What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM.

Is late-night check-in available?

Yes. We use a smart lock for self check-in, so you can enter anytime 24 hours a day.

Is parking available?

We do not have a private parking lot. There are several coin-operated parking lots within walking distance.

Can I leave my luggage before check-in?

Luggage can be left in your room from 11:00 AM onward. Please contact us in advance via message if you wish to do so. Please note that luggage storage after check-out is not available.

Is each floor a separate private space?

Yes. Each floor is a completely private space with its own kitchen, shower room, and toilet. The 1st floor has 1 shower room and 1 toilet; the 2nd and 3rd floors each have 2 shower rooms and 2 toilets. There are no shared spaces with other guests.

Is this a minpaku (private lodging)?

No — SUNZ ROOMS is a fully licensed accommodation under the Japanese Hotel Business Act (Ryokan Gyoho), not a minpaku under the Private Lodging Business Act. We operate year-round with no day limits, combining the freedom of a condominium-style stay — including smart self check-in — with the reliability of a licensed property.

The building has 3 floors — is there an elevator?

There is no elevator. Access to each floor is by stairs only, so please keep this in mind when booking.

Can I cook? Are there cooking utensils?

Yes. We provide a frying pan, pot, microwave, and basic tableware. You can buy ingredients at nearby supermarkets and enjoy cooking.

Is the washing machine free to use? Is detergent provided?

Yes. Each floor is equipped with a free washer, dryer, and laundry detergent.

How many towels are provided?

We provide one set per guest: a bath towel, face towel, and body sponge. Only one set is provided even for multi-night stays, so please make use of the washer and dryer on each floor.

Are pajamas provided?

Pajamas are not provided. We kindly ask that you bring your own.

Are there shops nearby for groceries?

There is a 24-hour convenience store within a 1-minute walk.

Is smoking allowed indoors?

Smoking is strictly prohibited indoors, including e-cigarettes. A designated smoking area is available at the back of the ground floor.

Okinawa Best Time to Visit — A Month-by-Month Travel Guide

"When's the best time to go to Okinawa?" — it's the question we get asked most often. The honest answer: Okinawa works year-round. Winters average around 17°C, mild as Tokyo spring; summers bring full beach season; spring opens with the first swim of the year, and autumn is a quietly excellent low season. Each part of the year has its own appeal. What changes everything is what you want to do. Want to swim? Late April through October. Whale watching? January to March. Want to dodge the crowds? September to November or January to February. Festival energy? Mid-summer for *eisa* drumming. There's no single "best month" — there's a best month for what you're after. This guide breaks down each season's climate, events, and overall feel — written from the perspective of SUNZ ROOMS staff, who watch the seasons turn from a base in central Naha. At the end you'll find a month-by-month quick reference and a best-season-by-purpose breakdown.

Season by season — what to expect and watch out for

1. Spring (March–May) — Beach openings, mild weather, pre-rainy-season sweet spot

Spring in Okinawa starts earlier than on Japan's main islands. Average temperatures sit around 19°C in March and 22°C in April — comfortable for almost anyone — and beaches across the prefecture officially open between late March and early April. While the cherry blossoms are still falling in Tokyo, you can already swim here. Late April through early May brings Golden Week, packed with local festivals like the Naha Hari (traditional dragon boat race) and the year's first big tourism peak. Flights and accommodation get pricey, but skies are usually clear and overall comfort is among the best of the year. Around mid-May, Okinawa's rainy season starts — earlier than the rest of Japan, so if you want crisp spring weather, late March through early May is the sweet spot. A note on the water: even in April, ocean temperatures aren't quite at peak summer levels, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. This is the season that balances sightseeing and a light taste of beach time better than almost any other.

2. Rainy season to summer (mid-May–August) — Peak beach season, with typhoon risk

Mid-May through late June is the rainy season. Unlike the version other parts of Japan get, Okinawan *tsuyu* tends to alternate showers with sunshine — a full day of nonstop rain is the exception, not the rule. Even on a "rainy" forecast, afternoons often clear up. For more on traveling during this season, see our Okinawa rainy season guide. Late June to early July marks the end of the rainy season, and full summer begins. July and August average around 29°C, daily highs cross 31°C, and the sea and sky reach peak clarity. Major events like the Ocean Expo Park fireworks fall in this stretch, and it's the absolute peak of family and group travel. Flights and accommodation hit their highest prices of the year. For practical summer tips, see our Summer Naha travel guide. Worth knowing: typhoon season runs roughly July to October, with August–September the peak. A one- or two-day disruption or canceled flight isn't unheard of, so build buffer days into your itinerary. SUNZ ROOMS handles cancellations flexibly when typhoon-related flight cancellations occur — feel free to reach out if you're concerned.

3. Autumn (September–November) — A quietly excellent shoulder season

September through November is the sweet spot just past the summer peak — still warm, much calmer. September averages 28°C (still basically summer), October 25°C (T-shirts comfortable), November 22°C (long sleeves welcome) — gradually easing into autumn. The ocean stays swimmable through October, so for travelers who want summer beach weather without summer crowds, late September to October is the call. Tourism eases off, so flights and accommodation drop in price — sometimes 30–50% cheaper than the August peak. Excellent value for budget-conscious travelers. October brings the Naha Great Tug-of-War (around the second Monday of October), and November the Shuri Castle Festival — chances to experience traditional Okinawan culture without the summer crush. The catch: September is still the back end of typhoon season. The lively beach-opening atmosphere and the highest sunshine rates of summer fade, but on clear days the water is at its most transparent of the entire year — many divers consider this the actual best season. Strongly recommended if you want to soak up Okinawa's nature with less of a crowd.

4. Winter (December–February) — Mild subtropical winter, whales and early cherry blossoms

Okinawan winter is a different world from the rest of Japan. December averages 19°C, and even the coldest stretch in January–February sits around 17°C — basically Tokyo spring weather. Light jackets or long-sleeve shirts most days, and snow simply doesn't happen here. Tourist spots stay calm, making it an ideal season for slow city walks and food-focused trips. The signature winter draw is whale watching. Every year from roughly January through March, humpback whales arrive in Okinawan waters to breed, with tours running heavily out of Zamami Island and the Motobu Peninsula. You might see mother-and-calf whales breaching — a winter-only spectacle. Mid-January through February brings the kanhi-zakura (Okinawan cherry blossoms) at Yaedake in Motobu and Nago Central Park — pink and vivid, and roughly two months ahead of the rest of Japan. The earliest cherry blossoms in the country. The catch: water temperatures, plus a few hidden expensive windows. January–February sea temperatures sit around 20°C, which is rough for swimming without a wetsuit. Diving is still very possible with one — and winter brings the year's clearest visibility, with chances to encounter manta rays or whales underwater. On pricing, watch for three spikes: year-end and New Year (late December–early January), Lunar New Year (typically late January–mid-February), and pro baseball spring training (February) all push flight and hotel prices up. Winter is often called the off-season, but it has hidden peak periods. Better windows: early-to-mid December, or late February after Lunar New Year ends.

5. Quick reference — temperature, rainfall, and major events by month

Based on JMA's Naha climate normals (1991–2020), here's the year month by month. The "overall recommendation" rating combines sightseeing comfort, climate, and value — but the best month depends heavily on your goals (see the next section). January: avg 17°C, 102mm rainfall. Swimming is off the table, but whale watching season starts and the first kanhi-zakura cherry blossoms appear by late month. Overall ★★★. February: avg 18°C, 115mm rainfall. All 12 NPB pro baseball teams hold spring training across Okinawa, drawing serious crowds. Lunar New Year (typically late January through mid-February) brings a wave of travelers from Greater China — flights and hotels fill up and prices rise. Peak kanhi-zakura, whale watching continues. Overall ★★★. March: avg 19°C, 143mm rainfall. Beach openings start in late March, baseball spring training enters its later stages, and the climate shifts comfortably toward sightseeing weather. Overall ★★★★. April: avg 22°C, 161mm rainfall. Beach season hits its stride, festivals across the islands, and pricing stays relatively calm before Golden Week. One of the year's best for overall comfort. Overall ★★★★★. May: avg 24°C, 245mm rainfall. Big energy through Golden Week and the Naha Hari, then the rainy season starts mid-month and rainfall jumps. Overall ★★★. June: avg 27°C, 284mm rainfall (the year's wettest). Deep in the rainy season, ending late month. Plan for rain, but prices are calmer. Overall ★★. July: avg 29°C, 188mm rainfall. Full summer after the rainy season ends, Ocean Expo fireworks, school holidays starting. Tourism peak begins and prices climb. Overall ★★★★. August: avg 29°C, 240mm rainfall. Eisa drumming during Obon. Peak tourism with year-high flight and accommodation prices, and typhoon season is on. Overall ★★★. September: avg 28°C, 275mm rainfall. Peak tourism easing, ocean still swimmable. Late typhoon season makes weather unpredictable, but underwater visibility is strong for divers. Overall ★★★. October: avg 26°C, 179mm rainfall. The Naha Great Tug-of-War (around the second Monday). Cooler, comfortable, post-peak prices — one of the year's standout windows. Overall ★★★★★. November: avg 23°C, 119mm rainfall. The Shuri Castle Festival runs this month. Crisp climate, perfect for sightseeing, and arguably the best value-to-comfort ratio of the year. Overall ★★★★★. December: avg 19°C, 110mm rainfall. NAHA Marathon (typically early December). Year-end and New Year spike prices, but the early-to-mid month window is surprisingly attractive. Overall ★★★. *For specific 2026 event dates, please check each event's official website.*

6. Best season by purpose — Which month fits your trip?

The "best season" answer changes based on what you want out of the trip. Here's a quick guide by traveler type. Serious beach swimmers: July–August is the answer. Peak water and air temperatures, peak sunshine. Crowds and prices come with it. To dodge a bit of the rush, try late June right after the rainy season ends, or September while it's still warm. Sightseeing-focused travelers: April, October, November are ideal. Low-20s°C means you can walk for hours without wearing yourself out — perfect for Shuri Castle, Kokusai Street, the Makishi Public Market. Prices are also calmer than peak season. Whale watchers: January–March only. Tours run out of Zamami Island and the Motobu area; with a bit of luck you'll see a humpback mother and calf. The Okinawan cherry blossoms bloom around the same time — pure winter Okinawa. Budget-conscious travelers: Early December, June (rainy season), September–November, and late February (after Lunar New Year) offer the steepest discounts off peak prices. Watch out for the late-January-to-mid-February stretch, which gets surprisingly expensive due to Lunar New Year and pro baseball spring training. Some risk of rain or typhoons in the cheaper windows, but fewer crowds and more breathing room in exchange. Festival and culture seekers: April Golden Week (Naha Hari)、mid-August Obon (Eisa drumming)、October (Naha Tug-of-War)、November (Shuri Castle Festival). Real chances to experience traditional culture alongside locals — they only happen a few times a year. For what it's worth, SUNZ ROOMS' Miebashi neighborhood is comfortable all year. Fully equipped kitchens mean cooking dinner inside on a hot summer evening, or making something warm on a cool winter night — Okinawa at your own pace, regardless of the calendar.

Find your own 'best season' for Okinawa

Okinawa is a year-round destination, but the trips that really stick with people are the ones where the season matched the goal. Want serious beach time? July–August. Sightseeing? April, October, November. Whales? January–March. Best value? The shoulder months. Each window has its own personality. Use this guide while you're planning, and find the time of year that fits the trip you actually want.

SUNZ ROOMS is a private vacation rental just 1 minute from Miebashi Station. Three independent floors accommodate up to 19 guests, with fully equipped kitchens on every floor — comfortable year-round, in any season. We also handle cancellations flexibly when typhoons cause flight cancellations.

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