Let’s explore living in Sunabe, an off-base neighborhood often referred to as the “Sunabe-Seawall!” The Seawall is a picturesque area stretching about 1.2 miles along the East China Sea. The Seawall was originally built for coastal protection. Its primary purpose was to prevent erosion and protect the coastal infrastructure from the effects of the ocean’s waves, particularly during storms and typhoons. In the Sunabe-Seawall area, you have the opportunity to enjoy Okinawa’s outdoor spaces—whether it’s enjoying the beach, snorkeling, or strolling through the local parks. The gentle waves and clear waters make for a serene environment, perfect for relaxing after a long day. 

The Community of Sunabe

Living in Sunabe gives you a unique experience with a blend of American and Japanese culture. The military community is very active in the neighborhood. Sunabe is conveniently centrally located amongst three of the larger bases: Kadena Air Base, Camp Foster, and Tori Station. Kadena’s Gate 1 is about a five minute drive, Camp Foster is around 10 minutes, and Tori Station is approximately a 15-minute commute by car. Living in Sunabe results in military personnel having predictable and short commutes. This short distance also allows individuals to enjoy base amenities while experiencing living off- base.  

Living in Sunabe for Children

Living in Sunabe is wonderful if you have children. There is a well-known playground, called Baba Park at the end of the Seawall. It has slides, swings, and a zip-line. It is located beside Baba Beach. It is always beaming with military and local families. Be sure to bring yen. There are various vending machines, two restaurants across the street, and occasional food trucks. You will always see families walking, riding bikes, or scootering along the Seawall. One of the greatest benefits of playing along the Seawall, is not having to worry about cars and motorcycles. 

What To Do in Sunabe

You’ll always find plenty to do while living in Sunabe. Throughout the Sunabe neighborhood you can find numerous cafes, restaurants, snorkeling/diving schools, and small businesses. Some well-known Sunabe restaurants are: Coffee Casa, Transit Café, and Bella Napoli. There are at least 20 cafes and restaurants tucked into the Sunabe-Seawall area.  One of the greatest perks of living in Sunabe is that everything is easily accessible by foot. You can go out and not worry about complex logistics nor searching for parking.  

Schools in Sunabe

Families who are living in Sunabe possess several options when it comes to their child’s education. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools have several bus-stops in the area. If you are seeking a unique experience there are two international schools: Santa Monica International School and Hope International School. The curriculum is a blend of Montessori, Japanese, and American- style structure. Often, the international schools offer extracurricular activities within the school day such as swimming, dance, and karate. Furthermore, there are local Japanese schools, which Americans can attend and there are translators who can help assist with the process. 

Sunabe Homes

Lastly, the architecture of homes in appeal to Americans due to the square footage. There are a few streets composed of single- family homes averaging from 1500-2000 sq. ft. Most of the homes do not have yards but have driveways and garages which can be turned into play areas.

The most sought-after structure are the high-rises facing the sea wall. Majority of the high rises have an “open floor” plan American concept. This is advantageous to families who have larger furniture such as sectional sofas and king-sized beds. If the item cannot fit through the elevator or staircase; they can be moved with a crane through the balconies. The high-rises also provide stunning views of the East China Sea and fireworks at American Village.  

Ultimately, living in Sunabe or the Seawall area of Okinawa is an experience like no other. There is  a blend of military life, natural beauty, and local culture that creates a unique environment. The combination of the tight-knit military community with the welcoming Okinawan spirit can make you feel at home, even in a foreign place. 

Looking for more? Check out these other popular articles on moving to Okinawa.