It is endemic to Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan, and is known from the islands of Ishigaki and Iriomote, both in the Yaeyama Group.

[1][3] The specific name utsunomiyaorum honours Taeko and Yasuaki Utsunomiya for their contributions to clarifying the amphibian fauna of the Yaeyama Group.

[2] Odorrana utsunomiyaorum inhabits broad-leaved evergreen forests along mountain streams.

[1][2] Where Odorrana supranarina is present, this species tends to occupy smaller streams.

Iriomote is a national park, but improved protection of its forest habitats is still needed.