Condo and hotel-building frenzy heats up in Japan’s Okinawa

Travel & Leisure

Resort lodging attracts money from wealthy but oversupply is a challenge

Rihga Royal Resort Okinawa Chatan, shown in this rendering, will open in April 2026. (Royal Hotel)

AKIHIRO SANO

August 24, 2025 11:20 JST

NAHA, Japan — A hotel construction frenzy has gripped Japan’s subtropical Okinawa island chain, which welcomes 10 million tourists annually, domestic and foreign.