We parked at Makeman this evening for a few items and walked across the street to Juscos for no longer than 30 minutes. We returned a little after 8pm to a LOCKED gate. Yes, our car was stuck inside the Makeman parking lot. The sad part was that we were with our 4 children, an 8, 5, 2 and 1month old!!! Has this happened to anyone else? We're new to Okinawa... so it was a miracle that we were able to make it home... all the way by Camp Courtney. We didn't get home till almost midnight! Just a warning to any other newbie... DON'T PARK AT MAKEMAN PAST 8PM! 

My husband just told me this! I never knew about that. Last time we went there my husband made us leave a half an hour early so we wouldn't get stuck. Sorry that happened to you guys! :( 

Thanks so much. Now I'm curious to see if we'll have to pay for a parking fine. My husband has to ride his bicycle all the way to Makeman tomorrow to pick up the car. He won't be a happy camper if there is a ticket on our vehicle. 

They do have signs that warn you... 

Omg...he has to ride his bike all the way from Courtney to American Village??/ 

Yeah, the sign in the entrance was covered by another sign... the english version anyway. And yeah.... my husband is going to be a grumpy fella tomorrow. We live on Camp Mc T and he has to peddle his bike all the way to American Village (hopefully before they have time to put a ticket on it). 

I hope he doesn't pass out! 

OMG. sorry about that. We went to courtney today and got lost. going and comming. We live on Kinser. Hopfully someone out there would be nice enough to give ur hubby a ride. 

There are 2 huge signs in English stating that the lot closes at 8 AND you can only park there if you are visiting Makeman. 

BiG ol' effin signs.. been there for about 7 years... 

Same thing for parts of Sunabe sea wall.. signs are not that noticeable.. but your car can get locked in after 1000p... 

Right when you pull in the parking lot, there is a big sign telling you (in English) that the parking lot locks at 8:00pm. Sorry... 

But, but...... I'm an American and they should have exemptions for me.... 

They may not have seen the signs and since they're new to the island, I'm willing to not give them the WAH AMERICANZ card, yet. I was thinking the same thing :) 

I was thinking the same thing :) Butt kisser. 

Not sure if you know, but there is a sign that says no parking after 8pm, they also play English announcements saying the same thing. Next time be more careful. Best to park at JUSCO if you plan on going to both. 

Right when you pull in the parking lot, there is a big sign telling you (in English) that the parking lot locks at 8:00pm. Sorry... There is also a no right turn sign as you leave the lot, but no one pays attention to that one either! 

Thanks guys.... greatly appreciated. On a side note- my husband just got back from picking up the van... there was no ticket on the vehicle. Pshewww! 

That was a quick ride!!! Ugh...if I would have known earlier, we would have come got you and taken you, that is awful someone didn't offer to take you! We just got up, otherwise I would have offered. 

Sorry that happened to you, but now you know to pay more attention to the signs around you. 

How thoughtful. Thanks, Sara. 

Ya I was surprised no one offered to take you either. I would have taken you also. 

they have a rule for some places (it may be okinawa wide) but most places have designated parking for their buisnesses and if you park in those spots and you are not at thier buisiness (like what you guys did LOL) they can give you a ticket. apparently it is illegal to use someone elses parking lot just for future references:-) i guess next time i would load the kids up in the car and drive over to the jusco :-) LOL. If you did get a ticket dont try to fight it b/c you will lose due to thier goofy laws over here = ) 

Why is your hubs have to ride a bike? They have a million taxis here??? 

Why is your hubs have to ride a bike? They have a million taxis here???  McT to American Village = Expensive! 

Why is your hubs have to ride a bike? They have a million taxis here??? He's been wanting to ride anyway. He sometimes rides from Mc T to Camp Hansen for his PT. So riding down to American Village today just extended his ride time... by a dozen miles :) I'm sure one of his friends or neighbors would have given us a ride... but we don't know too many people.. and didn't want to intrude on anyone's weekend family time. 

riding down to American Village today just extended his ride time... by a dozen miles :) maybe 3-4, not a dozen. 

maybe 3-4, not a dozen. On a day like today, it prolly felt like a thousand! 

Sign Sign everywhere a sign Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign 

Sorry I have been on and off and I missed your thread. We are here on McT and if I had saw the post I would have had the hubster offer you a ride. Welcome to this rock (Okinawa) though!