2024 Chatan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
In the North Valley, there are US military bases in Kadena, the largest air force base in Japan, and most of the nearby American families live in the vicinity. Due to the needs of the US military, the Mihama area not far from the base has become a bustling commercial district, which is now the American village. The iconic building in the American village is a 50-meter-diameter Ferris wheel. You must remember to take a photo.
Today's Weather
Mostly cloudy 26-29℃
Popular Attractions
American Village
Depot Island
Okinawa American Village: A Fusion of Fantasy and Nostalgia
Okinawa American Village feels like a dreamy place, filled with a nostalgic atmosphere. The sun shines brightly, the sea breeze blows, and colorful shops and cafes are everywhere on the streets, making every corner a photo opportunity. People leisurely stroll here, enjoying local food and culture, experiencing the American vibe mixed with Okinawa's unique flavor.
The sunsets in Okinawa are absolutely stunning! As the sun slowly sets, the entire sky turns golden orange and purple-blue, with the sea shimmering like a painting. You can pause and enjoy this moment of tranquility.
Sunset Serenade: Okinawa American Village's Coastal Charm
#japantrip
I stumbled upon a tropical haven at Okinawa American Village! This beachside hub in Chatan Town, Okinawa, seamlessly blends American flair with Japanese hospitality. As I strolled along the sunset-kissed waterfront, I discovered eclectic shops, restaurants, and bars. The village's relaxed vibe, coupled with its stunning coastal views, made for a perfect evening. I savored delicious eats, from traditional Okinawan cuisine to classic American burgers. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a fun-filled evening, Okinawa American Village is a must-visit destination. Its warm atmosphere and breathtaking sunsets have forever captured my heart.
Okinawa Steakhouse Recommendations
Okinawa is home to many great steakhouses, and I especially recommend Chatan Harbor Brewery located in American Village!
Enjoying a delicious T-bone steak with a glass of beer while overlooking American Village is truly healing.
It's also a great place to visit with kids, so be sure to check it out on your family trip.
🍖Location: 53-1 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan
A Must-Stay at Doubletree by Hilton Chatan Resort in Okinawa
This was my second stay at a Doubletree by Hilton hotel. As part of the Hilton chain, the service and quality are quite reliable, and it's not too expensive either.
Okinawa has three Doubletree by Hilton hotels, and we chose the Chatan Resort near the sea.
Overall, I was extremely satisfied with this stay; there really wasn't anything to complain about, except maybe that the breakfast on the second floor was more or less the same every day.
- The welcome cookie🍪 during check-in is something I always look forward to.
- It's a 30-minute drive from Naha Airport, and parking is free.
- It's right next to American Village, so as soon as you step out, there are plenty of places to eat and shop, which is super convenient (and you can see a lot of American military personnel staying there too).
- The facilities include an outdoor pool with a slide, but you can also use the facilities at the Hilton across the street (gym, indoor pool, sauna).
- The pajamas are super comfortable.
Okinawa's proud ice cream brand
Whenever I visit Okinawa, I always have Blue Seal ice cream every day. My favorites are the purple sweet potato and purple yam flavors, though brown sugar is also delightful. These flavors represent the unique taste of Okinawa. While you can find ice cream cups in many places, I prefer the cozy atmosphere of Blue Seal shops, which adds to the experience. HK also has some specialty ice cream and gelato stores that I would love to visit!
#winhkflight
American Village and its great eats!
I lived at Okinawa, Japan for three years. An oldie but a goodie, American Village (in Japanese “Mihama”), is a great place to walk around and find places to eat. You’ll never get tired of seeing the sights because it’s different every season. I think AV is the best during the holidays as they put lights everywhere.
Aside from the wide range of eateries, there’s a beautiful view of the sea alongside the edge of AV. Where I’m standing in the second picture is close to a nearby beach called Araha Beach.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants (in order of pictures):
Cafe 808
オークファッションビル, 1F, 9-39 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan
Seaside Pancake Factory Kupu Kupu
15-58 Minato, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0114, Japan
McDonalds
Blue Seal
American Village one of the popular tourist spot in Okinawa ,it was located in Chatan
the views there are incrediblethe kights at night are incredible too one of my stress reliever views,they do sometimes fireworks ,and there's a lot of incredible store although some if it are little bit expensive but worth it to buy,like foods,clothes,perfumes and many more ,they have everything there in AV like u can just walked it all by ,no car needed ,the walking trip is worth it,good sightseeing and they have a ferris wheel there u can see the ciew of AV one of the good views there is the beach ♥️they have small bars close to the beach and some nice christmas Lights ♥️♥️
#christmaslights #foodstagram
Lequ in Chatan
Hot spring at Lequ. I felt so relaxed after leaving. The temperature was amazing and it's open very late. I went at 10:30 that night. Go take advantage!
#forladies#unforgettableexperiences#couplestrip#hotelstay
Okinawa!
First two photos are taken at Kouri Island and last photo was taken at Lequ hotel in American Village, Chatan.
it is a must to go place for sightseeing and the hotel is great. If you wanna see fireworks, you should come on Saturdays,7:30pm. Fireworks might be cancelled due to some weather changes.#fireworksshow
Just a 2.5 hour flight from mainland Japan is my favorite getaway destination, Okinawa's beaches are absolutely stunning and captivating. My husband and I stay in Okuma and had a blast snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear water. #wintergetaway
#wintergetaway
The Mihama American Village is a large entertainment complex located in central Okinawa Honto. Many American military bases are located in the area, and the entertainment complex's theme of Americana provides a nostalgic pleasure for residents of the bases as well as an interesting diversion for the locals. The Mihama American Village resembles a big American outdoor shopping mall with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes and a large parking lot.
#GiveThanks
The American village area is actually very small, divided into four areas: A, B, C, and D. They are the CARNIVAL PARK area in the A area (the big country drug makeup, Seria hundred yuan shop); the American Depot in the B area (in the US / European second-hand clothing and living groceries are mainly); Depot Island in Area C (there are many coastal street cafes, brunch shops, grocery stores); D District Sunset Beach and surrounding net red food. The
50-meter-diameter Ferris wheel is a symbol of the North Valley. At the highest point, you can see the street view of the North Valley and the East China Sea. The Ferris wheel at night turns into a large neon under the illumination of the lanterns. It is also very popular as a night view. The Ferris wheel is on the top floor of the CARNIVAL PARK. There is a big drugstore on the first floor of the mall. The goods are very rich. It is worth visiting. The price is almost the lowest among the drugstores we visited in the past few days. The clerk will basically speak the basic Chinese, remember to bring a passport when shopping, and immediately exempt from tax at checkout. On the first floor, there are clothing stores like Baiyuan and Outlet J. On the second floor, there are restaurants. Although the American village is far away from Naha, it feels very convenient. From the Ferris wheel all the way to the beach in the north, you will find that the neighborhood has a strong American casual style, and there are some cute and funny elements to attract children's attention. It seems to be in stark contrast to the bleakness of Naha. It feels completely in another country, it is amazing!
The American village is large and divided into many areas, American Depot is one of them. The building here breaks through the lines and colors inherent in Japanese-style houses, and the shape of the brain is wide open, and the color is also a pink fairy tale. Even the food here has been transformed from sushi ramen into a hamburger steak, and STEAK HOUSE 88 is one of them. In other words, the color of American Depot is too young, it is a portrait resort! The most impressive part of the
Depot Island area is the variety of childlike 3D wall paintings and graffiti murals. Its a feeling of not passing through without a shadow. Even my mom cant stop. . The work of the famous wing painting artist Colette Miller is the angel wing of the American Village Network Red, also on the second floor of this area. There are many cafes in the
American village street. The Seaside Cafe Hanon, located on the second floor of the depot island, is a net red. However, the passenger flow is not as much as expected, the product is unambiguous, and even a little amazing, the price is simply approachable than the Shanghai red store, changing the prejudice against the traditional net red shop!
Transportation: Naha travels to taxi 3000 - 3500 yen, 35 minutes / bus 120 road military hospital station or Sangjiang station, adult 700 yen or so, 50 minutes drive, other places in the past recommended chartered or taxi
other Friends with plenty of time can go to the nearby Childrens Kingdom and the largest shopping mall in Okinawa, AEON MALL
Follow the international pass to the entrance of Pinghetong, and then continue to go forward, you can see the signboard of the flower garden canteen, the front window has a lot of food sample display, it looks very real. This store has appeared in many travel notes. The most important point is that it is cost-effective, the amount of food is large, the price is not expensive, and the taste is good. Large meals range from 1000 to 1200 yen, including rice, noodles, chicken chops, pork chops, salmon, etc., small 600~800 yen, is a rice + chicken chops, the price is very high! We ordered two meals, but we couldn't finish it, and we also sent salmon sushi. In short, it is very cost-effective. There are too many staple foods in the diet! The waiters are grandmothers, and we can't understand the English they speak. It depends on the pictures on the menu.
5-Day Family Trip to Japan: A Super Detailed Guide is Here!
Parents, a family trip to Okinawa is here! Churaumi Aquarium, Nago Pineapple Park, classic attractions all in one place, take your baby on a warm trip!
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🛫 Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Okinawa -> Naha International Airport Transfer -> Check in to a hotel in Onna Village/Yomitan Village
Arrive in Okinawa on the first day, depart from Naha International Airport, and head to the hotel to rest and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Cape Manzamo -> Kouri Bridge -> Kouri Island -> Ocean Expo Park -> Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium -> Bise Fukugi Tree Road
Explore the natural wonder of Cape Manzamo, stroll along Kouri Bridge, feel the tranquility of Kouri Island, then head to Ocean Expo Park and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium to get up close and personal with marine life, and finally immerse yourself in the greenery of Bise Fukugi Tree Road.
Day 3: Ryukyu Mura -> Cape Zanpa -> American Village -> Kadena Air Base -> Naminoue Shrine -> Naminoue Beach
Experience the traditional style of Ryukyu Mura, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Cape Zanpa, visit American Village to experience exotic culture, view Kadena Air Base from afar, then head to Naminoue Shrine to pray for blessings, and finally enjoy a relaxing time by the sea at Naminoue Beach.
Day 4: Free time in Naha City
Free time in Naha City, you can visit the local market, taste authentic food, or go to your favorite attractions.
Day 5: Head to Naha International Airport
According to your flight time, a special car will take you to Naha International Airport, ending your pleasant trip to Okinawa. 🛬
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🧳 Travel Preparation:
📞 Remember to prepare a Japanese phone card, so you can contact others without fear of losing contact.
🔌 Don't forget the plug adapter, Japanese sockets are different from ours.
🪪 Be sure to bring your passport and visa, as you will need them to enter the country.
👔 Japan is a bit cold in November, so bring some warm coats and long pants.
🔋 Chargers and power banks, so you can feel at ease with a full battery when you go out.
💊 Prepare some common medicines, just in case.
💰 Of course, cash and credit cards are also indispensable, making shopping easier!
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🎉 Don't forget to like and bookmark, and take this guide with you to start your dream trip to Japan! ✨
No Goodbyes to the Sun | Okinawa Travel Guide Part 1 (Food and Attractions)
Although the weather is getting cooler, Okinawa still has warm sunshine and a charming ocean. If you love the southern style, water activities, food, and leisure vacations, this treasure destination for family and couple trips is definitely not to be missed! Next, I will recommend some must-visit attractions in Okinawa. Take notes! ^_^
[Makishi Public Market]
Makishi Public Market, located in the center of Naha City, is one of the largest markets in Okinawa. It has everything you need, from seafood, meat, and fruits to vegetables, making it a feast for the eyes. The market is bustling with activity. We tasted delicious ice cream and Okinawan-style meat snacks here, which were rich in flavor and simply intoxicating! There are also many fresh ingredients in the market. If you can cook where you live, it would be great to buy some and show off your cooking skills in the evening! Enjoy the fun of making your own food!
[American Village]
American Village is a large entertainment and shopping center full of American style, located in Chatan Town, Okinawa Prefecture. Here, you can find restaurants, shops, and amusement facilities, and the strong exotic atmosphere makes you feel like you are on the streets of America. Here, we tasted juicy American burgers 🍔, sitting on the outdoor seats by the sea, enjoying the sea breeze, and feeling like we were in Hawaii 🌺. The burgers were extremely rich in taste, and the meat juice was delicious, making it unforgettable. In addition to food, there are many photo spots here, just like the streets of Europe and America, which will definitely make your photos stand out in your social media and receive countless compliments!
[Ryukyu Mura]
Ryukyu Mura is a theme park showcasing Ryukyu culture, located in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture. It has traditional architecture, handicraft demonstrations, and wonderful Ryukyu dance performances. Walking in Ryukyu Mura is like traveling back to the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom, and the strong historical atmosphere is fascinating. There are not only rich cultural experiences but also costume and handicraft experiences. Here, Junjun chose a bright red costume and wore it to wander around the "Ryukyu Kingdom" to experience the charm of traditional culture. In addition, we also visited the beautiful butterfly garden, where there are many rare butterflies 🦋, some of which are hatching, making it especially suitable for students and family study tours, as it allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature and broaden your horizons.
To be continued, stay tuned!
juicy burger
had an original burger when I passed by. it was juicy and delicious. the price is reasonable in American village, but would be more valuable if it came with fries and a drink. as a light meal is ok, but i wouldn't get full if it was a lunch.
Colorful day at American Village ✨
Just a short 40-minute drive from downtown Naha, American Village is an easy and fun day trip.
We took the scenic route along the coast, soaking in the views before arriving at this lively seaside spot.
The first stop was a cozy café for a fresh brew, perfect for a mid-morning break. Afterward, we wandered through the colorful shops and stalls, picking up a few souvenirs along the way.
The relaxed atmosphere and ocean views made the whole experience even better. It was the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation, all just a quick drive from the city.#100วิธีเที่ยว ##เที่ยวญี่ปุ่นด้วยตัวเอง ##โอกินาว่า ##americanvillageokinawa ##coffee
American Village + Ryukyu Beef
You must make a reservation online in advance for Ryukyu Beef because there are very few seats and they don't usually offer walk-in seating! (💰 Average cost per person: less than 2000 TWD for a meal) The service is excellent, and you can order using a tablet, so there's no worry about not understanding the menu. There is a minimum charge.
You can view the menu when making a reservation, pre-order, or order on-site without any issues! If you're bringing children, please be mindful of the noise level.
After eating, take a stroll around American Village. Since it was a bit late, many stores were closed, but the Halloween decorations were still interesting, and the lights were on, making it great for photos!
There are also plenty of parking spaces here, so no need to worry about finding a spot!
American village,Okinawa,Japan 🇯🇵
We went to Okinawa on 2024 late August, the weather I can say 10/10 specifically at night! We went to American Village on the first night out, I LOVED IT!!😍😍 so American style and the vibe was soooo cool! A lot of American food and awesome burgers 🍔 I definitely recommend you to go there before sunset cause sunsets there are magnificent 🥹
A Colorful Exterior and Rooftop Pool Make 'Lequ Okinawa Chatan' an Attractive Okinawa Accommodation
If you want to fully experience the charm of Okinawa, Japan, it's important to choose accommodations with stylish exteriors and various amenities. 'Lequ Okinawa Chatan' is considered one of the best accommodations with its sensory design and comfortable facilities.
The first thing that catches your eye upon arriving at Lequ Okinawa is its colorful exterior. The vibrant yet harmonious colors evoke an exotic village and blend naturally with Okinawa's clear skies and blue sea, creating a special atmosphere. This colorful building exterior makes the accommodation not just a place to stay but another attraction of your Okinawa trip. Just taking photos in front of the accommodation is enough to create lasting memories of your trip.
The highlight of Lequ Okinawa is undoubtedly the rooftop pool.🩷 Under the warm Okinawan sun, you can leisurely swim in the open rooftop pool or relax on a sunbed while enjoying the surrounding scenery. At night, soft lighting adds a romantic atmosphere, offering a different charm from the daytime.
In addition, Lequ Chatan Okinawa boasts modern yet cozy interiors in its rooms and various amenities that enhance visitor satisfaction. Each room offers a terrace with a panoramic view of the Okinawan sea, and rooms on higher floors are especially popular for their expansive views.
The accommodation is ideally located near Okinawa's attractions, making it perfect for sightseeing. After relaxing at the accommodation and enjoying Okinawa's nature from the rooftop pool, you can explore nearby beaches or shopping streets.
A day at 'Lequ Okinawa Chatan,' with its colorful exterior, will elevate the joy of your Okinawa trip. This place, where unique design and the special experience of a rooftop pool harmonize, is the perfect accommodation for creating unforgettable memories in Okinawa✨
📍34-2 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan
Different Styles of Okinawa's American Village at Noon and Night
Okinawa's American Village 🇺🇸 is one of my favorite attractions on this trip. In the morning, it's colorful and somewhat reminiscent of Mexican style. At night, many places light up, giving it a Disney-like feel. There are numerous photo spots both day and night, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
The village has various small shops to explore. Although the clothing style isn't my personal taste, each shop has its unique decor, making it enjoyable to visit. There's also a large seaside area with various coffee shops. Coming here in the afternoon for a cup of coffee and enjoying the sea breeze is very chill.
Okinawa: Araha Beach
🏬Name: Araha Beach
I took out lunch and ate it in front of this beach. The weather wasn't perfectly clear, so it was a bit cloudy, but I was amazed by how transparent the sea was, even down to the sand. I also found star-shaped objects in the sand. I feel so happy and hope for good things to come. It's best to visit Araha Beach when it's sunny. I highly recommend everyone to visit!
📍Address: 2-16-2 Chatan, Chatan Town, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0116
LeQu Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort
Visiting LeQu Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort was a special experience. I enjoyed staying at this luxurious resort, which offers comfortable rooms and stunning ocean views 🌊. The atmosphere of the resort is calm and relaxing, making it easy and fun to unwind 🌴. This resort adds a touch of luxury with its various services, from a high-end spa to integrated recreational facilities 🌟. Dining at the available restaurants was a delightful experience with excellent local and international cuisine 🍽️. The surrounding beaches and nearby natural ambiance made this visit a pleasant and relaxing experience 🌺.
Travel to Okinawa in August, this article is enough! Explore Okinawa!
August is really suitable for visiting Okinawa, the weather is good, the temperature is also pleasant, and you can check in at the Okinawa Jelly Sea 🌊 for a seaside vacation, it's simply too relaxing!
🏝 Recommended Check-in Spots
▫ Manzamo
You can see the sea and cliffs here 🖼 The cliff is a vast grassy area, and you can also see the unique Manzamo limestone plant group here.
▫ Kouri Island
Kouri Island is an outlying island of Okinawa ⛵ You can lie on the beach and watch the glass jelly sea. It is also rich in sea urchins and sea grapes 🐠 If you have the chance, you can try them.
▫ Churaumi Aquarium
Check in at the beautiful sea world that Crayon Shin-chan visited 🐬 The giant whale shark is very impressive, and the dolphin show is also worth seeing.
🏝 Itinerary
1⃣ Line A: Northern + Central Okinawa
D1 Manzamo - Kouri Island - Aquarium - American Village
D2 Southeast Botanical Gardens - Hoshino Resort Scenic Restaurant - Cape Zanpa - Roadside Station Kadena - Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom - Chatan American Village
2⃣ Line B: Northern + Southern Okinawa
D1 Manzamo - Kouri Island - Aquarium - American Village
D2 Chinen Cape Park - Okinawa World Cultural Kingdom Gyokusendo - Itoman Fish Market - Outlet Mall - Senaga Island
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Chatan