WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan

American Village is one of Okinawa’s most distinctive places.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 2

The source traces its history to the 1981 return of Hamby Airfield, part of Camp Foster along the coast, followed by reclamation beside it in 1988 and development with an American atmosphere.

The extensive free parking made it easy to visit on our trip.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 3

Modeled on Seaport Village in San Diego, the area has a distinctly American feel.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 4

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 5

Around the waterfront Fisherina area of Depot Island, known for its colorful little buildings, there were many newer cafés.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 6

Our stop was WaGyu Café Kapuka, with Japanese wagyu as its main feature.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 7

Its atmosphere and the view toward Sunset Beach made it especially popular with women in the original account.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 8

Rocking chairs at the entrance gave people somewhere pleasant to wait.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 9

The large terrace sofas were especially popular; at lunchtime, getting one without a reservation was difficult.

Some seats became available only a little after the lunch rush.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 10

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 11

The interior also had the look of a tropical resort, with a pleasantly cool feel.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 12

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 13

As its name suggests, WaGyu Café Kapuka centered its menu on Japanese wagyu.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 14

Fresh salad bowls complemented the meat dishes.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 15

Wagyu steak was relatively expensive at the time: around JPY 3,000–4,000 for 140 g.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 16

Although there was a printed menu, orders had to be placed on a touchscreen.

I wondered whether that was a pandemic precaution.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 17

There was also water marketed as “detox water,” in keeping with the café’s popularity among women.

I appreciated the Korean translation on the menu.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 18

We arrived late for lunch and were lucky to find a terrace seat.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 19

After asking a staff member, we moved outside.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 20

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 21

The best waterfront seats were already occupied.

Cruises, parasailing, and other marine activities were underway near Sunset Beach.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 22

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 23

The drinks arrived first.

We had ordered ginger ale and cola.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 24

A little dolphin decoration was a thoughtful touch.

It was a small detail, but cute enough to photograph.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 25

Corn soup came first.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 26

Then came the brunch steak we had ordered.

The portion was smaller than I expected and felt a little insufficient.

For two people, I thought ordering a salad bowl to share plus one other dish each might work well.

The wagyu itself was certainly delicious.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 27

WaGyu Café Kapuka seemed suitable for a meal or a tea break.

WaGyu Café Kapuka: Steak and a Seaside Terrace in Chatan — original photograph 28

Its location in front of beautiful Sunset Beach gave it a resort atmosphere—a lovely place to consider while exploring American Village.

Even if you do not order wagyu, it could be a pleasant stop for a drink.

WaGyu Café Kapuka

Address: 1F, Makai Resort, 51-1 Mihama, Chatan, Nakagami District, Okinawa (マカイリゾート 1F)
Phone: 098-923-5010