In Chatan, Okinawa one can find the nostalgic "American Village." As the name suggests, the entire city is based upon traditional American culture and filled with themed restaurants, shops and entertainment. The village is located on the coastline and therefore, also adds the possibility of a nice and relaxed day on Sunset Beach to the agenda. It is definitely a fun and quirky place to go to if you are looking to spend some time in a place that seems to be a mix of Santa Monica, Disneyland and a Japanese megastore.
- 1 min read
American Village
Experience 1950's America in Okinawa
By Tinka Weener
Community writer
The entrance to American Village
Boardwalk in the American Village
There are many restaurants including Western, Japanese and local Okinawa cuisines
Okinawa/Hawai infuences
Okinawa Yankees
Kebab store
You can even go bowling in the American Village
You can find many military themed stores
Ferris Wheel. In Okinawa they say that couples that ride it together will breakup a few days later
In Depot Island you can find many imported goods
Star Theaters show movies in Japanese and in English with subtitles
American vintage clothing store
Typical American seafood restaurants such as Red lobster can be found
Even the trash cans are Americanised
The entrance to Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is an artificial but very pleasant beach
Nostalgic Coca Cola commercial at Sunset Beach
Many locals go for a run around Sunset Beach in the afternoon
Sunset Beach is, unsurprisingly, famous for its sunsets
There are many options for water sport in Okinawa
Join the discussion
Corinna David
9 years ago
Amazing photos love the color, so vibrant!
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
What a novel idea haha
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
2Discover Hakodate: A Vibrant Port City in Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
3A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA
Tokyo - Sponsored -
4Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
5See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored -
6Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
7Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
8An Immersive Look Into Akita’s Food Heritage
Akita - Sponsored -
9Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
10A Journey Through Western Kyushu
Nagasaki - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)
Fukuoka -
6Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
7Tori-no-Ichi
Tokyo -
8Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
10Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo