Embark on a one-day journey to the vibrant town of Chatan, where American influence meets Okinawan culture. Begin your adventure at the American Village, a unique and colorful neighborhood that offers a slice of Americana in Japan. Spend about 3 hours soaking in the lively atmosphere, exploring quirky shops, and enjoying the themed architecture. Next, make your way to Depot Island, a general shopping mall that's perfect for picking up souvenirs and indulging in retail therapy for an hour. As the day winds down, head to Chatan Park Sunset Beach. This picturesque spot is ideal for a relaxing hour, where you can witness one of Okinawa's breathtaking sunsets, capping off your day with a serene experience by the sea. This compact itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Chatan's diverse attractions, all within a short time frame, making it perfect for travelers on the go or those looking to maximize a layover.
1 Day in Chatan Itinerary: Day 1
American Village
Kickstart your Chatan adventure at the American Village, a unique and vibrant neighborhood that offers a slice of the USA in the heart of Okinawa. As the first stop of your day, spend about 3 hours immersing yourself in the eclectic atmosphere, where the fusion of American and Okinawan cultures creates a lively and colorful experience. Stroll through the themed streets, explore the variety of shops, and don't miss the iconic Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from Mihama, Chatan.
Attraction Info
- Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan
- Suggested tour duration: 3 hour
- Open from 10:00am-10:00pm
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Depot Island
Just a short walk from the American Village, Depot Island awaits as your second destination. This general shopping mall is the perfect place to continue your Chatan journey, offering an array of stores and eateries for a more relaxed pace. Spend an hour here to browse through local and international brands, pick up unique souvenirs, and perhaps enjoy a quick snack to refuel for the rest of your day's explorations.
Attraction Info
- 9-1 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0115, Japan
- Open from 10:00am-9:00pm
Chatan Park Sunset Beach
Conclude your day at Chatan Park Sunset Beach, a picturesque spot that's just a stone's throw away from the bustling neighborhoods you've visited earlier. Allocate an hour to unwind on the sandy shores and soak in the serene beauty of the sunset. This beach is not only a perfect place to reflect on your day's journey through Chatan but also offers a tranquil escape where the sky's changing hues and the gentle sea breeze provide a fitting end to your one-day itinerary.
Attraction Info
- Japan, 〒904-0115 Okinawa, Nakagami District, Chatan, Mihama, ２
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
- Open from 7:30am-10:00pm
Top Things to Do in Chatan-2024
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Based on 5,531 review- Recreate the deep sea world of Okinawa and watch 150 rare deep sea creatures from 200 meters deep in the sea up close.
- Learn more about shark habits in the ocean observation room through an intense and emotional Kuroshio adventure.
- Observe corals, colorful tropical fish, lobsters and other rich sea creatures up close, and listen to the call from the sea.
△ Whale Shark Sculpture, a huge whale shark statue is waiting for you at the entrance of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Stand in front of the Whale Shark Monument and take a beautiful commemorative photo with the words "Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium" on the back as the background!
After passing the Whale Shark Sculpture, Uminchu Gate awaits you. Uminchu means "fisherman" in the Okinawan dialect. From Uminchu Gate, you can enjoy the emerald-green ocean of Okinawa and the endless beauty of Ie Island. Take the escalator from Fisherman's Gate to the third floor. The entrance to Churaumi Aquarium is on your right. After entering the entrance, there is a row of touch pools. You can personally touch starfish, sea cucumbers and other marine life living in the coral reefs. They are all safe. You only need to touch them lightly, but please do not take them out of the water. There are special wash basins and hand dryers next to the touch pool. Going forward is a huge water tank called the "Coral Sea", with about 800 coral reef communities composed of 70 species of corals. There is also the "Sea of Tropical Fish", where various tropical fish thrive in seawater that simulates the natural environment.
△ The huge water tank "Kuroshio Sea" runs through two floors. In 7,500 cubic meters of sea water, three whale sharks over 8 meters long swim around above your head, which is very shocking. On the first floor of the aquarium, there are areas such as the deep-sea adventure area, Happy Ocean Research Laboratory and souvenir shop. If you want to buy some souvenirs, the aquarium’s T-shirts, whale shark and manta ray plush toys, mobile phone lanyards, etc. are all good choices. Outside the aquarium, there are several venues near the sea, including the Manatee Pavilion, Turtle Pavilion, Dolphin Lake and Dolphin Theater, which can be visited together.
△ The "Aqua Room" allows people to observe whale sharks and manta rays from various angles. There is a Cafe"Ocean Blue " next to the large tank, where you can enjoy pasta, pita bread, rice tortillas, cakes, sweet potato ice cream and other delicacies while watching the fish in the "Kuroshio Sea". The cafe does not accept reservations. When there are many people, you need to queue up to get a number. In addition, there is a "Churaumi Theater" on the second floor, which screens multiple high-definition documentaries about Okinawa's ocean every day.
* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.
* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.
