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OAKBASE OKINAWA YONABARU

Exploration Team

Join Our Walk! Discover What Yonabaru Is Like

OAKBASE OKINAWA YONABARU

A New Share House Opens in Yonabaru, Embraced by Okinawa’s Warmth and Gentle Breeze!

In this blog, we’ll share the charm of Yonabaru, the beauty of everyday life here, and the unique lifestyle that only a share house can offer.

Yonabaru is a warm and welcoming place where traditional Okinawan scenery coexists with stylish new cafés and shops. It’s a town where you can enjoy not only the local atmosphere but also meaningful connections with the people who live here. Our share house is built on the same idea—valuing ties with the community while creating a space where residents can grow together, support one another, and shape their own living environment.

If you’re looking to start a new chapter in Okinawa, experience the local culture, or explore the joys of community life in a share house, we hope this blog helps you imagine the fun and fulfilling days that await you in Yonabaru!

Yonabaru Town is located on the east coast of Okinawa’s main island, with a population of about 20,000. Thanks to its location slightly away from the busy city center, it offers a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere that makes it a truly charming area

Sightseeing Spots and Highlights

Yonabaru Town is full of picturesque spots that will make you want to snap a photo at every turn. From beautiful beaches and natural parks to historic buildings with a distinct Okinawan charm, this area offers scenery you won’t find anywhere else.

Living in Yonabaru also gives you the chance to enjoy everyday life surrounded by nature, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. For those tired of the busy urban lifestyle, the change of pace here can feel like a complete 180-degree shift.

Itarashiki Inoo

Just a 10-minute walk from the property, Itarashiki no Inoo reveals its rocky shoreline during low tide. Tide pools form among the rocks, offering lucky visitors a chance to observe various marine creatures.

The area is also lined with a riverside promenade, making it perfect for leisurely walks or jogging. It’s a wonderful spot to refresh both body and mind while enjoying the sun and the gentle sea breeze.

The jogging signs are a nice touch

And, of course, it’s the Shisa that watches over the promenade.

CafeR

Walking along the promenade from Itarashiki no Inoo, you’ll come across a café with a stylish atmosphere. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the property.

A fashionable seaside restaurant. The interior and the displayed goods are all incredibly stylish. There are many items on display, but everything feels cohesive and well-arranged. If you look closely, you might notice the lemon used for the lemonade you ordered, coffee and wine lined up, or stylish tableware. But in fact, it’s a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine.

The detox water has a refreshing taste.

Mapo tofu and tantan noodles are popular dishes.

The homemade lemonade has a refreshing sweetness and a lovely aroma.

observation deck

There’s a steep road without sidewalks, so a car is necessary to get there. If you have the chance to rent a car, this is definitely a spot you shouldn’t miss.

On the way to the observation deck overlooking Yonabaru, the path is lined with lush tropical plants. Maybe because the trail was empty, as I walked along, colorful butterflies fluttered all around, creating a truly magical scene.

You can see Itarashiki no Inoo and Nishihara Kirakira Beach on your left.

Nishihara Kirakira Beach

When you think of Okinawa, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters come to mind. Yonabaru is no exception, boasting beautiful seas. This seems to be an artificial beach, with a large swing installed for visitors. Swimming is allowed only during designated periods and hours, so it’s important to follow the rules.

Creed Nishihara Marine Park is attached to the beach. While there is a fee, the following services are available:

Banana Boat (10 min): ¥1,500

Super Marble (10 min): ¥2,000

Jet Ski Experience (10 min): ¥2,500

Bandwagon (10 min): ¥2,000

Swimming is allowed during the season.

downtown

According to locals, the nearest bustling street from the property is Orion Street. It’s lined with local izakayas and snack bars. The area doesn’t feel very lively unless you visit at night.

One of the traditional Okinawan dishes you can try here is yagisashi (goat sashimi, known locally as hiija). It’s said to help with fatigue, so if you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to try the strongly aromatic hiija soup!

When it comes to Okinawa, Kokusai Street in Naha is one of the most famous tourist spots. From the property, it takes about 40 minutes by bus to get there.

Buses from Itarashiki are infrequent, so be careful—especially for the return trip. It might be a good idea to share a taxi with friends.

Jef – Born and Raised in Okinawa

Just an 11-minute bus ride away, this burger shop is a must-try if you’re living in Okinawa. It’s unique to Okinawa.

The interior has a nostalgic vibe, and they serve Okinawa-style burgers with goya (bitter melon) as well as taco rice. The burgers are quite filling and delicious, and the set comes with a shikuwasa drink that pairs perfectly. The goya isn’t overly bitter, making it a healthy yet tasty option.

Transportation & Access Information

Some of you might be wondering, “Is transportation convenient in Yonabaru?” To be honest, it’s not exactly convenient… But in return, the natural surroundings are outstanding, so it really depends on what you value most.

We’ll also give you a complete guide on how to get to the bustling downtown areas, and how to use buses and the monorail. Being able to get around easily in a new place makes everyday life much more comfortable.

Pronounced 'Itarashiki’

There are three ways to get from Naha Airport to the property:

1. Taxi (approx. ¥5,000)
⇒ The easiest option. It costs more, but if you’re worried about finding the property, this is the safest choice.

2. Bus (¥850)
⇒ You’ll need to transfer once at either Asahibashi or Naha Bus Terminal. There are several route combinations, so the bus you take and the transfer point can change depending on the time of day. It felt a bit tricky when actually using it. Note: IC cards issued outside Okinawa (like Suica or Pasmo) cannot be used, so cash is required.

3. Yui Rail + Bus (¥790)
⇒ Compared to option 2, you can use the monorail to get to Naha Bus Terminal, which might be more convenient depending on the time. It’s also the cheapest option.

Nearby Facilities & Amenities

"Wondering where the convenient shops are in a new area?"
Here’s a guide to the essential facilities you’ll need for daily life in Yonabaru. Around the share house, you’ll find supermarkets and convenience stores where you can easily buy groceries and daily necessities, making it easy for newcomers to settle in comfortably.

Nearest Supermarket ①: Marudai – just a 6-minute walk! Open 24 hours.

Nearest Supermarket ②: Shokuhinkan – a 12-minute walk. Includes a Matsumoto Kiyoshi pharmacy!

Farmers Market Yonabaru 　 a 20-minute walk. Plenty of tropical fruits!

On the other hand, you should be aware of banking options. Using nearby convenience store ATMs is generally the way to go. As of November 2024, checking the major banks’ websites (Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho, Resona, Sumitomo Mitsui) shows that only Mizuho Bank has a branch nearby, located in Naha City.

Since there are no dedicated ATMs for the other banks, Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most convenient option for the area.

Yonabaru Post Office 　 an 11-minute walk.

Public Facilities & Others
・Okinawa Medical Hospital – 20-minute walk
・Atae Fishing Port – 17-minute walk
・THS Rent-a-Car, Haebaru Kita Inter Store – 16 minutes by bus

Convenience Stores
・Lawson – 4-minute walk
・FamilyMart – 14-minute walk

Other Supermarkets
・The Big Express Sasaki Store – 20-minute walk
・Costco Wholesale Okinawa Nanjo Warehouse – 33 minutes by bus or on foot

That’s a wrap! This concludes our Yonabaru exploration!

With the opening of our first property in Okinawa, even from our perspective as experienced share house operators, our impression is that this is truly “a place to relax and take it slow.”

For those who want a calm lifestyle close to the sea in a quiet environment, it’s a perfect setting. OAKBASE contracts start from just one month, making it ideal for university students on summer break or foreigners on a working holiday looking for a unique experience.

Of course, it’s also a great environment for remote workers or digital nomads who want to balance work and relaxation. While living at OAKBASE Okinawa Yonabaru, you can experience Okinawa’s unique food culture, nature unlike anywhere else in mainland Japan, and its rich history.