TOP » BLOG » 【Okinawa × Real Estate】JUNGLIA Theme Park Opening in July 2025: Is Now the Best Time to Buy or Sell Property?
Updated: 2025.5. 9
In July 2025, a large-scale theme park named JUNGLIA will open in northern Okinawa. Built on the former site of a golf course, JUNGLIA is poised to significantly impact not only the tourism industry but also the local real estate market in Okinawa.
This article provides up-to-date insights for domestic and international property buyers and sellers who are considering real estate transactions near JUNGLIA. We'll explore timing strategies, market trends, and the economic ripple effects expected from this landmark project.
JUNGLIA is a nature-centric adventure theme park scheduled to open in July 2025. Spanning across Nago City and Nakijin Village, the park will feature immersive experiences such as kayaking, ziplining, and luxury accommodations like glamping tents and ocean-view villas. The development is already drawing attention from affluent tourists both in Japan and abroad.
The opening is expected to significantly increase inbound tourism and stimulate further investment in Okinawa real estate. Even major local companies, like Orion Beer, are shifting operations from Naha to the north, signaling a larger economic realignment in northern Okinawa.
Land prices around JUNGLIA are rising rapidly:
Maeda area of Onna Village: +29.0% YoY
Nago City: +6.4% YoY
Nakijin Village: +10.3% YoY
In areas like Nakijin and Motobu, land previously priced between ¥40,000 to ¥70,000 per tsubo is now being sold for ¥120,000 to ¥200,000 per tsubo (approx. $270-$550 per 3.3㎡). This dramatic surge reflects increasing demand for:
Vacation villas and resorts
Corporate welfare facilities
Income-generating properties targeting inbound tourists
Private estates by foreign investors and high-net-worth individuals
According to a Kansai University report, the economic ripple effect of JUNGLIA is projected to reach ¥6.8 trillion over 15 years, with more than 880,000 jobs created through both direct and indirect employment.
JUNGLIA alone will employ about 1,300 people
Surrounding sectors like food & beverage, retail, lodging, and construction are expected to generate 2,000-3,000 additional jobs
This economic activity has already caused a housing shortage. As of April 2025, the rental vacancy rate in Nago has dropped below 2%, making it difficult for new residents and workers to secure housing.
Currently, the Okinawa Expressway terminates at Kyoda IC, requiring an additional 30-40 minutes via local roads to reach JUNGLIA. Roads like Route 58 and Prefectural Road 84 often suffer from chronic congestion.
The opening of southern Okinawa's COSTCO store in 2024 led to traffic jams lasting over 5 hours -- highlighting Okinawa's ongoing infrastructure issues. Expansion of the northern expressway and arterial road improvements are under discussion, but progress is hampered by budget limitations, environmental considerations, and the need for local consensus.
Interest in property around Nakijin, Nago, and Motobu is surging.
High-end villas and boutique hotels targeting international visitors are increasing
Minna Island is set to open a helipad and resort hotel by 2028
Land prices in Nago are quickly catching up with central Okinawa areas like Chatan
At VILLA IMG, property sale inquiries have doubled compared to last year. In some cases, land purchased 30 years ago for ¥40,000 per tsubo is now selling for over ¥150,000 -- delivering a substantial return on investment.
JUNGLIA is more than a theme park. It represents a shift in the social and economic structure of northern Okinawa. While challenges in infrastructure and public services remain, Nago, Nakijin, and Motobu still offer more affordable property prices compared to hotspots like Naha, Chatan, Onna, and Miyako Island.
If you're considering real estate in Okinawa, here are three key non-price factors to evaluate:
Accessibility: Road and transportation infrastructure
View: Ocean-view properties remain the most desirable
Surroundings: Vacation and residential needs differ greatly
At VILLA IMG, we specialize in real estate transactions across Nago, Motobu, and Nakijin. From land and villas to investment properties, we offer tailored advice based on current trends, legal requirements, and strategic property use.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
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