Tourism rebound drives land value surge in Miyako Island and Nago
Okinawa, one of Japan’s top resort destinations, has recorded the second-highest land price increase among all prefectures in Japan for the second consecutive year, according to the latest rosenka (roadside land value) data released in July 2025.
Behind this trend is a strong post-pandemic recovery in tourism, booming hotel development, and anticipation for a new theme park opening later this month.
🌐 What is “Rosenka”?
In Japan, rosenka is an official land price indicator used primarily for calculating inheritance and gift taxes. It represents the assessed value of land per square meter along major roads and serves as a reliable reference for land market trends.
🚀 Miyako Island: Tourism Boom Triggers Price Surge
The biggest growth came from Miyako Island, a stunning destination in the Okinawan archipelago known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.
- Tourists in FY2024: 1.19 million (all-time high)
- Hotels and inns: 112 (almost double from 2019)
- Luxury hotel openings:
- Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort (2023)
- Rosewood Miyakojima (March 2025)
The main entertainment district, Nishizato Street in Hirara, saw land prices jump 18.5% year-over-year, reaching ¥160,000 (approx. $1,000) per square meter—the highest in the city.
🏖️ Nago City and the Northern Okinawa Boom
Back on Okinawa’s main island, Nago City is also seeing a significant upswing. The Nago Bypass area—a key route for tourists heading to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium—experienced a land value increase from 4.2% to 8.1% year-over-year.
The area is attracting new commercial facilities and increasing hotel demand, transforming it from a stopover zone into a full-blown destination.
🎢 New Theme Park: “JUNGLIA OKINAWA” Opens July 25
Adding fuel to the fire is the upcoming opening of JUNGLIA OKINAWA, a large-scale jungle-themed amusement park located in nearby Nakijin Village, just north of Nago.
Local tourism officials expect a rise in overnight visitors to the region, boosting demand for accommodation, restaurants, and local businesses.
🏡 Investment & Migration Driving Real Estate Demand
According to experts at the Japan Real Estate Institute in Naha, the land boom is not only driven by tourists but also by:
- Hotel and restaurant development
- Housing needs for hospitality workers
- Urban-to-rural migration trends among both Japanese and foreign residents
“We’re seeing real estate demand expanding beyond Naha and central Okinawa to the north. With strong tourism and little downward pressure, prices are expected to continue rising,” says Yasushi Izawa, Naha branch chief.
💡 Takeaway: Okinawa’s Growth Is More Than Just a Trend
From luxury hotel openings on Miyako Island to the theme park boom in northern Okinawa, the island chain is evolving into a prime investment and travel destination.
For foreign investors, digital nomads, or vacationers, this marks an exciting time to watch Okinawa—both as a lifestyle choice and a market opportunity.
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- “Japan real estate trends 2025”
- “Okinawa land prices 2025”
- “Miyako Island investment”
- “New theme park Okinawa 2025”
- “Where to invest in Japan tourism”
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