Thanksgiving in Okinawa is not a traditional holiday the same way it is in the United States. If you want to continue the tradition of thanksgiving in your home you can rest assured- the base commissaries will have all the ingredients that you need. And for those of us who prefer not to cook, there are several dining options where you can still enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. 

Where to Eat for Thanksgiving in Okinawa

Kadena Officers Club

The Kadena Officers club will be serving a buffet on Thanksgiving Day from 9:30am-2pm. The buffet will feature your holiday favorites, appetizers, desserts, and so much more. Keep in mind that ages 13 and older will be $25.95, ages 5-12 years old are $12.95, ages 3-4 are $3.95, and 2 and under will be FREE. In addition, no reservations will be taken.  

There is also a “Thanksgiving to Go” option. Orders for this will be accepted from the 1-26th of November, 2024 and pick up is on November 27th from 11am-5pm.  The Turkey Meal is $145.95 and the Ham Meal is $159.95. Both meals include: herb stuffing, whipped mash potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie.  

Rocker Enlisted Club

The Rocker Enlisted club will be serving a classic buffet very similar to the Kadena’s Officer Club but theirs is from 10:30am – 2pm. Once again, no reservations will be taken for this event either.  

Camp Butler Officers’ Club

The Camp Butler Officers’ Club buffet will be located in Plaza Housing. This is a popular buffet with all the trimmings and will be offered from 10:00 am- 3:00pm on Thanksgiving day. Adults are $21.95, children (5-11 years old) are $10.95, and children under 5 are FREE. Please note, that unlike the previous 2 Thanksgiving events in Okinawa, Reservations are required for this event via Eventbrite.  

Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort

The Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort will be hosting a traditional Thanksgiving in Okinawa but with a more Okinawan twist to it. Traditional Okinawan stables such as sushi, miso, dumplings, gyoza, udon, and many more will available along with your more traditional foods. They have their lunch seating from 11:30am to 4:00pm where adults are 5,950 yen and children (6-12 years old) are 2,100 yen. And their dinner seating is from 5:30pm-10:00pm. For dinner, adults are 6,500 yen and children (6-12 years old) are 2,500 yen. Just like the Camp Butler Officers’ Club Thanksgiving in Okinawa event, reservations are also required for this event.  

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Thanksgiving in Okinawa might not be quite like the holiday back home, but you can still enjoy a delicious meal with a blend of American and Okinawan flavors, either at a restaurant or with the help of a takeout option! Thanksgiving in Okinawa is extremely special because it’s a blend of American holiday traditions with a sprinkle of Okinawan culture, set against the backdrop of the island’s stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in Okinawa with family, friends, or fellow expats, take the time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and embrace the blend of two cultures in one traditional holiday.

Looking for more? Check out these other popular articles on activities in Okinawa.