H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Shuttle Bus to Mihama American Village

H.I.S. Okinawa operates a shuttle bus from their LeaLea Lounge near the Prefectural Office or Kencho-Mae. While there are public buses that go to American Village from Naha, they are mostly all-stop local bus services. As such, I decided to book the Mihama American Village Line 1 Day Bus Pass on Klook to get a limited express highway bus instead.

Klook.com

H.I.S. LeaLea Lounge OKINAWA (H.I.S. LEALEAラウンジ沖縄)

H.I.S. LeaLea Lounge OKINAWA is located near Yui Rail Prefectural Office Station and Kokusai-dori western end, which is basically H.I.S.’s Okinawa office with a sitting area. They function both as a travel agent and tour operator here, with the counter checking me in also selling trips to Singapore.

The H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus costs ¥2,000 for a 1-day pass.

The regular bus fare for a normal local bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Mihama American Village would cost ¥690 each way, so this express bus (¥1,000 each way if divided by 2) is more expensive than the local bus fare. However, on the flip side, there are better seats on board this H.I.S. coach, along with a non-stop journey to Mihama American Village, so the higher fare is worth it if short on time for a faster and more comfortable journey.

Check-in is required at the counter with my Klook voucher. In return, I got my ticket which was already prepared with my name on it, along with a map of American Village and Chatan Town. The bus schedule is also printed on the ticket.

As I was short on time, I only took the morning run which gives me about 1 and a half hours at American Village.

H.I.S. LeaLea Lounge OKINAWA has plenty of seats to wait in.

While there may be many passengers waiting, only board the bus when called by the staff. The 8.45am bus is for the Chura Bus 1 Day Tour to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island, and Shuri Castle.

My H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus arrived after the 8.45am bus had departed. Boarding is called by the H.I.S staff. Tickets are checked before boarding.

The interior of the H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus is laid out in a 2+2 configuration, with a similar layout as regular highway buses.

The legroom available on board the H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus. A seat pocket, hook, and drinks holder is provided on the seat back in front.

There are also tip-up seats installed using the aisle space, but this was not in use during my trip as passenger loading was very light.

Overhead racks are also available.

My H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus departed from H.I.S. LeaLea Lounge OKINAWA on time at 9am.

The H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus takes the coastal route for most of its journey, offering scenic views.

Crossing over the Tomari Bridge.

Heading along the coast on Nishikaigan Road.

Approaching Mihama American Village.

DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort

My H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus arrived at DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort at 9.34am – 11 minutes early. This is the drop-off and pick-up point for Mihama American Village.

The H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus will stop in the driveway of DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort.

Mihama American Village

Mihama American Village is just beside DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort.

Mihama American Village is a popular tourist destination located in the Mihama district of Chatan Town, near the Kadena Air Base. The area is known for its American-style atmosphere and features a variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment facilities, and a large Ferris wheel.

Mihama American Village was developed to cater to both the local and U.S. military communities, as well as tourists. The architecture and design of the area are influenced by American culture, and visitors can find a mix of American and Japanese businesses. The village is a popular spot for shopping, dining, and enjoying the scenic waterfront.

As I was there only in the morning, not many shops were opened yet. Most only started to open at 11am, when it was time to make my way back to DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort to head back to Naha city.

DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort

I got back to DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort in good time to wait for my return 11.15am bus.

DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort is a useful pick-up point as I am able to use the hotel’s toilet and lobby while waiting for the bus.

Do note that there is no H.I.S. staff at DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort and the driver will not enter the lobby to call for passengers, so head out to the driveway in good time to wait for the bus.

My H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus arrived in good time at 11.11am, 4 minutes before scheduled departure time.

My H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus departed on time at 11.15am.

I was the only passenger on board this 11.15am bus, probably since everyone else would want to spend more time at Mihama American Village.

As I was the only passenger, the driver, upon me boarding, asked me where I was alighting, so he could head there directly. There are 2 drop-off points in Naha, first at Prefectural Citizens Park on the western end of Kokusai-dori, and back at the H.I.S. LeaLea Lounge OKINAWA (H.I.S. LEALEAラウンジ沖縄).

I chose to alight at Prefectural Citizens Park which is more convenient for me.

Turning right on to the coastal Japan National Route 58.

Heading up to Nishikaigan Road.

The coastal and elevated views past Makiminato.

Turning to Prefectural Citizens Park.

Prefectural Citizens Park (Kencho-mae/Kokusai-dori)

My H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus arrived at Prefectural Citizens Park (Kencho-mae/Kokusai-dori) at 11.55am – 5 minutes early.

This is the same drop-off point as my Okinawa Hip Hop Bus the day before.

The stop at Prefectural Citizens Park (Kencho-mae) is just in front of the western end of Kokusai-dori Shopping Street. Yui Rail Prefectural Office Station is also 1 minute away from here by foot.

Conclusion 

H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus is a useful shuttle bus to travel from downtown Naha to Mihama American Village. The drop-off and pick-up point in Mihama American Village is at DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort which is just beside Mihama American Village, compared with getting a local bus which requires a walk back out to the main road. The H.I.S. LeaLea Okinawa Mihama American Village Shuttle Bus also travels non-stop and has comfortable reclining seats.

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