Take a walk with a sense of history and culture at “Chuo Park Avenue” in Okinawa City
Chuo Park Avenue, an entertainment district established in 1950 in the center of Okinawa City, was once the center of commerce.
It was a bustling street lined with stores where American soldiers from the U.S. military base would go to drink, but the street eventually changed with the times.
Today, Chuo Park Avenue is completely shuttered, but it is not yet obsolete!
The old-fashioned eateries and taco shops are still around, and are still popular and supportive of Chuo Park Avenue.
There are also stylish cafes, vintage clothing stores, handmade soap stores, and a wide variety of other stores that attract young people.
Although not as lively as it was then, Chuo Park Avenue is still a popular sightseeing spot with a relaxed atmosphere.
Point 1: You can feel the chanpuru culture with other countries.
Chuo Park Avenue was established to provide a place for Ryukyuans and Americans to interact.
Looking back on its history, it was initially an orderly place where healthy business was conducted, but there were times when public morals were disturbed, and it was reborn as it is today under the leadership of Okinawa Prefecture.
With this background, Chuo Park Avenue is called a relic of history, but the fact that many foreign customers still come in and out of the area and interact with each other shows that the history of those days remains strong.
It can be said that this is a town where one can enjoy a true chanpuru culture, where new culture is incorporated while retaining the postwar sentiment.
Point 2: Plenty of restaurants, including long-established eateries and new cafes
There are many recommended restaurants on Central Park Avenue!
The food at Mickey’s is not only delicious but also satisfying. This restaurant has been a favorite of not only locals but also foreign customers for many years.
If you are in the mood for tacos or taco rice, go to “Charlie Takouju,” where you can choose from three flavors: beef, chicken, or tuna, and the skin is chewy and delicious! This is another long-established and popular restaurant.
This is also a long-established and popular restaurant.
There are also a variety of cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a break during your stroll.
Point 3: Arcade streets with wide paths for easy walking
It is recommended to walk around Chuo Park Avenue in a circle to enjoy its unique atmosphere! The arcade is 480 meters long, so a round trip is 960 meters, which is just the right distance for a stroll. The arcade is wide, making it easy to walk around, and thanks to the arcade, you can avoid direct exposure to the Okinawan sun.
The arcade can also protect you from a little rain, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of a rainy day.
You may find more charm in Chuo Park Avenue if you check out the stores you are interested in while strolling.
