[Mihama Town Resort American Village Travel Guide] Enjoy Great Food, Shopping, and Scenic Views!

From 1945, near the end of World War II, this area was used as the U.S. military base known as Hamby Airfield.
After it was returned by the U.S. military in 1981, urban redevelopment of the Approx. 38-hectare former site began.
Following land reclamation in 1988, plans were made to create a town that strongly reflected the atmosphere of the United States, making use of the area’s character as a region with a concentration of U.S. military facilities in Japan.
Against this background, Mihama Town Resort American Village was born, with facilities opening gradually from 1997 and the area reaching near completion in 2004.
An exotic urban space blending American and Okinawan culture was created, and it continues to develop today as a hub for local交流 and a symbol of a new identity.

American Village is home to around 200 diverse shops and restaurants, so you can enjoy both shopping and dining in a resort-like atmosphere.
A wide range of stores line the area, including American goods, fashion, artwork, and unique lifestyle items, making you feel as if you are wandering through a town abroad just by visiting.
There are also locally flavored shops such as specialty Okinawan souvenir stores and Ryukyu glass craft shops, making it easy to find items unique to Okinawa.
The dining options are also extensive, with local favorites such as taco rice and Okinawa soba, as well as yakiniku, Italian, and ethnic cuisine from around the world, all in one place.

Depot Island is a commercial complex within American Village made up of five connected buildings: Depot A, B, C, D, and E.
This open-air mall area is home to as many as 130 unique shops, including cafes, restaurants, and variety stores.
Its biggest appeal is the maze-like streetscape created by the pop colors covering the buildings and the American vintage objects placed throughout.
The entire area is photogenic, with Instagram-worthy photo spots scattered everywhere.
Famous examples include a giant pink shark object with a dramatic popping-out shape that surprises visitors, and an American classic car monument where you can take cheerful road trip-style photos.

During the day, American Village is striking for the contrast between its blue sky and the emerald-green sea, but it takes on a different atmosphere at dusk.
Streetlights and shop lights begin to glow, the sky turns into a beautiful gradient, and the sun slowly sets over the sea.
If you visit American Village, it is also recommended to take your time and enjoy this romantic scenery.
Here are some recommended spots to visit in the evening.

At night, Depot Island transforms from its colorful daytime streets into a sophisticated resort town wrapped in neon lights and illumination.
The buildings and objects both inside and outside are lit up, while the glass-front terraces along the waterfront and the indirect lighting along the promenade create a dreamlike walking route.
Jazz and house music flow from the shops and restaurants, and the sparkle of the lights together with the night breeze pleasantly stimulates the senses in this extraordinary setting.
Every Saturday at 8:00pm, fireworks lasting Approx. 3 minutes are launched, adding color to the night view. (Canceled in bad weather.)
They can be seen from almost anywhere in the center of Depot Island, but the especially recommended spot is the observation deck on the 4th floor of the Seaside Building, where you can enjoy both the fireworks and views of the sea and townscape.

American Village also has plenty of spots for nightlife.
In spaces designed to make you forget everyday life, bars, live music venues, and stage shows are scattered throughout the area, drawing lively crowds until late at night.
Here are three especially recommended places.

Taco Rice Cafe Kijimunaa is a specialty restaurant serving taco rice, a dish that originated in Okinawa.
It is crowded daily with locals and tourists alike, and after waiting in the long line and stepping inside, you’ll find a unique space highlighted by a large mural.
Its signature specialty, Omutaco, is a dish of beef taco rice seasoned with the restaurant’s original spice blend and wrapped in fluffy, melty eggs.
The harmony of its one-of-a-kind texture and rich salsa sauce has been featured on various TV programs and in magazines, and it has also won awards at gourmet festivals.
There is also a wide variety of toppings such as avocado, mozzarella cheese, teriyaki chicken, and seasonal items, so you can customize it to your liking.

Seaside Cafe Hanon, with the ocean right in front of you, is a popular pancake cafe in American Village.
The interior, decorated in white and blue, creates an extraordinary atmosphere reminiscent of Santorini, Greece, and the large windows offer ocean views and the sound of the waves.
The signature menu item is a set of fluffy pancakes, carefully cooked one by one after ordering, paired with freshly ground specialty coffee.
The Salt Caramel Pancakes, served with vanilla ice cream so you can compare homemade salted caramel cream and whipped cream, are also popular.
Fresh fruit juice is also available, so even those who do not like coffee can relax.

Earth Village Izakaya is a dining bar located along the waterfront in American Village.
It offers an impressive drink selection, including over 200 kinds of beer from around the world, as well as chuhai, tequila, awamori, wine, and champagne.
The food menu is also extensive, featuring colorful, social media-friendly dishes based on cuisines from around the world while also incorporating Okinawan ingredients such as island tofu and umi-budo sea grapes.
In particular, the manager recommends the Tom Yum Fried Rice and Pad Thai prepared by the Thai chef.
Another reason for its popularity is the warm hospitality of the energetic staff, who make you feel as though you’ve returned home.
Live Okinawan folk music shows are held every week, so you can enjoy food and drinks while listening to live sanshin and koto-like kutu performances.

Gourmet Kaiten Sushi Ichiba is a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant that has been loved locally for many years.
It is always bustling with U.S. military personnel stationed in Okinawa and tourists, as it offers a wide variety of toppings at reasonable prices, centered on fresh seafood landed in the waters around Okinawa.
Classic sushi such as tuna, shrimp, and salmon is of course delicious, but the restaurant especially recommends toppings unique to Okinawa.
Examples include miibai, a type of grouper considered a premium fish, the local favorite gurukun, and the rare prefectural fish irabucha, all of which are delicacies hard to find in big cities.
There are also limited seasonal toppings, and another plus is that you can casually try them one plate at a time.

This is the Depot Island branch of Blue Seal, the ice cream brand known for being born in America and raised in Okinawa.
It is located along the waterfront in American Village and features an excellent scenic setting.
The interior has a casual, bright, and pop atmosphere, and from the terrace you can enjoy the ocean view with the shop’s original ice cream and sea breeze.
More than 30 flavors line the showcase, including classics like vanilla and mango as well as limited flavors using local ingredients such as beni-imo purple sweet potato, salted chinsuko, and island pineapple coconut.
Among them, the signature favorite is the Blue Seal Float, which lets you combine your choice of drink and ice cream.

ZHYVAGO COFFEE WORKS is Okinawa’s first coffee stand, where Okinawa’s west coast and the American West Coast seem to overlap.
It features an industrial atmosphere with exposed concrete walls and vintage-style interior decor.
Urban yet relaxing, it offers a comfortable space where you can enjoy beautiful views of the beach and sunset from the counter and terrace seats inside and outside the shop.
Its house-roasted coffee, made in collaboration with a local roaster, delivers a deep aroma and clean finish with every sip.
In particular, the cappuccino, carefully prepared one cup at a time by the barista, is popular for its beautiful latte art and for bringing out the natural character of the beans.
It is also recommended to pair it with the pastries baked in-house.

With its American-style atmosphere, STEAK HOUSE BB is an authentic steak specialty restaurant popular among Okinawa residents and personnel connected to nearby U.S. military bases.
It is known for its grilling techniques that bring out the best flavor of high-quality red meat, including Ishigaki beef, ribeye, and sirloin.
The signature Lemon Steak, featuring a refreshing flavor from a special lemon sauce combined with a Japanese-style soy sauce base, is popular with both men and women.
Another feature is the many Okinawa-style original dishes, such as Shikuwasa Steak with a citrus-based sauce and Wasabi Steak served with the restaurant’s own special sauce blend.
There is also a wide variety of combination menus with steak and lobster or salmon, so it is recommended for those looking for a highly satisfying meal.

Churahama Shokudo is a casual tavern where you can enjoy traditional Okinawan dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
It is known for its homey atmosphere, where you can relax and raise a toast with awamori or Orion beer.
One of the most popular menu items is Okinawa soba, highly praised even by locals.
The soup, rich with bonito stock, pairs perfectly with the chewy noodles and tastes exceptional.
Goya Champuru, with the crisp texture of bitter melon and the slight bitterness of island tofu enhancing the flavor, is also recommended as a dish to enjoy with drinks.
Another highlight is tebichi, simmered pork trotters cooked until tender, rich in collagen and addictive for its melt-apart texture.
Despite being in a tourist area, its appeal lies in being able to enjoy a wide variety of Okinawan dishes at reasonable prices.

Yakiniku RIKIO is an authentic yakiniku restaurant with an exotic exterior lit by neon that immediately catches the eye.
You can indulge in carefully selected ingredients, including top-grade Ishigaki beef raised in Okinawa’s rich natural environment, Kin Agu pork, and Yanbaru jidori chicken.
Be sure to try the restaurant’s signature Shibari Tongue, tied with green onions, and the ultra-rare Chateaubriand.
The interior is designed as a relaxed, refined space for adults, with table seating, counter seating, and terrace seating where you can feel the sea breeze.
From the terrace seats, you can enjoy the fireworks launched in the village on Saturdays, and with the added flexibility of pets being allowed and smoking permitted, it is a comfortable place for a wide range of occasions.

American Depot is a select shop themed around the American lifestyle, offering items directly imported from the United States.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll find rows of American casual fashion inspired by surf culture and street style, making it exciting just to browse.
Centered on apparel, the shop also carries miscellaneous goods and accessories, including many rare items that are hard to find in Japan, and the fun of discovering hidden gems is part of its appeal.
On the second floor, there is a used clothing section said to have one of the best selections in Okinawa, packed with items sourced from across the United States and Europe.
Although all of them are one-of-a-kind, the prices are reasonable, which is another plus for first-time vintage shoppers.

Depot Central is an eight-story commercial complex with a striking exterior in vivid pink and yellow, reminiscent of streets in Spain or Mexico.
About 26 restaurants and variety shops are gathered here, giving the whole facility the atmosphere of a stylish playground for adults with a trendy feel.
It is also home to Cafe San Francisco, known for its panoramic view, making it a perfect place to take a relaxing break while enjoying the scenery.
At the same time, another feature is the abundance of playful, photogenic spots that feel almost like a theme park, such as dinosaur objects bursting out from the walls.
There are also unique stores selling glassware, candles, and Ryukyu vintage clothing, making it a recommended stop for those looking for Okinawan-style items.

SOHO is an import select shop thoroughly dedicated to all things American.
It proposes American style from every angle, including workwear, Hawaiian, and biker fashion.
Among its offerings, items from the iconic American brand Ralph Lauren are especially popular, with stylish pieces for men and women of all ages.
The second floor features vintage jeans and goods related to the four major American sports, creating an irresistible space for fans of American casual fashion.
The basement floor, lined with authentic military goods released from U.S. military stock, is recommended for finding unique accents for your style.
The store interior itself is also a highlight, with displays featuring vintage signs and neon signs that make you feel as though you are exploring a warehouse in a foreign country.

Okinawaya Mihama Branch is a specialty Okinawan souvenir shop marked by its red sign and unique character object.
Oldies music plays in the background, letting you shop in the exotic atmosphere unique to American Village.
Though compact, the store is packed with Okinawan souvenirs tourists look for, from standard items to rarer finds, including awamori, Okinawan sweets, and seasonings.
Popular items such as Beni-Imo Ippai Manju and Jagariko Taco Rice Flavor are especially loved and even have many repeat buyers.
You are also likely to find Mihama-original items and limited-edition character goods that are hard to get elsewhere, making it perfect for those looking for more unusual souvenirs.

OKINAWA MARKET is a souvenir and variety goods shop that carries only items created through its own unique filter.
The store offers goods such as accessories, stationery, and other items themed around Okinawan nature and culture, making it a place where you can find unique products not usually seen in standard Okinawan souvenir shops.
Its main appeal lies in its rich selection of limited collaboration items with creators from within and outside Okinawa as well as overseas, including T-shirts featuring Ryukyu Kingdom playing card motifs and Sanrio character designs.
Because the shop offers pieces you can appreciate almost like works of art, it is especially popular with style-conscious young people and adult travelers.
It is a place worth visiting not only to find a keepsake from your Okinawa trip but also to look for souvenirs that bring a touch of Okinawa into everyday life.

A resort-style tower hotel rising right in front of Sunset Beach, known for its beautiful sunsets, within the grounds of American Village.
Its biggest appeal is the spectacular view from its 24-story structure, one of the tallest in Okinawa Prefecture.
All 280 guest rooms come with a balcony, allowing you to enjoy beautiful ocean views, sunsets, and night scenery.
Room types range from business to family and group stays, and amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air purifiers, and a full set of toiletries are also well provided, offering a stay that combines functionality with great views.
Another highlight is Chatan Megumi Onsen Mihama no Yu, the first natural hot spring in Okinawa Prefecture.
The sodium-hydrogen carbonate spring water that wells up from 1,400 meters underground is said to be effective for neuralgia and muscle pain, helping soothe the fatigue of travel.

A resort hotel where you can enjoy luxurious time with excellent facilities.
The large bath on the top floor features a natural hot spring pumped up from 1,400 meters underground, something rare in Okinawa. Soaking slowly in the modern space is sure to soothe skin tired from time spent under the Okinawan sun.
The top floor also has the hotel’s popular infinity pool overlooking the sea and sunset, an observation jacuzzi, gazebos, and other spa facilities full of resort atmosphere.

An urban resort hotel located in the center of American Village.
Its excellent location is part of its appeal, with a 10-story main building, a large observation bath and sauna on the top floor, and a rooftop pool overlooking the East China Sea on the 12th floor of the annex (April–October / additional fee).
It is especially recommended for family trips with children because of its extensive family-friendly services.
For example, children age 18 and under can stay free when sharing a bed with parents or grandparents, breakfast is free for children age 5 and under, and kids’ amenities such as strollers and baby beds can be borrowed free of charge.
In addition, the hotel has a strong security system in place and is certified as a Welcome Baby Inn, so even guests with babies can stay safely and with peace of mind.

Located in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, this area is surrounded by red brick roofs and stone walls and is home to 19 yachimun pottery studios. Yachimun is Okinawan pottery known for its thick, rustic texture and bold painted designs.
While based on production rooted in Okinawa’s unique traditions and techniques, each studio adds its own original methods and designs, giving every workshop a distinct character.
At the studios, you can watch artisans at work and purchase their pieces, and some studios also offer pottery-making experiences.

A gusuku (Okinawan castle) in Nakagusuku Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture, said to have been built around the 15th century.
It is known for having been developed by Gosamaru, a figure from the Ryukyu Kingdom period, and is one of the best-preserved gusuku in Okinawa. In 2000, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.
Its beautifully curved stone walls are a distinctive feature, showing the high level of castle-building technology of the time.

Located along the East China Sea in Onna Village, near the center of Okinawa Main Island, Cape Manzamo is one of Okinawa’s representative scenic spots.
A cape of Ryukyu limestone formed by uplifted coral has been eroded by waves into an Approx. 20-meter cliff with a distinctive shape said to resemble an elephant’s trunk.
The view of blue sky, cobalt-blue sea, and cliffs struck by white surf is truly spectacular, and the beauty of the East China Sea, which changes color depending on the season, weather, and time of day, is also not to be missed.