The illuminations at Mihama American Village are something that Okinawan residents look forward to every year!

Mihama American Village, which is lit up all year round and offers a magical atmosphere, is illuminated even more during the Christmas season, and giant sculptures of Santa Claus and gingerbread cookies also appear!

The area is completely immersed in Christmas spirit, and every angle is guaranteed to be photogenic. The illuminations are free to see, and there's a huge free parking lot available! It's perfect for relaxing at a town resort, or for a short stroll or just killing some time.

*This text is based on the 2024 fiscal year. We will update it as soon as the latest information is released.

Period/time

The illuminations at Mihama American Village are held annually from November to March. In 2024,2024年11月5日から2025年3月15日の毎日17：00～24：00までIt's lit up.

In addition to Christmas decorations, the illuminations will also feature objects related to other events such as Valentine's Day.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars around American Village that are open late into the night, so it's a great idea to enjoy a meal while admiring the illuminations.

Photo spot

*The following text describes the illuminations for 2024.*
I took a stroll through American Village on a weekday evening and enjoyed the Christmas illuminations, so I'd like to share five of my recommended photo spots!
American Village MapPlease check it out along with this.

① A large tree and Santa's sleigh

The passageway between "Depot Island Building D," which houses Blue Seal, and "Distortion Building," which is marked by a BURGER MARKET sign.It features a large Christmas tree, Santa's sleigh, and gingerbread cookie decorations.
I was captivated by the glittering Christmas tree. If you take a photo riding in a sleigh, it looks like you're enjoying a sky ride with Santa. There's also a snowman face cutout next to it! It's a classic photo spot, so it was bustling with photographers on this day as well.
The pathways are beautifully lit up, so even just taking pictures of yourself strolling around will result in stylish photos.

② Teddy bear

"Walk Fashion Building" is located near the Vessel Hotel Campana.Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a cute teddy bear. This is another popular photo spot every year. The entire building is beautifully lit up, so we recommend taking photos vertically!
The bear sculpture is about this size when my 7-year-old daughter stands next to it. Even an adult standing beside it doesn't look out of place. You can enjoy taking photos in various poses, such as sitting on the bear's feet or hugging it from the side.
This is what it looks like from a distance. There are lots of objects around the teddy bear, making it feel like you've stepped into a world from a picture book!

③ Ornament ball

From the location where the large tree and Santa's sleigh were, which I mentioned at the very beginning, head towards the sea.Then, a large ornamental ball appears. This is also a popular photo spot every year. The surrounding lights reflect off the glossy, bright red sphere, creating a romantic atmosphere.
The largest ornament ball has a hollow space inside, where you can sit and take pictures.
Leaning slightly and striking a prim pose. Taking a photo with the beautiful illuminations on the ocean side as a backdrop is also recommended.

④ Santa Claus and the snowman

We also recommend the spot where you can sit next to Santa and take a photo!Next to the "Christmas Land" shop on the first floor of the "Depot Island Seaside Building"It's located there. The trees on either side are also vibrant and create a fantastic atmosphere!
In front of Santa, there are toy bags, cute snowman sculptures, and a Christmas tree. The toy bag sculpture has a hole at the top, so you can stick your face through it and take a photo that makes it look like you're inside the bag.
Climbing the stairs a little and looking around, I was greeted by a scene that felt like I was in a foreign country. Everything was decorated for Christmas, and I could take stylish and photogenic pictures in any moment.

⑤ Staircase at Depot Island Seaside Building

Go up the stairs of the Depot Island Seaside Building.Then, a stylish bipedal reindeer appears. Everything—the patterns on the walls and stairs, the posters—is stylish, making you feel as if you've wandered into a picture book.
The signs were cute too, so I took pictures with them! I couldn't stop taking photos.
At the top of the stairs, there was a large gingerbread cookie sculpture. Its expression was so cute, indescribable.
Further along, you'll find an observation deck where you can admire the boardwalk, which sparkles even more than usual. Every Saturday, you can enjoy fireworks along with the illuminations, so be sure to take a stroll through American Village at night during this period.

Access to Mihama American Village

Mihama American Village is accessible from Naha Airport in about 40 minutes by car or about 1 hour by bus. If you take the bus, get off at Chatan Gateway and it's about a 5-minute walk to the illumination venue (around Depot Island).