Chatan (北谷) is a town in Okinawa Island.

Understand

Chatan is squeezed between the large US military bases at Kadena to the north and Ginowan to the south, and consequently has a notable US military presence. The main stretch of Route 58 in front of Camp Foster is all too American, with three lanes flanked on both sides by strip mall shops with English signage and drive-thru fast food restaurants.

Tourist information site

The local tourist association has a bilingual guide site.

See

• 1 Mihama American Village (アメリカンビレッジ), 2 Chome-4-2 Mihama, Chatan-chō, Nakagami-gun. An Americanized shopping and dining complex made to resemble an American beach such as Venice Beach, Santa Monica, etc. Popular among U.S. military members due to its close proximity to many U.S. Marine bases. The area has a ferris wheel, a few hotels, many clothing and souvenir stores and restaurants of various cuisine, and Sunset Beach. Plus there is live entertainment almost nightly. 

Do

• 1 Araha Beach (アラハビーチ). This beautiful sandy beach and park covers much of Chatan's coastline. Epic pirate ship climbing gym, basketball courts, BBQ pits. Free parking. 

• 2 Reef Encounters, 1-493 Miyagi (Chatan, a stones throw from the excellent shore diving at Sunabe sea wall), ☏ +81 98-995-9414, +81 90-1940-3528 (Emergency contact number). All instructors are fluent in both English and Japanese. Ask to drift dive Ugan or get lost with the sharks in the Kamiyama labyrinth. PADI and NAUI courses are available, with a discount for combined open water/advanced open water courses. For the experienced or adventurous ask about technical courses or diving Yonaguni. 

Eat

• 1 CoCo's (ココス北谷店), Route 58 (near Gate 5 of Camp Foster). A family restaurant. This place is especially popular with United States Marines stationed on the island. (updated Nov 2023)
• 2 Yoshihachi (よし八). Wed-Mon 16:30-late. A famous sushi place also known as Yoshi's, geared towards American tastes. Try the Yoshi Roll. (updated Nov 2023)
• 3 Jirocho Zushi (次郎長寿司) (Near Araha Beach). Recognizable with the Iron Horse in front, this is probably the best restaurant on Okinawa. Jirocho's sushi, sashimi, tempura and sake are world-class. They also serve some excellent Okinawan dishes, often as specials. The seafood is as fresh as you will find on Okinawa--what truly distinguishes this restaurant is the emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients. All of this is served in an elegant atmoshphere with a very friendly staff. Yoshihachi can be fun but is very overrated. Jirocho is the place! 
• 4 Kasthamandap (カスタマンダップ), 1-10-10 Kitamae. Daily 11:30-23:00. The best curry on Okinawa and maybe anywhere else outside of London or Bombay. The owner takes great care to make authenic Nepalese curry from scratch and the results are well worth it. Kastamandap is small and no-frills but the delicious curry and ice cold beer make it one of the most satisfying dining experiences around. Although it is just a shack, the homey but exotic atmosphere and friendly service just steps from the East China sea create a winning combination. 

• For more traditional Okinawan sushi, Fenutin in the Mihama American Village is an excellent choice. Try the sea grapes there. They also play traditional Okinawan music there which is worth listening to, and CDs are available for purchase.

Sleep

• 1 Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort, 40-1 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, ☏ +81 98 901 1111, okinawachatan.reservations@hilton.com. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Hotel with 4 restaurants/bars, a few outdoor and indoor pools and a spa. Parking is free of charge. (updated Oct 2020)