Day 4: Busena Marine Park --> Nakamura Soba --> Cape Manzamo --> Mihama American Village
Once we were done at Cape Manzamo, it was time for some shopping! The Mihama American Cillage was on the route back to Naha city and hence, it was on the itinerary for a pit shop.
Ok, to be honest, that wasn't the real reason why its on the itinerary. I wasn't too terribly excited about the shopping here initially. I mean, from what I read online, it catered mostly to the US military staff stationed in Okinawa. The Mihama American Village is, as its namesake, fashioned to resemble an American styled entertainment complex. There are many US military bases in Okinawa and the complex itself was apparently even built on a disused base! I guess, it serves as a nice reminder of home for the many American staff stationed in Okinawa.
Given that it's an entertainment complex, its not surprising that there's an array of shops and restaurants. There's also an arcade and even a movie theatre. It would have been a good place to try the unique American-Japanese fusion cuisine like taco rice since there were many places offering them. Except we were done with lunch and it was way too early for dinner. Plus, we wanted to save tummy space for ice-cream instead.
Interestingly, my parents and I ended up spending the bulk of our time in Mihama American Village in drug stores and a version of a Don Quijote store. We ended up hauling shopping bags worth of Japanese snacks, household items, fashion accessories and even Sanrio knick-knacks! Serious. I bought myself a Sanrio calculator because it was just about SGD$15. I remembered seeing one in sunny Singapore for easily twice the price. Several of my Sanrio-fan friends also received gifts bought here. The variety and price was just too good to turn away from. Even my usually thrifty mom approved.
Unfortunately, because we spent so much time in those stores, we didn't have as much time exploring the other nooks and crannies of the place. If time had permitted, I would have loved to take a leisurely stroll to Sunset beach which was apparently within walking distance of the Mihama American Village. Okay and plus, we were way too laden with our shopping.
Instead, we hopped back onto our car for a short ride to a Blue Seal ice-cream store. When in Okinawa, definitely make sure you make the time to stop for a Blue Seal ice-cream. Blue Seal is a Japanese ice-cream chain prevalent in Okinawa and their slogan? "Born in America, Raised in Okinawa". So surprise that there would be a store within the vicinity of the American Village.
What I love most about ice-cream parlours, is to walk up to the colourful display counter, read through all the different flavours and then picking some of those to try. Cheap thrill but I love the idea that I can try different flavours for free before making a decision.
We went with tropical flavours and those that Okinawa is famous for: Okinawan salt cookies, coconut, pineapple and the beni-imo. Dessert before dinner but heck, who cares when you're on vacation! Besides, these were super yums calories!
Another plus, there was a small display section for Blue Seal merchandise and I stopped to get some stationary as keepsakes.
Tourist Information
Mihama American Village
Address: Nakagami District, Chatan, Mihama, 9-1, 〒904-0115
Closes at 10 pm
Blue Seal Ice-cream
Depot Island Building D within the Mihama American Village
Opening hours: 12 noon to 8 pm, Mondays to Fridays and 11 am to 8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays
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