Whether you’re an American missing home or a local resident looking for a fun day out, find a complete range of entertainment, American-style, at the Mihama American Village along Okinawa’s western coast.
Built on land reclaimed after the occupation at the end of the war, Mihama American Village combines the best attributes of Western and Japanese cultures. Find anything here from designer shopping to hamburger stands or high-tech entertainment to old-fashioned fairground rides.
Start your trip at bustling Depot Island where you can explore stores that stock American and Okinawan clothes from some of both countries’ biggest brands. Shopping aficionados should check out the Oak and Distortion Fashion Buildings on the eastern side of the village. Along with elegant shoes and garments, these stores specialize in handmade jewellery and accessories.
When you start to get hungry, have a hamburger and fries at one of the fast-food vendors or indulge yourself at numerous restaurants that serve ethnic favourites like Italian, Indian and Thai cuisine. You’ll also find vendors serving traditional Okinawan snacks.
Following a morning on your feet, relax in front of a blockbuster at one of seven screens at the multiplex movie theatre. All of the biggest new releases are shown here in English and Japanese.
Finish your day in style with a ride on the giant Ferris wheel. From its position on top of the Dragon Palace, this ride offers you the chance to view the dramatic coastal scenery of Chatan that borders the shopping village. Come here in the early evening to watch the sun slide into the sea in front of the aptly named Sunset Beach. There is a small fee to ride on the wheel.
Reach Mihama American Village by driving 9 miles (15 kilometres) north of Naha. Find parking near the movie theatre and in several other spots in the shopping areas. Bus services run throughout the day between the city and the park. There is no entry fee for the village itself. It is open every day from late morning until evening.
