Okinawa is a brilliant prefecture with a unique history. Hundreds of thousands travel here every year, both as tourists and as new residents. The main island of Okinawa, sometimes called Okinawa Honto, has a vibrant real estate market and is especially popular with foreign residents looking for somewhere to settle down.
1. You can build your dream home
Okinawa by rabbit_akra is licensed under CC BY 2.0
rabbit_akra is licensed under CC BY 2.0
For those willing to go the extra mile, Japan is a great place to create your own house. Houses are often seen as impermanent here, with new ones being built regularly around the country. Okinawa has several companies that specialize in the construction of these made to order houses, often building them in American or other countries' architectural styles.
2. Lots of options for English speakers
American Village by othree is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Okinawa has a deep connection to the U.S and houses over 50,000 Americans. The U.S. has maintained a military presence on the island since the end of World War II, and the native Okinawans have adapted to this. There are many businesses and societies targeted at the American population that help newcomers to the island deal in English. Okinawa is one of the most English friendly parts of Japan, with many people working with, living with, or having family who are Americans. This also means that there are plenty of communities that are accepting of outsiders, where foreign residents can meet like-minded people.
3. Buying a property to rent out is a good investment
Hamagawa by Nelo Hotsuma is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Because of the nature of the U.S. military, there are regular people coming and living in Okinawa for short stints of time. Some are marines; others are contracted, laborers or diplomats. There is always a need for cheap, temporary accommodation on the main island, which could be a good investment for those willing to chance it. Having English speaking staff, a knowledge of the island, and a flexible attitude will get you a long way in this business. Many new arrivals struggle to find foreigner-friendly accommodation. Places to rent in Okinawa have fewer bedrooms, don't allow pets, and don't offer any English support, so you may be able to find a gap in the market.
4. A good range of schools
The Gate of the School, Taketomi Island, Okinawa by ideanotes2 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Okinawa has a wealth of international schools for a place of its size. These schools are well equipped to accept new foreign children due to the nearby base and offer a range of classes, often keeping up with American terms and qualifications.
5. Okinawa is beautiful
Okinawa by Jim Purbrick is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The island is a complicated one socially, but it is undeniably gorgeous. Fantastic beaches all around the island with amazing sunny days all year round. You would be a fool to live in the Hawaii of Japan and not take advantage of its natural, tropical beauty. Surfing, scuba diving, and swimming are all common pastimes on the island, making it a great place to stay fit and healthy. Inland you will find amazing hikes, luscious areas of plant life, and historically fascinating architecture. It is genuinely a wonderful area to live in with a lifetime worth of brilliance to explore.
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Sources: All Japan Relocation, Little Island Takara, The Points Guy, Gina Bear, Okinawa Wanderer, Bigger Pockets, Japan Guide, Jref
About the author:
Alfie Blincowe is a writer from England who fell in love with Southern Japan.
You can read more of his articles about the country here: https://alfieblincowe.wordpress.com/
