Using a tour is recommended for sightseeing in Okinawa, including the American Village!

About the American Village

The Mihama American Village, or American Village, is recognizable by its large Ferris wheel. Let's start by looking at basic information such as location and operating hours.

A resort town in Chatan, Okinawa

The American Village is located in Chatan, situated in the central part of Okinawa Prefecture. Named American Village because it was originally used as a U.S. military base, it's a city resort popular with locals and has various areas within its grounds, equivalent to about five Tokyo Dome sites, filled with fashion shops, amusement facilities, and restaurants. Be sure to check out the attractive events held monthly and seasonally.

Access

The main modes of transportation are taxis and buses, with many also opting for rental cars as there are numerous rental car shops in Okinawa. It's recommended to reserve a car in advance as they may be fully booked during peak periods. Taxis are particularly recommended for group travel or when you have a lot of luggage.

How to get there from the airport and Kokusai Street (Naha downtown)

It takes about 45 minutes by taxi from the airport, and about 40 minutes from the vicinity of the prefectural office where Kokusai Street is located. The fare generally ranges from approximately 3,500 to 4,000 yen from the airport, and from 3,000 to 3,500 yen from downtown, depending on traffic conditions and time of boarding.

If going by bus, take bus number 120 (Nago Nishi Kuko line) from Naha Airport. From Naha city center, use either bus number 20 (Nago Nishi line), 28 (Yomitan Sokei line), or 29 (Yomitan Kina line). Get off at "Kuwae", and the American Village is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop. The fare is about 800 yen from the airport and about 700 yen from Naha city.

For those coming from the airport, a limousine bus that connects the airport and major hotels in each resort area is also recommended. You need to purchase a ticket in advance to board. Tickets can be bought at the Limousine Bus Information Center in the domestic arrivals lobby at the airport, Naha Bus Terminal, and various hotel stops. Get off at "The Beach Tower Okinawa" and it's about a 3-minute walk to the destination. Check the official website for more details.

How to get there from Churaumi Aquarium/Nago City

If going by taxi, it's recommended to reserve a sightseeing taxi in advance as the fare can greatly fluctuate depending on traffic conditions.

If taking a bus, take bus number 70 (Bise line) or 66 (Motobu Peninsula line - Imadomari route) from Churaumi Aquarium, and then change to bus number 120 (Nago Nishi Kuko line) at "Nago Shiro Iriguchi". Get off at "Kuwae", and the American Village is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.

If you take bus number 65 (Motobu Peninsula line - Toguchi route), change to bus number 120 (Nago Nishi Kuko line) at "Nago Jujiro", then get off at "Kuwae". The total fare is approximately 2,300 yen.

Location of Free Parking Lots

If you're visiting by car or rental car, you'll want to know where to park. Don't worry, as there are free parking lots set up in each area. Examples are the Depot Island Parking Lot, Oak Fashion Building Parking Lot, Distortion Seaside Underground Parking Lot, American Depot Building ABC Side ParkingLot, and Chatan Town Parking Lot. If you're unsure where to park, head to the Chatan Town Parking Lot, which can accommodate approximately 1,500 vehicles.

Operating Hours

As operating hours vary for each facility and shop, it's best to check in advance on the official website. While some shops are open 24 hours, most close around 9 p.m.

Estimated Stay Time

Roughly 2 to 3 hours is a good estimate. If you plan on visiting photogenic spots, relaxing on the beach, or have various other purposes, allow for more time.

Nearby Spots

Okinawa Kodomo no Kuni

This is the only zoo in the prefecture and a theme park filled with educational and fun facilities. The "Wonder Museum" themed on science and the "Children's Center" where volunteers and trainees are bustling with local children. Workshops are also held, so check them out if you're interested. Drive about 20 minutes northeast from the American Village to reach it.

Experience Kingdom Murasaki Mura

This theme park recreates a town from the Ryukyu Kingdom period, allowing visitors to fully experience Okinawa. It's known for being used as a set for the NHK Taiga Drama "Ryukyu no Kaze". The park houses over 30 workshops where you can make traditional Ryukyu crafts. It's about a 40-minute drive north from the American Village.

Highlights of American Village

American Village is made up of a number of attractive areas, such as the Carnival Park Mihama, a complex facility boasting a symbolic Ferris wheel, food and beverage outlets, salons, general stores, and Depot Island, where you can enjoy gourmet food tours, shopping, and includes a live house and hotel. Let's look at recommended facilities and areas by purpose. To smoothly navigate the sights, check the general locations on the map in advance.

Instagrammable mural spots

As a trendsetting location, American Village is dotted with Instagrammable (photogenic) spots. Among them, the 'Angel's Wings' drawn on a pink wall is particularly popular. It's tucked away on the third floor of the Distortion Seaside Building. There are many spots where you'll want to stop and take a picture while exploring the park, so enjoy your walk and keep an eye out for these places.

Facilities recommended for families with children

There are also several spots recommended for families with children. For example, 'Seaside Square', which boasts the largest UFO catcher corner in the prefecture, is one of the facilities where the whole family can enjoy. It also has a dart spot and karaoke. In an area close to the parking lot, there's a cinema called 'Mihama 7 Plex' with American-style interior décor. It might be a good place to visit with your family in between shopping and meals.

Shopping

American Village is full of shops with a sense of originality, such as stores selling T-shirts with Okinawa motifs and island zouri (beach sandal) specialty stores. Not only are there Okinawan souvenirs, but there are also shops with imported swimsuits that are hard to find. Find your favorite one!

Music

Why not enjoy a night of live music while dining? At 'Kalaha'i', located right in front of Sunset Beach, you can enjoy live performances at a high volume along with your meal. It is a restaurant produced by Mr. Teruya Rin-Ken of the popular band 'Rin-Ken Band', known to everyone in Okinawa. Enjoy a full Okinawan experience in the live space featuring Ryukyu dances and more.

Art

The 'AKARA' facility, designed by Bokunen Naka, a print artist representing Japan and born in Okinawa (nickname: Bokunen), houses the 'BOKUNEN ART MUSEUM' and the permanent gallery 'AKARA GALLERY'. Here, you can view a variety of artworks that are displayed seasonally. There's also a shop selling artist goods, so be sure to drop by.

Night Lights

Another reason for American Village's popularity is the beautiful view from the evening to night. The sunset of North Chatan's West Coast Sunset Beach is a must-see, visited by many locals and foreigners living there. How about enjoying the sea breeze and spending time leisurely while gazing at the sky dyed red?

At night, the village is lit up, allowing you to enjoy the sparkly American Village different from the daytime. The Ferris wheel itself is also lit up, and the night view from the Ferris wheel creates a romantic atmosphere, highly recommended. The year-end and New Year illuminations are also famous, with beautifully lit decorations in each area from before Christmas until the New Year. If you visit in winter, be sure to enjoy it.

In addition to this, there is a unique area called 'American Depot' where there are American imported second-hand clothes shops and eateries. You can enjoy according to your purpose. Make use of the park map for a fulfilling sightseeing experience.

Popular Food & Sweets in American Village

American Village is home to a variety of eateries where you can enjoy international cuisine, traditional Okinawan dishes, and adorable sweets shops.

Steak

In Okinawa, which has been influenced by American culture, steak is one of the local gourmet specialties. So much so that there is even a custom of having steak at the end of a meal. Fill up your belly with an American-size steak. The "Steak House BB", located in the Depot Island Building A, offers a popular "Shikuwasa Steak" with a refreshing soy sauce-based sauce mixed with Shikuwasa (a type of citrus).

Taco Rice

A speciality of Okinawa, "Taco Rice" is a dish where the contents of a Mexican taco are placed over rice. While tacos typically consist of meat, vegetables, and cheese sandwiched in a thin pan-baked bread made from corn or wheat flour, Taco Rice is actually a dish native to Okinawa. "Tacos Cafe TACOLOCO", located in American Depot B, offers delicious taco rice in a colorful restaurant interior. In addition, the "Taco Rice Cafe Kijimuna" in Depot Island Building C offers a variety of dishes, with fluffy egg-topped Om-Taco being their signature menu.

Soft Serve Ice Cream

Strolling around American Village with a soft-serve ice cream in hand could be a good idea. Among the various shops in the park, one must not forget "Blue Seal", an ice cream store born in America and raised in Okinawa, offering frozen drinks and crepes as well. Its outlets in the park are located in Depot Island Building D and Depot Island Seaside Building, and their Chatan branch near the entrance of American Village is also popular.

Fruits

The tropical fruits are juicy and exceptional! Various shops in the park sell drinks and shaved ice made with lavish amounts of fruit, which would add to your resort-like experience. "PARTYLAND", famous for its self-service frozen yogurt - said to be the only one in Japan - offers fresh fruit toppings. This shop is located within Carnival Park Mihama.

Tapioca

"Juice & Tea Bar ORIGAMI", located in Depot Island Seaside Building, uses plant-based lactic acid bacteria in their healthy tapioca. We recommend their locally inspired fruit tapioca drinks.

Pancakes

Pancakes, which have gained popularity in Japan due to famous Hawaiian outlets, can be enjoyed at American Village as well. "Seaside Cafe' hanon", located in Oak Fashion Building, is a very popular cafe with lovely white and blue interiors and terrace seating where you can enjoy your meal while looking at the sea. From sweet to savory pancakes topped with sausage, the cafe offers a range of delicious fluffy pancakes. Enjoy exquisite pancakes at this ocean view cafe to enhance your resort feel.

Take-out Food Recommended for Lunch

While Taco Rice and Tacos, which have been already introduced, are popular for take-out, sandwiches like hamburgers and hot dogs are also recommended. On a sunny day, it might be a good idea to have a meal at an open place like Sunset Beach.

"Benson's" (on the first floor of American Depot B), known for its 100% beef hot dogs that take sausage to the next level, and "A&W", a burger chain that landed in America in 1963, located in Carnival Park Mihama, are some of the places to check out.

Recommended Cafes

Like the "Seaside Cafe Namine" featured in our pancake recommendation, American Village is full of notable cafes! To avoid confusion on-site, check out interesting shops in advance.

Cafe 7973

Located in American Village, this cafe is run by the owner of the vegan cafe "Tami's" and is inside Carnival Park Mihama. It's a juice stand using natural ingredients, and its simple and cute bottle shapes are popular on social media. They serve additive-free, intensely flavored drinks made with seasonal fruits. It's perfect for a break from shopping.

The Calif Kitchen Okinawa

This cafe, with an excellent location inside Depo Island Seaside Building, allows you to enjoy California cuisine while looking out at the sea. They have a terrace and a kid's space. Their extensive menu includes a morning plate, a wide variety of lunch options, and desserts such as pancakes. They also serve shaved ice made with Okinawan sweet potatoes. As it is a popular spot, it may be wise to make a reservation before you go.

Timeless Chocolate

This is an Okinawa-based chocolate shop located in the Distortion Seaside Building. They roast and manufacture everything in-house. In a stylish interior, you can enjoy sweets made with their carefully selected cocoa beans and domestic sugarcane. Don't miss their drinks like frappes and hot chocolates. They also have convenient souvenirs such as coffee beans and macarons, making it a good stop during shopping.

Recommended Hotels for American Village Sightseeing

There are also hotels scattered throughout the park. If your main focus is American Village, you should definitely check these out.

The Beach Tower Okinawa

This hotel, with Sunset Beach right in front, is filled with a resort vibe. Guests can use the adjacent hot spring "Terme Vila Churayu" at half price, and some lodging plans include the entrance fee. The rooms are designed for relaxation. There are also attractions like seeing animals such as African Eagle Owls, Squirrel Monkeys, and goats. It's also recommended for families with children.

Vessel Hotel Campana Okinawa

This hotel boasts an observatory bath with a panoramic view of the sea and a rooftop pool. It's convenient for families or groups, offering family rooms that can accommodate up to five people. There are also diving lockers and equipment washing areas for diving enthusiasts. They also offer a bicycle rental service.

Condominium Hotel Monpa

This accommodation, equipped with a mini kitchen in all rooms, is ideal for long stays. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and with its extensive facilities, it's also perfect for business use or group trips. Located near AEON, some rooms offer ocean views. You can either dine out or enjoy cooking for yourself. Why not try the morning offerings of the intriguing cafes and restaurants in American Village? You can enjoy a relatively free stay while feeling like you're living in Okinawa.

Recommended Tours Including American Village in Okinawa Sightseeing

Covering all the places you want to go and things you want to do in a limited number of days can be difficult. For a smoothly scheduled trip, it's best to arrange transportation and tickets smoothly. By pre-booking local optional tours, you can enjoy according to your own sightseeing style. There are various combinations, like tours that include diving in American Village, or plans to visit popular facilities like the Churaumi Aquarium. Make the most of these for your Okinawa sightseeing!

*Please note that transportation and facility fees and times may change without notice. Please also confirm the latest information on the official website.

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