Discovering Okinawa's Mihama American Village: A Complete Guide for Visitors - Japan Travel Sights

Mihama American Village, located along the coast of Chatan Town in central Okinawa Island, is a vibrant amusement town known for its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere.

The area is packed with cafes, restaurants, shops selling unique goods, and fashion stores that attract both locals and tourists alike. In this guide, we’ll explore the highlights of this must-visit spot in Okinawa.

Overview and How to Enjoy Mihama American Village

What is Mihama American Village?

Mihama American Village is a resort town developed in the Mihama district of Chatan Town.

The area started developing in the 1990s, and in 1998, the American Depot, featuring American-themed goods, opened, marking the beginning of what is now known as Mihama American Village.

The colorful buildings and unique store designs quickly made it a popular destination.

In 2010, the seaside area saw the completion of a complex known as Depot Island, further enhancing the appeal with even more vibrant architecture.

With around 190 shops, you can fully enjoy both shopping and dining experiences here.

Explore the “American Depot” – A Treasure Trove of American Goods

Entering Mihama American Village from Route 58 at the Kuwie intersection, you’ll immediately see vibrant buildings after just 50 meters. This area is known as the Depot ABC Building, with the American Depot located at the forefront.

American Depot is famous for its collection of American-imported goods and secondhand clothing, earning the nickname “The Treasure Trove of American Goods.” The first floor is filled with various goods, while the second floor offers a wide selection of vintage clothing.

Address: 9-2 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Closed: None
Official Website: American Depot

The Vibrant “Depot Island” Area

A short one-minute walk west from American Depot brings you to the Depot Island area, where colorful buildings stand out even more. This area features more than ten buildings of various heights and styles, creating a dynamic and picturesque scene.

Address: 9-2 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa
Business Hours: Varies by shop
Closed: None (varies by shop)
Official Website: Depot Island

Hunting for Popular Photo Spots

Depot Island is known for its many Instagrammable spots. While the entire area is photogenic, some specific locations are especially popular. For example, the wall art depicting two retro fire trucks at FDDI (FIRE DEPT DEPOT ISLAND) is a favorite among visitors.

Another popular spot is the American car monument in front of the “depo island” shop. You can snap a cheerful photo by poking your head out of the car window.

At the seaside of Depot Island, you’ll find a promenade lined with towering trees and retro street clocks, providing a fun and picturesque walk.

One of the highlights is the large crescent moon sculpture on the boardwalk.

Additionally, the terrace at the seaside building on the 4th floor offers a romantic view of the ocean, making it a popular photo spot.

Lastly, don’t miss Yousan-D Plaza, which connects Depot Island with the white sand Sunset Beach.

The antique-style streetlights create a moody atmosphere at night, perfect for an evening stroll.

The name “Yousan-D” comes from an Okinawan expression meaning “evening,” and the sunset views here are breathtaking.

Okinawa’s Own Coffee Stand: ZHYVAGO COFFEE ROASTERY

ZHYVAGO COFFEE WORKS is a coffee stand that blends the vibes of the West Coast of the U.S. with Okinawa’s west coast. Known for its house-roasted coffee, this flagship store has been a hit since its opening in September 2020, drawing crowds from morning onwards.

The menu includes options like the “Americano” (530 yen) and “Latte” (570 yen), along with a variety of homemade cakes and cookies. The “New York Cheesecake” (520 yen) is particularly popular.

The café also offers charming latte art, with designs inspired by cherries.

Address: 34-1 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa (Lequ Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort 1st Floor)
Business Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Closed: None

Get Unique Pottery Souvenirs at “potte Mihama”

Potte Mihama is a pottery specialty shop operated by the Arakaki Tile Factory, which produces traditional Okinawan red tiles. The shop offers a selection of original works and pottery made by local artists.

One of the shop’s popular brands is the “Black Frame Series,” featuring six designs with Okinawan motifs like the Yambaru Kuina bird and the Kijimuna spirit. The shop also offers a variety of plates, mugs, and other items.

A highlight of the collection is the “Ceramic Candle” (2,300 yen each), which comes in fun designs like Mt. Fuji or sushi on the handle. After the candle is used up, the holder can be repurposed as a small container.

Address: 9-1 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa (Depot Island C 1st Floor)
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Closed: None

American Diner with Ocean Views: RENNY’S DINER

RENNY’S DINER is a casual American diner concept located on the second floor of a building facing the Depot Island boardwalk, offering an excellent view of the ocean from its terrace, especially during sunset.

The menu includes bagels and sandwiches, with the most popular dish being the “Chicken Over Rice” (1,200 yen), a flavorful dish inspired by New York street food. The diner also offers a selection of American craft beers that pair perfectly with the meals.

Another specialty is the “Bagel French Toast” (1,200 yen), made with chewy bagel dough and topped with organic maple syrup.

Address: 9-39 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa (Oak Fashion Building 2nd Floor)
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last Order: 6:00 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays

Enjoy a Free Ride on the Mihama Shuttle Cart

Mihama American Village offers a free automated shuttle cart service.

Two routes are available: one that travels along the seaside between Depot Island Boardwalk and Uminchu Wharf, and another that connects various hotels and spots within Mihama American Village.

The cart operates daily on the public road route and on weekends along the seaside route.

Official Website: Mihama Shuttle Cart

Weekly Fireworks at Chatan

Every Saturday at 8:00 PM, a three-minute fireworks display lights up the sky.

This event began in 2020 as a symbol of hope for the early end of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues every week with the support of local businesses and shops.

Depot Island also features year-round illuminations, which add to the festive atmosphere before and after the fireworks show.

Official Website: Depot Island Events

How to Access Mihama American Village

When traveling from Naha Airport to Mihama American Village using public transportation, you have two main options: bus or taxi. Let’s explore each method of access.

By Bus

The travel time from Naha Airport to Mihama American Village varies slightly depending on the service, but it typically takes around 1 hour and 10 to 20 minutes. There are two main types of bus services: local buses and airport limousine buses. The local buses are operated by two companies: Okinawa Bus and Kariyushi Sightseeing. The details for each service are as follows:

• Local Bus (Okinawa Bus)
  • Take bus No. 120 (Nago West Airport Line) from Naha Airport and get off at “Kuwae.” From “Kuwae,” it’s about a 3-minute walk to Mihama American Village. The fare is 800 yen.
• Local Bus (Kariyushi Sightseeing)
  • Kariyushi Sightseeing operates two bus lines: the Churaumi Liner and the Chatan Liner. Both cost 810 yen, and you should get off at “American Village-mae (in front of Aeon Chatan).” The Churaumi Liner requires a reservation and is the fastest option, taking about 52 minutes, with a departure time of 11:08 AM from Naha Airport and arriving at American Village at 12:00 PM.
• Airport Limousine Bus
  • If you take the Airport Limousine Bus, board the Area A bus and get off at “The Beach Tower Okinawa.” From there, it’s about a 3-minute walk to Mihama American Village. The fare is 810 yen.

By Taxi

If you choose to take a taxi from Naha Airport, the journey will take approximately 45 minutes and cost around 3,500 to 4,000 yen.

While this guide focuses on public transportation options, it’s also worth noting that Route 58, which connects Naha Airport and Mihama American Village, runs along the coast. Renting a car and enjoying a seaside drive is another excellent option.

Address: 9-1 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa, 904-0115
Phone Number: 098-926-4455 (Chatan Town Tourism Information Center)
Business Hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Official Website: Mihama American Village