16 best sightseeing spots in Chatan, Okinawa! Enjoy shopping & beach in your road trip!

Information about recommended sightseeing spots in Chantan, Okinawa, from classic ones to secretive ones- you should never miss any of them!
Check out the recommended spots in Chatan area, from shopping facilities to gourmet hot spots with an American atmosphere, beautiful sunset beaches, history and lovely road stations!

Article published by: Jalan Rent-a-Car

* Introduced facilities are excerpted from Jalan.net Sightseeing Guide
* Please be mindful that the information and photos in this article may not be most updated. Please verify before heading there.

Mihama American Village

A popular spot where you can enjoy shopping and dining in Okinawa! A complex with a motif of the west coast of the United States, and a Ferris wheel, a movie theater, and many other attractions where you can enjoy even in rainy days. The large parking lot can accommodate 1,500 cars.

＼Review Extracts／
There are 5 areas in total with various stores. It is like the US! There were many overseas visitors with English was flying around.
It’s a nice spot to eat around. Next to it is the Sunset Beach in where you can watch the sunset over the horizon.
(Visited in October 2018)

Let’s get on the Ferris wheel when you are around!! Indulge in the lovely, romantic atmosphere at sunset, or a bird eye’s view of Okinawa in clear days!
(Visited in April 2018)

Araha Beach

This beach was opened in Chatan-cho in April 2001, and it is easy to spot out for the replica of British sailing boat clearly visible from the driving road as it is discernible landmark. There are also children’s playground and basketball goals- a spot always filled with sport lovers doing exercise, jogging, and strolling in evening. As the swimming area is large, visitors can enjoy as much as they want, while it is safe as there are lifeguards on duty.

＼Review Extracts／
Very recommendable, a nice beach to fully enjoy the beautiful cobalt sea, the essence when traveling in Okinawa.
(Visited in July 2016)

I went there by a rental car, while it was not crowded at all.
It is perfect and recommended as you can stop by in your road trip. I would love to go there again.
(Visited in May 2018)

Sunset Beach

Located in Mihama, Chatan-cho, Sunset Beach has a shopping mall and a movie theatre, it is a very popular beach for local people because it offers beautiful views of the sunset over the horizon. Facilities such as showers, lockers, and sun loungers are all in place for visitors to spend all day long. Recommended for couples.
Make your Okinawa trip unforgettable with a splendid sunset.

＼Review Extracts／
The ocean is very beautiful, and it is enjoyable to gaze at it.
Also, the night view from the evening is very heavenly. Visit there if you have time!
(visited in October 2018)

It is really beautiful, I promise. I just forgot about the time while watching the sceneries, which gradually changes as the sunset tilts. The color of the setting sun was the most beautiful among any ones I have ever watched.
(Visited in February 2018)

Miyagi Coast

As a mecca of Okinawa marine sports, it is always crowded with divers and surfers. Diving shops are also concentrated in this area. Watch the beautiful sunset, and it is popular as a dating spot for couples as well.

＼Review Extracts／
It’s a very beautiful coast.
The sea was crystal clear, and I so felt calm watching it.
I want to visit again to relax myself.
(Visited in March 2017)

I just arrived at sunset. The view was wonderful as the orange light from the setting sun was like embracing the sky and the sea.
(Visited in August 2015)

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins

The remains of Nakagusuku Castle reveal the old memories of the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
See the magnificent curved castle walls that make use of natural rocks and stones and terrain, and the skillful masonry techniques at the time.
Designated as a World Heritage Site as one of the “Gusuku sites and Related Properties of the Ryuku Kingdom “.

＼Review Extracts／
I wondered how the stones were piled up to create the curved stone wall, it reminded me of the Great Wall of China. The panoramic view was really beautiful. Different from Shuri Castle, it’s a different kind of beauty, very much thought evoking.
(Visited in February 2018)

Nakagusuku Castle Remains is a spot with a lot of highlights as it is designated as a World Heritage Site, and the ocean view seen from the observatary was also amazing!
(Visited in May 2016)

Ginowan Tropical Beach

A topical beach located on the west coast of Ginowan City, a white sand beach with azure sky. It is a “tropical” as its name suggested. Visitors can enjoy swimming under the shining sun; or enjoy a barbecue under the beautiful sunset at horizon. It’s an attractive beach!!

＼Review Extracts／
Going to beaches is a must do in Okinawa, and that’s why I am here. I was so stunned by the beauty, that it didn’t disappoint me. The sandy beach was also fascinating, beautiful.
(Visited in August 2013)

It is a beach full of attractions with cobalt sea and white sand, with the discernible Okinawan feel. The event’s vibrant.
(Visited in June 2017)

Futenmagu

One of the eight Ryukyu shrines- with a legendary limestone cave just behind the front shrine (haiden).

＼Review Extracts／
The cave with a rear shrine (okumiya) was really mysterious. The air was so clear, and I do think that this spot needs to be preserved.
(Visited in August 2015)

It was one of the eight Ryukyu shrines, a historic tenmangu shrine.
The shrine was surrounded by nature and had a solemn atmosphere.
(Visited in July 2015)

Kurashiki Dam

Approx. 2 km north from the Southeast Botanical Gardens (for Kurashiki Environment), there is a dam.

＼Review Extracts／
A dam with wonderful views.
There is also a museum where you can study the functions of dam and the nature of water. The views at the observatory deck is breath-taking, too.
(Visited in July 2017)

We walked slowly looking down at the water of the dam lake. The weather was so good, the blue sky reflected on the lake surface and was heavenly. I absolutely want to go again.
(Visited in August 2015)

Takau Tomb of Iso

It is commonly believed that the remains of the dead bodies of Esoyononushi, the father of King Eiso, and two Anjis (royal tribes) are stored there. It was built using a cliff cave with masonry in front of the tomb. It is called Takau because it is about 20m above the ground.

＼Review Extracts／
I visited it when I was around, it was a very splendid and large grave. I learnt that during the seamy season, descendants seem to come to worship for the ancestor memorial service.
(Visited in September 2017)

Located in Urasoe City. The atmosphere itself is perfect for a relaxing stroll. I don’t feel like it’s a tomb, I feel history.
(Visited in May 2018)

Mori no Kawa

In 1372, when Okinawa was called Kingdom of Ryukyu, the first person who was officially engaged in diplomacy with the Chinese Ming Dynasty as the king of the central region of Okinawa was the local great man called “Satto”. He is said to have been a noble man born between the poor Okuma Ufuya and a celestial maiden who met at the sacred spring called “Mori no Kawa”, and his fields were full of gold and silver, and he was said to have lived in a pavilion called the Golden Palace.

＼Review Extracts／
This water was the legendary as it’s where the celestial maiden descended. It has an abundant amount of spring water, and an important water source for local people. The current construction of masonry is said to have been made in 1725 by the order of the king of Ryukyu kingdom at the time.
As Mori no Kawa is now a part of a well-remodeled park, with parking lots, bathrooms, rest areas and vending machines, it is a modern visiting spot. A perfect spot to drop by during a road trip.
(visited on October 13th, 2017)

Ahachabashi

A stone bridge was built over the Kowan River when King Shonei upgraded the road from Shuri to Urasoe Gusuku to a cobblestone road in 1597, and it was comprised of a north bridge, a south bridge, and a cobblestone road. It was almost all destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa, but a recovery project started in 1995 and a part of north bridge and a cobblestone road were both restored. Currently, the southern part and a cobbled road are under construction.

＼Review Extracts／
It was the bridge built over the road leading to the Ryukyu kingdom and it has become a national treasure. It looks like a normal stone bridge, but it sounds simply more when you came to know about its background.
(Visited in July 2017)

It is a stone bridge stood quietly in a tiny spot, but its backstory is impressive. I am glad to have seen it. I wanna come again.
(Visited in March 2018)

Tamagusuku Choukun Tomb

Tamagusuku Choukun is a founder of Ryuku national drama and Kumiodori. Chokun was born to Tamagusuk Magiri Sojito family in 1684. With his natural talents, he worked as a dance magistrate and created a theater style called kumiodori to welcome a party of the Chinese envoys (sapposhi). This tomb is a tortoiseshell tomb of the Tamagusuk family built around the late 17th century and has an unusual shape. The roof was destroyed in the Battle of Okinawa, later restored in March 2005.

＼Review Extracts／
It is a tomb of the Tamagusuk family in Urasoe city, it is like fused with nature. The shape was new to me, and I think the spot itself is a good for a walk.
(Visited in June 2018)

It was a tomb of a great man and was fully furnished. The area around the tomb was so close to nature, much closer than I expected which is definitely heart soothing.
(Visited in September 2017)

Cobblestone Road of Touyama

It is a 200m long, 3m wide S-shaped rugged cobblestone road. A part of the Chuo Kaido connecting the Shuri Castle and the central part of Okinawa Island during the Ryukyu Kingdom period.

＼Review Extracts／
I think that this kind of stone-paved roads are rare nowadays. It was good to see, it was touching.
(Visited in March 2018)

It is a cobblestobe road near Urasoe Castle remains and Urasoe Yodo. It gives out a very nice atmosphere and it has become my favorite spot. The parking space is within reach as well.
(Visited in November 2017)

Michinoeki Kadena

Michinoeki Kadena: From the observatory on the 4th floor, you can take in a bird eye’s view of the U.S. Military Airfield and you can learn about the history of Kadena-cho and its relationship with the military base by experiencing it together with the learning exhibition room on the 3rd floor. There are restaurants on the 2nd floor and you can also purchase souvenirs such as snacks and specialties on the 1st floor. When you are nearby Kadena-cho, come and be amazed.

＼Review Extracts／
Highly recommended for families! There are so many delicious items and souvenirs unique to Okinawa- a spot to enjoy shopping and eating around.
(Visited in August 2016)

The parking space was large and very convenient. There were souvenir shops selling local vegetables and fruits. From the rooftop, you can see flights taking off and landing at the U.S. military base.
(Visited in November 2018)

Kakazu Koudai Observatory

This park was created using a natural forest on a small hill in the west of Ginowan City. It is said that it became a fierce battleground in the Battle of Okinawa and caused many casualties, and the memorial tower was built to comfort the spirits. There is an observatory with the image of a globe in the park and you can see not only the city, but also Zanpa Cape in the north and the Kerama Islands in the west. It is on a highland, so the view is simply wonderful

＼Review Extracts／
The appearance was interesting as it is like a globe. The weather was very good on the day of visit and the sceneries were excellent.
(Visited in August 2015)

I have been touring around Okinawa with a rental car. The view was spectacular, and I felt heart-healed. I will come again.
(Visited in November 2016)

Ihayu Tomb

Born in Naha City in early Meiji era, he was the founder of Okinawan studies who explored the culture of native Okinawa. The tomb and the memorial monument stand at the remains of Urasoe Castle.

＼Review Extracts／
The surroundings were like a forest, and the tombs were a bit mossy. It was old but nice to feel quaint atmosphere.
(Visited in December 2017)

* The information of the article is as in November 2018.
* Be mindful that the information is for reference only. In case of any difference, please follow the transportation rules and signs at the site.