We stayed at OMO, Hoshino Resorts’ city-hotel brand, in Naha, Okinawa. Instead of a typical hotel stay, OMO emphasizes “living like a local” and enjoying the entire neighborhood. From the fun loft-style “Yagura Room” to a Shurijo Castle mini-lecture and a morning market walk, we dove into community-based activities.

OMO is a city hotel brand that values time spent in the destination more than the act of staying itself. Located near Kokusai-dori, OMO5 Okinawa Naha is a perfect base to fully enjoy Naha.

Why OMO5 Okinawa Naha Stands Out

The OMO series is Hoshino Resorts’ urban brand, typically located in convenient areas for sightseeing and business. OMO5 Okinawa Naha sits in the Matsuyama area, with excellent access to Kokusai-dori and Makishi Public Market.

You can drop your luggage before check-in and explore Naha hands-free. Staff were friendly and shared lots of local tips, including hidden favorites.

Pre Check-in Stroll in Naha

After leaving our bags at the hotel, we wandered the city until check-in. We took a break at a café on Kokusai-dori and peeked into interesting shops—plenty to enjoy without a car.

For a deeper dive into Naha eats, check this video: 15 Naha Food Spots | 2 Nights 3 Days Without a Car.

Staying in the Loft-Style “Yagura Room”

We stayed in the unique Yagura Room: a two-level layout with a sleeping area on top and a lounge below—like a cozy hideout.

Room Features and Amenities

The Yagura Room balances function and design, making smart use of compact space. The bed platform sits at a comfortable height, and the lounge below is perfect for spreading out luggage and relaxing.

From our room we could see both the cityscape and the sea, with especially lovely sunset views. A complimentary Orion beer in the fridge made for a welcoming, Okinawa-style touch.

Bath salts are provided, great for unwinding. Amenities are offered in a self-serve style—an eco-conscious approach we appreciated.

OMO BASE and YUNTAKU LIBRARY

On the first floor, OMO BASE features a “Neighborhood Map” with up-to-date recommendations—from popular sights to hyper-local eateries and their latest menus—so you can enjoy Naha even with zero pre-research.

On the second floor, YUNTAKU LIBRARY offers books about Okinawa to help you learn its history and culture. We especially enjoyed the display on Shisa lion-dogs.

Shisa are generally believed to trace back to Chinese stone lions. While some popular tales link them to the Sphinx or the Silk Road, scholars largely agree on strong Chinese influence. Learning these cultural roots made our walks around town even richer.

Learn Local History with a Shurijo Lecture

In the evening, we joined a short lecture about Shurijo Castle, which is currently being reconstructed. It was a great way to understand its history and cultural value.

We learned lesser-known facts such as the multiple fires in its past and the 2000 World Heritage registration. The quiz-style format made it fun and accessible even if you’re not into history.

We promised ourselves to visit after reconstruction is completed. Studying the background in advance will make the real visit even more moving.

“Island Spirits” Bar Time to Savor the Night

At night, the lobby glows with beautiful Ryukyu glass lights. In the calm, dreamy ambience, bar time begins with “island spirits” curated by a well-known local shop.

Locally Curated Drinks

The bar features awamori and craft drinks unique to Okinawa. Menus vary by season and event; please check on-site or official sources for detailed information (ingredients, specific labels, etc.).

Selections curated by local liquor shop LIQUID were distinctive and delicious—ideal for a leisurely Okinawan evening. Some drinks use awamori-based craft gin or Okinawa-grown citrus. Ingredients and flavor profiles vary by item; for specifics (e.g., use of red rice or particular fermentations), refer to labels or official info on-site.

Sipping island spirits under the warm shimmer of Ryukyu glass felt truly special—something you don’t usually get in a city hotel.

Market Walk: Tasting Local Food Culture

The next morning after checkout, we joined “Ichiba Maasanpo,” a guided walk through Makishi Public Market and nearby shops to experience local food and daily life. “Maasan” means “delicious” in Okinawan.

Stories and Tastings

First, we visited Hamashokuhin, known for Jimami-dofu. We were allowed to observe the handmade process by craftsman Mr. Ohama, who makes it fresh every morning.

Jimami-dofu is a traditional Okinawan food made from peanuts. It is said to have come from China during the Ryukyu Kingdom era and later spread among the locals. The tasting after watching the process was wonderful—silky texture with a gentle peanut aroma.

Okinawa’s Unique Katsuobushi

Next, we stopped by a katsuobushi shop. In Okinawa, katsuobushi is called “hadaka-bushi,” processed with the skin on, which gives it a richer aroma and deeper dashi flavor compared to the typical version on the mainland.

We even tried shaving katsuobushi ourselves and tasted it fresh. The spread of umami in the mouth was unforgettable.

We also heard an interesting comparison with a Taiwanese style of katsuobushi—saltier and different in flavor from the Japanese version.

OMO’s Community-First Style

Our stay at OMO5 Okinawa Naha felt like more than a hotel night—it was a way to experience the local culture. The Yagura Room was unique and fun, the Shurijo lecture was insightful, and the market walk showed us real, everyday Okinawa.

What stood out most was the staff’s love for their community. They didn’t just point to attractions; they shared the history and stories behind them, helping us understand Naha on a deeper level.

A Car-Free Way to Enjoy Okinawa

OMO5 Okinawa Naha suggests a travel style that doesn’t require a car. The Yui Rail stations are close, and major spots in Naha are reachable on foot or by public transit.

Walking instead of driving led to more encounters with locals and unexpected finds beyond the guidebooks.

It was our first OMO experience, and now we want to try OMO in other cities too. “Enjoy the whole neighborhood” feels like a perfect answer for future trips.

Wrap-up: Stay Like a Local in Okinawa

Our time at OMO5 Okinawa Naha was truly special. From the playful Yagura Room to cultural learning and local food experiences, we felt the unique charm of this place.

True to the concept of “living like a local,” we felt less like tourists and more like temporary residents of Naha.

If you’re planning a car-free Okinawa trip, want to connect with local culture, or are curious about OMO, we highly recommend this hotel. You’ll discover a different side of Okinawa.