American Village

Top choice in Naha

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This amusement-park-esque, American-themed shopping mall is as kitsch as they come, but if you can resist your instinctive resistance, closer exploration will provide a fascinating glimpse into modern Okinawan life, where off-duty GIs shop for memories of home alongside Chinese tourists on the hunt for Americana. There are some excellent vintage-clothing stores, a bunch of fun dining options and a big-ass Ferris wheel to boot.

Take the 20, 28 or 29 bus from Naha to the Kuwae stop (40 minutes, ¥720).

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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    7.36 MILES

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  • Daichi Makishi Kōsetsu Ichiba

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Nearby Naha attractions

1. Shuri-jō

7.25 MILES

This reconstructed castle was originally built in the 14th century and served as the administrative centre and royal residence of the Ryūkyū kingdom until…

4. Shikina-en

8.19 MILES

Around 4km east of the city centre is a Chinese-style garden containing stone bridges, a viewing pavilion and a villa that belonged to the Ryūkyū royal…

5. Tsuboya Pottery Museum

8.22 MILES

The excellent Tsuboya Pottery Museum houses some fine examples of traditional Okinawan pottery. Here you can also inspect potters' wheels and arayachi …

6. Tsuboya Pottery Street

8.23 MILES

One of the best parts of Naha is this neighbourhood, a centre of ceramic production from 1682, when Ryūkyū kilns were consolidated here by royal decree…

7. Daichi Makishi Kōsetsu Ichiba

8.25 MILES

In Naha, a great place to sample everyday Okinawan eats is at one of the 2nd-floor eateries in this covered food market just off Ichibahon-dōri, about…

8. Fukushū-en

8.49 MILES

Garden fans should take a stroll through peaceful, Chinese-style Fukushū-en. All materials were brought from Fuzhou, Naha's sister city in China,…