Have you heard of Minatogawa Stateside Town, located in Minatogawa, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture? Originally a flourishing military housing complex, the area is now lined with stylish shops renovated from individual homes. It's a highly sought-after shopping spot, and a blissful place to enjoy delicious food. There are about 30 stores, and it doesn't take long to walk around the area. However, each shop is so charming, some even offering general merchandise you could spend hours in. A woman with a penchant for fashionable things could easily spend an entire day there. We especially recommend American Wave, which offers a wide selection of decorative and interior goods, primarily vintage accessories and clothing. Owner David Christopher Towe personally purchased items from the United States, filling every inch of the store. David entered the world of vintage fashion at age 16 and opened his shop in Okinawa in 1999 (previously located in another area of the prefecture). With nearly 30 years of experience and a keen eye, he's curated a wide selection of high-quality pieces from the late 19th century to the 1970s that are hard to find elsewhere in Japan. Another unique feature of the shop is its ability to provide complete outfits from head to toe. Simply tell the shopper your desired style and they'll bring you a selection of items from their inventory that aren't on display. Apparently, the shop has many fans, not only among tourists but also among local youth. High school students sometimes come to the shop to purchase complete outfits for their graduation parties. Even the gorgeous earrings and necklaces are usually priced at just a few thousand yen, so it's no wonder the shop has a strong following among teenagers, but it's also popular with older shoppers. With a wide selection of men's fashion items, it's also a great place for couples to visit. When it comes to comfort, Port River Market is a lifestyle select shop offering a selection of "comfortable, joyful, and earth-friendly items related to food, clothing, and shelter." In addition to a wide selection of Okinawan-sourced foods, sweets, baked goods, and skincare items, you can also order shikwasa honey (350 yen) and enzyme juice (450 yen). The enzyme juice uses Okinawan fruits like shikwasa and pink dragon fruit. If you're looking to achieve inner beauty, don't hesitate to order a cup. The shop's blended coffee is roasted by Okinawa Cerrado Coffee, located on the same street. The fragrant aroma of fresh beans catches your nose as you pass by, and many people find themselves unconsciously opening the door. Apparently, locals often stop by for a morning cup. What a charming story.

Of course, you can also purchase whole beans. There's a wide variety to choose from, so it's fun to tell the staff your preferences and get their recommendations.

For bread lovers, we recommend Ippekoppe, a natural yeast bread shop. Their bread is made using only carefully selected ingredients, such as domestically grown wheat grown without post-harvest pesticides, and is fragrant and a delight for all five senses. Their chiffon cake, scones, and homemade granola are also highly rated, so it's a great idea to come with friends and order a variety to share.

There are also plenty of clothing stores and restaurants. When traveling to Okinawa, be sure to allocate plenty of time to enjoy it to the fullest!