The collision of Eastern and Western cultures: American Village
American Village: Exploring the exotic customs of the West amidst the historical divide of World War II
The American Village is located in the Mihama area in the central part of Okinawa. It is very convenient to get there by car or by bus. After the end of World War II, some US troops were still stationed here. It was originally planned and built using the land returned by the US troops stationed in Japan and reclaimed areas. Due to the large number of US military facilities and residents nearby, it is filled with a strong American style.
Today, the American Village is divided into five major areas, including "Carvinal Park Mihama", "Depot Island", "America Depot", "Depot Central" and "Pokémon Painting". Come and follow my steps to see what interesting places there are! !
📕History lesson time:
The American Village is located in Kadena, Okinawa. The United States has troops stationed in many countries in Asia, and Okinawa, Japan is the place with the largest number of U.S. troops stationed.
Between 1945 and 1950, just after the end of World War II and the outbreak of the Korean War, the United States and Japan signed the San Francisco Treaty to establish an alliance between the two countries. In order to support the Vietnam War, Okinawa became the logistics base of the US Air Force.
🗺️Park Introduction:
~Carvinal Park Mihama~
In the past, there was a famous Ferris wheel 🎡 landmark located here, but it has been demolished in order to be converted into a large tourist hotel. Now there is no Ferris wheel in this area~!
~Depot Island~
This is the most prime location in American Village! ! There are many delicious foods and must-photograph landscapes here. Here are a few must-photograph spots. Come and hunt for treasures together, travelers! !
📷「Painted Trucks」- Trucks are a common type in early American villages. They are colorful but full of retro feel. Be sure to check them out~
📷"Angel Wings🪽"- was painted by the famous American artist Colette Miller. The location is not easy to find, so I won’t spoil the story ~ Let the travelers come here to explore it on their own! !
📷「Skywalk」-You can overlook the entire beautiful ocean🌊, with a full American style, it feels like a beach vacation in the United States~
📷「White Nutcracker Doll🪆」-It is a very eye-catching building, and when you walk in, Santa Claus is waiting for you! It’s full of exotic atmosphere! !
~American Depot~
There are many American restaurants and shops here, where you can buy many American clothes, military products or second-hand vintage clothes. It will definitely make travelers who love American culture return with a lot of things.
~Depot Central~
It is a newly opened park, which brings together many exotic restaurants🍴. It is also a shopping mall. There is also a classic scene of the great white shark🦈, the "hanging shark", which is lifelike. Don't forget to take a photo when you come to shop~
~Pokémon Painting~
This is the "Flying Pikachu Project" jointly launched by Pokémon and Okinawa. Walking in the park, you can see signs with the words "POKÉGENIC" written on them. Follow the signs and you will find the Pokémon Hall. Come and see if you can collect all three Pokémon and become a Pokémon Master! !
🍴Must-eat food
~Grume conveyor belt sushi market~
It is the number one restaurant in America Village! ! The seafood ingredients are freshly delivered every day, and they also incorporate many local specialties such as sea grapes and Ishigaki beef. There are always long queues during meal time~
📍Address: 2-4-5 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
🕰️Business hours: 11:30-22:00 (closed on Wednesday)
~Taco Rice Coffee Kijimuna~
The signature egg taco rice sells up to 100,000 servings a year! The white rice is topped with spicy meat sauce, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and other ingredients. The combination is surprisingly pleasing, and it is even more delicious with the half-cooked egg bun. It is well-deserved to be the most popular dish in the store.
📍Address: 9-1 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
🕰️Business hours: 11:00-22:00
~Benson’s Hotdog~
How can you come to American Village and not eat some American food! ? The main product is made from 100% pure beef. Visitors may want to try it.
📍Address: 9-1 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
🕰️Business hours: 11:00-22:00 (extended to 23:00 on Friday and Saturday)
🚴Transportation:
1. If you drive, enter "16-2 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture" or "Map Code: 33 526 450*63"
2. Take bus No. 28 or No. 29 from Naha Bus Terminal, get off at Kuwae Station, and walk for 15 minutes
🕰️Business hours: 10:00-22:00
💞Recommended reasons:
1. Don’t miss this if you love American culture or food
2. You can overlook the beautiful ocean 🌊, it feels like a vacation
3. Suitable for couples or family trips
4. A product of the collision of Eastern and Western cultures, this is a must-visit for travelers who love history or retro
🗓️Itinerary:
1. Self-driving: American Village - Marine Park - Manzamo
2. Take a ride: Explore the five major areas including American Village!
#100 Ways to Travel
#Winter escape
#Okinawa Travel
#SoloTravel
#AmericanVillage