I love so many aesthetic aspects of this game, but the core gameplay loop is leaving me cold. Character actions require minimal inputs (e.g., walk over to something and press a button to mine) and everything you work to create is dismissed when it reaches its apex (e.g., your town and its various structures).
If there were more platforming, exploration, or involved combat mechanics, I think I'd be much more hooked. And of course permanence. I still haven't become a resident anywhere because it feels like it won't be my house. It's just some temporary shack.
There is quite a bit of platforming and exploration in some of the larger islands.. and there are a lot of large islands. As for interaction with objects, you can also kick and throw of course. The game is a sandbox though, don't worry too much about the mining aspect, just play around and explore the structures; potter around a bit.
Also, best to place your house in a town as it does give you a sense of "roots" and permanence and also gives you privileges at the workbench. (you also get a 20% party privilege bonus when the town is cleared). The cleared towns have a purpose that will be revealed down the line and you'll be able to re-enter them for said purpose.