation services in English and Chinese.
- Naha City Hospital: A municipal hospital providing English-language services in some departments and serving as a key healthcare center in the region.
Popular Supermarkets and Restaurants Among Foreign Residents
- Costco Okinawa Warehouse: A membership-based American-style store offering a wide range of imported foods and daily necessities in bulk.
- AEON Naha: A shopping mall featuring a wide selection of daily goods, clothing, food, and international brands.
- Farmer’s Market (JA Okinawa): A direct market selling fresh Okinawan fruits and vegetables, popular among health-conscious foreigners.
- Sam’s Maui Steak House: A long-established American-style steakhouse serving generous portions of steak.
- Blue Seal Ice Cream: A beloved Okinawa-born ice cream brand offering a wide variety of flavors.
Public Support Services for Foreign Residents
- Okinawa Prefectural Office International Exchange Division: Provides lifestyle consultations, Japanese language learning support, and information about international exchange events.
- Naha City Hall Foreign Resident Consultation Desk: Offers comprehensive support on visas, healthcare, childcare, employment, and daily life matters for foreign residents.
- Okinawa International Exchange Center: A support facility run by an NPO offering Japanese language classes and cultural exchange events to bridge foreigners and the local community.
Popular Neighborhoods in Naha City
- Kokusai Street Area: Okinawa’s main street, packed with shopping, sightseeing, and dining options.
- Omoromachi Area: A modern district featuring luxury condominiums and large shopping complexes.
- Shuri Area: A historic district surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shurijo Castle.
- Oroku Area: A residential neighborhood close to Naha Airport, popular with families.
- Shintoshin Area: A vibrant district with major shopping malls and business facilities.
Housing Market in Naha
Naha City offers a unique blend of Okinawan culture and urban convenience, making it an ideal location for foreign residents. Popular among tourists, settlers, and investors alike, areas such as Omoromachi and Shuri are particularly attractive residential choices. The city's condominium market has shown a rising trend, with the average price of pre-owned apartments reaching ¥35,460,000 in the first quarter of 2024, up 6.18% year-on-year. Newly built single-family homes averaged ¥47,900,000, the highest in Okinawa Prefecture. While rents remain affordable compared to Tokyo or Osaka, Naha maintains the highest rental rates within Okinawa, reflecting strong demand and high living standards.
Average Rent by Floor Plan
| STUDIO | 1Bedroom | 2Bedrooms | 3Bedrooms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent (JPY/month) | ¥55,000 | ¥82,000 | ¥105,000 | ¥142,000 |
Average Prices for Pre-Owned Homes
| Property Type | Apartment (70m²) | Single-Family Home (100m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | ¥31,950,000 | ¥41,100,000 |