7 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Chatan Town: A Full Day of Fun at a Tropical Resort

Located south of Kadena Air Base, Chatan Town is a place where you can enjoy a unique, exotic atmosphere. It offers sightseeing spots reminiscent of a tropical resort, such as Mihama American Village and Araha Beach. The town is characterized by its colorful exteriors and large-scale buildings. It feels almost like being abroad, making it a fun and immersive experience. With so many sightseeing attractions, you can enjoy exploring all day long! In this article, we’ll introduce some recommended tourist spots in Chatan Town.

1. Giant Ferris Wheel Landmark! Fully Enjoy Okinawa at Mihama American Village

If you visit Chatan Town, one place you absolutely must not miss is Mihama American Village. Known as a stylish shopping spot, the area gives you the feeling of being in America the moment you step inside. It's often said that if you want to shop, this is the place where you can find everything.
Even if you forget to bring some clothes to enjoy the beach, you can easily buy them here—no worries at all. There are also plenty of places to enjoy meals, and the portion sizes are American-style too, so you can fill your stomach to your heart’s content.

Taking a ride on the Ferris wheel at the center of Mihama American Village and gazing out at the beautiful sunset or night view is a romantic experience not to be missed. Mihama American Village is a place you'll want to visit over and over again, and it stands out as one of Chatan’s most iconic tourist attractions that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

2. Araha Beach - A Scenic White Sand Seaside Destination

Araha Beach offers a relaxing resort-like atmosphere with its wide stretch of white sand and crystal-clear sea. Compared to other beaches, it's not very crowded, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the laid-back pace of Okinawa. The calm waves also make it safe for children to play. However, for children of elementary school age and below, a guardian must be present, or a lifeguard will issue a warning—so please be mindful of this.
You’ll often see Americans training or walking their dogs along the beach, giving it a bit of an international vibe. There are few food options and no shops nearby, so it’s best to buy food and drinks beforehand. Showers are available, and lifeguards are on duty, making it a safe and enjoyable beach experience.

3. Enjoy the American Atmosphere at Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a man-made beach located near Mihama American Village. While it's a nice place to visit during the day, it becomes especially lively in the evening as people gather to enjoy the sunset. You’ll encounter various individuals capturing photos from the best spots or simply soaking in the beautiful twilight scenery. In July each year, a local festival takes place with a spectacular fireworks show. Okinawan fireworks are known for their grand scale and powerful impact. Be sure to take this opportunity to enjoy the dazzling fireworks over the water!

4. Super Affordable Shopping at Dragon Palace

Dragon Palace is a large shopping center located in the American Village. It is lined with shops selling fashion, souvenirs, and miscellaneous goods, all at affordable prices—making it a perfect spot for souvenir hunting.
On the first floor, there's a souvenir shop called “Oka no Ipponmatsu,” where you can find Okinawan items such as sweets like chinsuko, cosmetics, and trinkets at very cheap prices. It’s worth a visit if you’re looking for reasonably priced gifts. The shop resembles those on Kokusai Street, so if you want a lot of souvenirs at budget-friendly rates, this is the place to go!

5. A Sacred Spot for Chunichi Dragons Fans - Chatan Park

Chatan Park’s baseball stadium becomes the spring training camp of the Chunichi Dragons every February, making it a must-visit destination for fans. Since it’s right next to Mihama American Village, you can easily walk between the two and even enjoy a swim at the beach. You can also have lunch in the nearby Mihama American Village, making it a recommended spot to spend the entire day.
If you're staying nearby, it's also a great place for a morning walk. Many foreign residents of the area take walks there, giving it the feel of strolling through a park overseas.

6. Enjoy the American Vibe at Depot Island

Located along the national highway, Depot Island is a shopping mall with a fun, maze-like layout of stores. There’s a café at the entrance, and once inside, you’re greeted by a distinctly American atmosphere. Just walking around, you can enjoy a different vibe from both Japan and Okinawa. It has also been featured on television, making it a must-visit if you're in Chatan. You’ll feel like you’re in a theme park.

7. Terme VILLA Chula-U: A Refreshing Hot Spring Experience for Smooth Skin

After playing at the beach, many people visit Terme VILLA Chula-U to refresh themselves. There, you can enjoy various facilities such as pools and jacuzzis filled with hot spring water. Since it tends to get crowded in the evening, visiting during the day is recommended. If you go in the late afternoon, you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset while swimming. The hot spring baths are especially recommended because they make your skin feel silky smooth.
After spending time under the sun at the beach, your skin may be damaged by UV rays. Soaking in a hot spring helps your skin recover and feels soothing. Some hotels even offer free admission tickets to this highly recommended healing spot. In addition to hot baths, there are also foot baths and services like doctor fish that help exfoliate and cleanse your skin. It’s a spot you should definitely visit after a day at the beach.

◎ Summary

What did you think? We’ve introduced seven attractive sightseeing spots in Chatan Town. But there are still many more places to enjoy in Chatan! You can experience an international atmosphere and feel like you’re in a resort area while enjoying shopping and dining at reasonable prices.

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7 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Chatan Town: A Full Day of Fun at a Tropical Resort