American Village

Built on land reclaimed from a former US military facility, American Village in Chatan Town is a shopping and entertainment complex that reflects the American-Okinawan cultural mix that has developed over decades. The buildings run colorful and eclectic, with some blocks evoking California beach-town architecture. A Ferris wheel marks the skyline, and the complex includes a cinema, dozens of restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs. Adjacent Sunset Beach, a man-made stretch of sand, is the spot to watch the sun drop into the East China Sea. The area picks up pace after dark, with neon lighting and a young crowd that keeps things lively into the late hours.