Dotted with colorful buildings, American Village in Chatan where the sea and city meet, is one of the most popular areas on Okinawa's main island,. Known as a photogenic town, its open, international streets, lined with palm trees like in California or Hawaii, attract people from all over the world.

One of the programs available at American Village lets you walk the streets wearing traditional Ryukyu-style costumes or yukata. Besides programs involving costume rentals, there are many other attractive immersive experiences, that allow even first timers to easily enjoy traditional Okinawan culture. This time, we asked the Soorty family to experience the "Fully Enjoy Okinawan Performing Arts Plan." This is a great-value plan that lets you experience sanshin, sanba, and Kachashi all together. It's the perfect choice for those who want to try various performing arts while in Okinawa or are having trouble deciding which one to choose.

After the experience, the Soorty family enjoyed strolling through the alleys of American Village in rental costumes and taking photos at photogenic spots. After enjoying these experiences, visitors might want to dance the Kachashi at an izakaya with live Okinawan music or watch Eisa, which can be seen year-round at popular tourist facilities like "Okinawa World" and "Ryukyu Village."

Trying the Eisa small drum. Teaching them is Morimitsu Kiuna, who is well-versed in Ryukyuan culture. He previously worked as a sanshin player at the popular tourist facility "Ryukyu Village."

It was the first time for the entire Soorty family to experience Okinawan culture. They tried "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," which is known worldwide, on the sanshin! Amazingly, in less than 15 minutes, they got the hang of it and were able to play a single phrase.

After fitted with Ryukyuan costumes, the family strolled through American Village. This location right across from the grassy area in front of the Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort.

Fire Station Wall Art in front of Vessel Hotel Campana.

In the Sabani (traditional sailing boat) on the Depot Island Boardwalk.

With the iconic pink shark of the Depot Central Building.

Experience Menu & Plans

Okinawan Performing Arts Comprehensive Experience

Price: 3,300 yen Duration: Approx. 45 minutes This great-value, all-in-one plan allows you to try all three elements together: the Sanshin (three-stringed instrument), Sanba (wooden castanets), and Kachashi (traditional dance). It is the perfect choice for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the variety of Okinawan performing arts.

Costume Rental & American Village Stroll

This highly popular plan allows you to dress in our exclusively crafted Okinawan Bingata-patterned "Yukata" or the historical "Dujin & Kakan"—a traditional attire passed down from the Ryukyu Kingdom era—and enjoy a 2-hour stroll through the exciting atmosphere of Mihama American Village. Multiple courses are available based on age and hair styling preferences.

Course A: Outfit Selection & Dressing Only (Approx. 120-minute stroll)

Adults (13 years and older): 3,850 yen Children (6 to 12 years old): 2,750 yen Toddlers (5 years and under): Yukata 2,200 yen / Jinbei 1,650 yen.

Course B: Outfit Selection, Dressing & Hair Styling Included (Approx. 120-minute stroll)

Adults (13 years and older): 6,600 yen Children (6 to 12 years old): 4,400 yen Toddlers (5 years and under): Yukata 3,850 yen / Jinbei 2,750 yen.
Other options are also available, including discounted plans for Okinawa residents (Adults from 2,200 yen) and an upgrade to a 2-day, 1-night rental (plus 550 yen).

Traditional Instruments & Performance Experience

Sanshin Experience

Price: 3,300 yen Duration: Approx. 40 minutes In this hands-on experience, you can try the "Sanshin," Okinawa's iconic traditional three-stringed instrument. Even complete beginners can learn to play its unique, soothing melodies with their own hands.

Sanba Experience

Price: 2,200 yen Duration: Approx. 30 minutes Learn how to play the "Sanba," a traditional percussion instrument made of three wooden plates bound by a cord, often referred to as the Okinawan castanet. It is an essential rhythm instrument for enlivening Okinawan folk music.

Yubibue (Finger Whistling) Experience

Price: 2,200 yen Duration: Approx. 30 minutes Master the art of "Yubibue" (finger whistling), the high-pitched, echoing whistle heard at every Okinawan festival and Eisa performance. Instructors will carefully guide you through the techniques for producing a clear, beautiful high note.

Traditional Dance & Performing Arts Experience

Ryukyu Dance Experience

Price: 3,300 yen Duration: Approx. 40 minutes Experience the elegant steps of Ryukyu Dance, which dates back to the Ryukyu Kingdom era. In this plan, you will learn the dance to "Asadoya Yunta," a famous and welcoming song classified under accessible "creative dance."

Kachashi Experience

Price: 2,200 yen Duration: Approx. 30 minutes Overview: Kachashi is a traditional dance performed by everyone together at the climax of celebrations. Have fun learning this joyful dance, which carries the beautiful meaning of "stirring up happiness and joy to share with everyone."

Eisa Experience

Price: 3,300 yen Duration: Approx. 40 minutes Overview: This is one of Okinawa’s most popular folk performing arts. Using the "Paranku," a lightweight hand drum that is easy for beginners to handle, you can fully immerse yourself in the power of this dynamic dance.