Delivering tips and recommended areas for traveling in Okinawa from @owncolorstravel, an Okinawa-based blogger focused on travel and lifestyle.
The Christmas season has arrived, and the year is quickly coming to an end!
This time, as someone living on the main island of Okinawa, I’ll be sharing the seasonal highlights of American Village, a popular tourist area in Chatan, located in the central part of the island. If you’re planning a trip to Okinawa or are simply curious, be sure to check it out!
・Chatan’s American Village adorned in festive Christmas colors
Every winter season, American Village hosts a dazzling illumination event, transforming the entire area into a vibrant, festive scene.
While it’s great to visit during the day, the night offers a different charm with stunning light displays, making for a unique evening stroll.
With Santa, reindeer, Christmas trees, and more, the decorations throughout the entire facility are a yearly tradition. They enhance the festive atmosphere, making the Christmas and winter holiday season even more cheerful and uplifting.
American Village is home to many shops, each adorned with festive decorations both inside and out, making it a delight to explore the area on foot.
Although Okinawa is often associated with tropical resorts, Christmas illuminations are taken seriously, with hotels and various facilities putting on vibrant displays. A trip to Okinawa during this season is perfect for Christmas dates or family fun, offering something for everyone—from kids to adults!
When you need a break, you can sit on the benches along the coast and enjoy the ocean view, have lunch at a café or restaurant, shop for Okinawan souvenirs, or browse the stores. There are plenty of ways to spend your time, each offering a unique experience.
You’ll even spot snowmen during this season—something you can’t see in the summer. It’s a great source of inspiration for decorating your own home with trees and festive items.
In Chatan, where many American residents live, the neighborhood houses are beautifully decorated for Christmas, giving the area a vibe reminiscent of the movie Home Alone.
It would be interesting if they set up an outdoor skating rink near the coast! Although, with Okinawa’s warm days, I can’t help but wonder if there’d be concerns about it melting. Still, the contrast of skating by the ocean in a tropical setting sounds pretty unique and fun!
There are plenty of photo-worthy spots! For example, between the soldier statues or among the various characters scattered around. With so many fun decorations, you can fully enjoy a photo tour while exploring the area.
・How about stopping by a pizza place when you feel a bit hungry?
PIZZA STAND NY OKINAWA 34-1 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0115
A pizza place located inside American Village.
This is a New York-style pizza shop where you can order by the slice, making it perfect for satisfying a small hunger while strolling around. It’s casual and easy to enjoy!
They serve reheated slices from pizzas that are already baked, and you can enjoy them inside the shop. However, since the sea is nearby, taking your pizza to go and eating by the beach is also a great option.
And another spot to check out is Renny’s Diner, which boasts an ocean view.
Renny’s Diner 2F Oak Fashion Building, 9-39 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0115
Here, too, you can enjoy New York-style pizza by the slice, all while taking in the ocean view from the terrace.
For my order, I chose a pizza topped with figs, bacon, and cheese.
In addition to pizza, their menu also includes chicken over rice, sandwiches, bagels, and more!
They also had Christmas trees and other decorations, which really added to the festive atmosphere.
・Strolling along the Chatan Fisharina area by the sea
The adjacent area is the Chatan Fisharina district.
Lined with palm trees along the coast where the Hilton Hotel and DoubleTree by Hilton stand, it features a scenic promenade perfect for a breezy seaside stroll. This spot is also ideal for a romantic date.
The well-maintained green lawns, stunning Okinawan sea, and tranquil atmosphere offer a peaceful escape from the bustling American Village. How about walking hand-in-hand along the promenade and chatting by the water’s edge? Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
The steakhouse I featured in my previous blog is also located in the Fisharina district, making it a perfect spot to set the stage for a delightful dinner in the evening.
Cycling around this area is also a great way to enjoy it, so consider adding it to your plans.
It’s not too late to plan a Christmas trip to Okinawa! Why not create some unforgettable memories with your special someone while spending Christmas in this tropical paradise?