The Ferris wheel
Its symbol.
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A shopping and entertainment district on Okinawa's west coast in Chatan, about 30 minutes' drive north of Naha, designed to look like an American seaside town, drawing on the character of an area with many US bases. It stands on land reclaimed from the sea next to the former Hamby airfield, which US forces returned in 1981; building began in 1997 and was largely finished by 2004, and it drew some 8.3 million visits in 2003. It has shops, restaurants and cafés behind colourful façades, a big shopping centre, a cinema, a Ferris wheel that has become its symbol, and a seaside boardwalk. Next door, Sunset Beach is known for sunsets over the East China Sea. Walking around is free; it is best at sunset and in the evening when the façades light up. Buses run from Naha, though a car is easier across Okinawa.
Its symbol.
Over the sea.
Lit at night.
Mihama, Chatan town, central Okinawa
At sunset and in the evening, when the sun sets over the East China Sea from Sunset Beach and the village lights up.