The Hitachinaka and Oarai area, home to many attractions such as Hitachi Seaside Park, Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba, and the Oarai Aquarium, is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for family and group trips.Vacation rentals where you can rent out an entire house are perfect for this type of trip. You can fully enjoy BBQs, fireworks, and beach activities without worrying about your neighbors.
In this article, we present a ranking of vacation rentals (entire-home rentals) in the Hitachinaka and Oarai area, based on our own analysis of Airbnb ratings and the number of reviews.
Ranking Criteria
Scope: 22 “entire home” accommodations listed on Airbnb in the Hitachinaka City and Oarai Town areas (as of August 25, 2026)
Exclusion Criteria: Properties with fewer than 10 reviews were excluded
Ranking: Ordered by a proprietary score that adjusts star ratings based on the number of reviews. Listings with more reviews and consistently high ratings rank higher
Date: Ratings, number of reviews, and sample prices are all based on information publicly available on Airbnb as of August 25, 2026. Please check the individual listing pages for the latest information
Get a Feel for the Area’s Characteristics
Hiraiso・Isozaki: A town known for its beaches and rocky shores. It’s home to many vacation rentals within walking distance of the beach, making it ideal for trips focused on ocean activities.
Nakaminato: Within walking distance of Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba. Enjoy fresh seafood and the charm of the old downtown area.
Oarai: Packed with attractions like the Oarai Aquarium, Oarai Isosaki Shrine, and Sun Beach. It’s a port town with ferry terminals.
Katsuta: Near JR Katsuta Station. It serves as the gateway to Hitachi Seaside Park and is a hub for music festivals and the Katsuta Marathon.
Top 10 Best-Rated Vacation Rentals
No. 1 | Oarai House Rental (★4.96, 762 Reviews)
This Oarai vacation rental, which boasts an impressive track record with 762 reviews and a rating of 4.96, is a whole-house rental. It has obtained a lodging business permit from the public health center and offers 24-hour self-check-in. The host lives nearby, and guests highly appreciate the peace of mind knowing they can receive immediate assistance if needed, as noted in the reviews.
It can accommodate up to 9 guests and has free parking for multiple vehicles. Bicycle rentals are also available, making it convenient for exploring Oarai on foot.
[Recommended for] Those who prioritize a strong track record of positive reviews, and groups who want to travel without worrying about check-in times
▶ View details & availability on Airbnb
2nd Place | Hiraiso Garden Villa (★4.98, 65 reviews)
Hiraiso A brand-new, entire-villa rental completed in 2024, just a 1-minute walk (approx. 100 m) from the beach. With a 4.98-star rating—one of the highest in the area—it has been selected for “Guest Choice,” an award given to highly rated listings on Airbnb.
Pets are welcome (up to two small dogs weighing 8 kg or less), and guests can enjoy free BBQs and fireworks in the garden (April–November)—a major draw. Accommodating up to 8 guests with free parking for three cars, it’s perfect for family trips focused on swimming and exploring the rocky shore.
[Recommended for] Travelers with pets, families, and groups who want to enjoy BBQs and fireworks right near the beach
▶ View details & availability on Airbnb
3rd Place | Nakaminato Private Standalone House (★5.0, 35 reviews)
With 35 reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating, this private rental is a 60-year-old detached house renovated by the host. Its retro atmosphere, filled with the warmth of handmade touches, has earned it a loyal following through word of mouth.
A 10-minute walk to Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba and about a 15-minute drive to Hitachi Seaside Park. Accommodates up to 6 guests.
[Recommended for] Those who love a retro atmosphere or are traveling to enjoy market cuisine
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4th Place | Yoso (★4.97, 66 reviews)
Hiraiso A traditional Japanese house available for exclusive rental, situated on a hilltop just a 5-minute walk from the beach. Renovated in 2025 in a modern Japanese style, this spacious 165-square-meter property offers views of the Pacific Ocean from most rooms.
It’s close enough to walk to the beach in your swimsuit and can accommodate up to 8 guests. It’s perfect for multigenerational trips and workations.
[Recommended for] Three-generation family trips, or anyone looking to relax in a traditional Japanese house with ocean views
▶ View details & availability on Airbnb
5th Place | SUNRISE FERRY HOUSE (★4.96, 24 reviews)
Perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views overlooking Oarai Port, this traditional Japanese house is available for exclusive rental—limited to one group per day. From the 1,600-square-meter grounds, you can watch the sunrise over the horizon and ferries coming and going. The property features a handmade swing under a ginkgo tree and offers discounts for children.
Carefully renovated from a traditional wooden house passed down through three generations, this space also allows you to enjoy a barbecue. Accommodates up to 8 guests.
[Recommended for] Those who want to enjoy breathtaking views and the sunrise, and families traveling with children
▶ View details & availability on Airbnb
No. 6 | Katsuta Station Nearby Private House Rental (★4.95, 22 reviews)
A private rental near JR Katsuta Station that accommodates only one group per day. Designed with a private entrance leading to the second-floor space, it’s known for being as comfortable as home. Accommodates up to 6 guests.
It’s in an excellent location not only for Hitachi Seaside Park but also as a base for music festivals and the Katsuta marathon. You can also enjoy exploring the restaurants near the station.
[Recommended for] Festival and marathon participants, and those traveling by train
▶ View details & availability on Airbnb
7th Place | Guesthouse Nakanami (★5.0, 10 reviews)
A traditional Japanese house available for exclusive rental, just a 2-minute walk from Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba. Although it opened recently, it has earned a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 10 reviews. The host’s hospitality—including tips on enjoying popular market stalls—is highly praised.
With 3 bedrooms and 8 sets of futons, it accommodates up to 8 guests and features parking for 4 cars in a row. It’s about a 15-minute drive to Hitachi Seaside Park.
[Recommended for] Those who want to fully enjoy the market’s seafood, and groups who prefer traditional Japanese-style rooms and futons.
▶ View details & availability on Airbnb
No. 8 | RIVERBANK Hitachinaka (★4.9, 377 reviews)
Operated by a Superhost with 377 reviews and a 4.9 rating, this is a whole-house rental of a large imported home. The 170-square-meter Western-style house can accommodate up to 13 guests, and its highlight is a double-height theater room featuring a 150-inch screen.
It also offers an all-weather garage BBQ (separate fee, advance reservation required), so you can enjoy it even on rainy days. It’s a go-to choice for large gatherings.
[Recommended for] Large groups of around 10 people, movie and BBQ enthusiasts
▶ View details & availability on Airbnb
9th Place | Nakaminato Private Rental with Rooftop BBQ (★4.94, 17 reviews)
A private rental property just a 5-minute walk from Nakaminato Osakana Ichiba, limited to one group per day. In addition to the rooftop BBQ, guests can enjoy karaoke and fishing—it’s designed so you can “have fun all day without even leaving the property.”
It can accommodate up to 9 guests, making it ideal for trips with 2–3 families. It has undergone extensive renovations and is highly rated for its cleanliness.
[Recommended for] Groups who want to have fun to the fullest at the inn, and multi-family trips
▶ View details & availability on Airbnb
10th Place | Oarai Traditional House Inn (★4.92, 13 reviews)
Located in Oarai’s shopping district, this traditional Japanese-style sauna inn—renovated from a former local liquor store—is limited to one group per day. In a space where nostalgia and modernity blend comfortably, you can enjoy a stay that feels just like living in a seaside town.
One of the highlights is cooking seafood bought at the market in the dining kitchen, which is fully equipped with Kasama-yaki pottery. Accommodates up to 6 guests. It’s also conveniently located as a base for visiting Oarai Isosaki Shrine.
[Recommended for] Sauna enthusiasts, couples, and small groups looking for a home-away-from-home experience
▶ View details & availability on Airbnb
Notable Vacation Rentals Ranked 11th and Below
11th Place | RIVERBANK Hiraiso (★4.86, 437 reviews): A compact detached house facing the Pacific Ocean. You can watch the sunrise over the horizon from the bedroom with an ocean view. Accommodates up to 6 guests.
12th Place | Hitachinaka DAN (★4.85, 34 reviews): A traditional Japanese-style cottage situated on a 1,500-tsubo lot. Features a spacious terrace with a river view. Accommodates up to 10 guests.
13th Place | Detached House for Training Camps and Retreats (★4.82, 11 reviews): 3 bedrooms plus a loft, accommodating up to 14 guests. With a bathroom and kitchen on each floor, it’s popular for training camps and workshops.
No. 14 | RIVERBANK Ooarai (★4.84, 199 reviews): A secluded, hideaway-style house with a theater room. Accommodates up to 8 guests.
No. 15 | Hiraiso House A (★4.8, 20 reviews): A 3-minute walk from the Pacific Ocean. A home where you can enjoy art and BBQ.
No. 16 | Oarai Private Villa (★4.72, 25 reviews): Accommodates up to 10 guests, limited to one group per day. Includes a BBQ set and free parking for 3 cars.
17th Place | Single-Story Traditional House in Minato (★4.57, 28 reviews): An entire single-story house for rent, enveloped in the warmth of tatami mats. BBQ permitted.
No. 18 | Kamiya Resort Hitachi Oarai Ocean Terrace (★4.53, 55 reviews): A resort-style accommodation in a shipping container-style house. Ideal for small groups.
Check at a Glance with the Comparison Chart
Hitachinaka & Oarai Vacation Rental Ranking Comparison Chart
| Rank | Property Name | Area | Rating | Number of Reviews | Floor Plan | Sample Rates (2 Nights) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oarai House Rental | Oarai | 4.96 | 762 listings | 2 Bedrooms, 8 Beds | ¥48,649 |
| 2 | Hiraiso Garden Villa | Hiraiso | 4.98 | 65 listings | 3 bedrooms, 8 beds | ¥100,929 |
| 3 | Nakaminato Private Rental House | Nakaminato | 5.0 | 35 listings | 2 bedrooms, 6 beds | ¥50,833 |
| 4 | Yoso | Hiraiso | 4.97 | 66 reviews | 3 bedrooms, 8 beds | ¥87,139 |
| 5 | SUNRISE FERRY HOUSE | Oarai | 4.96 | 24 listings | 3 bedrooms, 6 beds | ¥52,838 |
| 6 | Katsuta Station A nearby private rental house | Katsuta | 4.95 | 22 reviews | 3 bedrooms, 6 beds | ¥78,126 |
| 7 | Guest House Nakanami | Nakaminato | 5.0 | 10 reviews | 3 bedrooms, 8 sets of futons | ¥91,499 |
| 8 | RIVERBANK Hitachinaka | Hitachinaka | 4.9 | 377 reviews | 2 bedrooms, 12 beds | ¥72,783 |
| 9 | Nakaminato Private Rental with Rooftop BBQ | Nakaminato | 4.94 | 17 reviews | 1 bedroom, 9 beds | ¥65,170 |
| 10 | Traditional Japanese House Inn in Oarai (Limited to one group per day) | Oarai | 4.92 | 13 reviews | Bedroom 1, 6 Beds | ¥98,564 |
| 11 | RIVERBANK Hiraiso | Hiraiso | 4.86 | 437 listings | 2 bedrooms, 5 beds | ¥55,454 |
| 12 | Hitachinaka Dan-DAN- | Hitachinaka | 4.85 | 34 listings | 3 bedrooms, 10 beds | ¥120,169 |
| 13 | Detached House for Training Camps and Away Games | Hitachinaka | 4.82 | 11 listings | 3 bedrooms, 14 beds | ¥76,760 |
| 14 | RIVERBANK Oarai | Oarai | 4.84 | 199 listings | 3 bedrooms, 8 beds | ¥52,566 |
| 15 | House a (Hiraiso) | Hiraiso | 4.8 | 20 listings | 4 bedrooms, 3 sets of futons | ¥58,544 |
| 16 | Private Vacation Home in Oarai | Oarai | 4.72 | 25 listings | 4 bedrooms, 10 beds | ¥92,610 |
| 17 | A Single-Story Traditional House in Minato | Nakaminato | 4.57 | 28 | 2 bedrooms, 8 sets of futons | ¥34,224 |
| 18 | Kamiya Resort Hitachi Oarai | Hitachinaka | 4.53 | 55 reviews | 1 bedroom, 3 beds | ¥54,000 |
*The number of ratings and reviews is based on information publicly available on Airbnb as of August 25, 2026. The price example is the amount displayed when searching for 2 guests for 2 nights (early December) and is subject to change depending on the season and number of guests.
Summary
Vacation rentals in Hitachinaka and Oarai offer a wide variety of unique options, ranging from villas just a 1-minute walk from the beach to traditional Japanese houses within walking distance of the market, and even large houses that can accommodate up to 13 people. By choosing a place that suits your group size and travel plans, you can enjoy a stay with a different flavor than a typical hotel.Reservations tend to fill up quickly during the beach season and the Nemophila and Kochia seasons, so we recommend booking early.