Okinawa Property for Sale: Island Houses and Condos in Subtropical Japan

Most of the property market sits on Okinawa's main island. Naha, the prefectural capital, has the airport, the monorail and the Kokusai-dori shopping street. Chatan's American Village and nearby Kitanakagusuku are popular with expatriates, and Ginowan and Urasoe are dense residential cities. Further north along the west coast, Onna and Nago host resorts and sea-view houses with beach access, and the Churaumi Aquarium is a major attraction. US military bases occupy a large part of the central island, which affects noise levels in some districts and creates demand from foreign service families.

The climate is warm all year, with a typhoon season from summer to autumn. Houses are commonly built of reinforced concrete to withstand typhoons, salt air and termites. Naha Airport links Tokyo in roughly two and a half hours, and there are flights to other Asian cities.

For longer-term residents, the cost of living is lower than in Tokyo, wages are also lower and a car is almost essential outside Naha. Schools range from local Japanese public schools to international and American-curriculum options near the bases. Many foreign buyers use Okinawa as a part-time home, so a local property manager for typhoon preparation and cleaning is useful.

• Ownership. Foreigners can buy freehold property in Japan, with registration through a judicial scrivener. Check for any special rules near military installations.
• Typhoon and salt damage. Ask for maintenance records, roof and window specifications, and the condition of the reinforced concrete.
• Flood and tsunami zones. Coastal areas may be in hazard zones. Use local municipal maps.
• Costs. Budget for acquisition tax, registration tax, stamp duty, agent commission and annual fixed asset tax. Verify with an adviser.
• Finance. Local lenders mostly require residency. See our Japan financing guide.
• Short-term rentals. Okinawa has strong tourism demand, but a licence under Japan's minpaku or hotel law is required.

Our Japan buying guide explains the process step by step.

On the mainland compare Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka or Yokohama. For a cooler alternative see Sapporo or the ski village of Hirafu. The overview is at property for sale in Japan.