Here is a brief introduction to Okinawa and some useful information for first-time travellers. Okinawa awaits you with its unique, proud history, dazzling nature and much more…  | Okinawa Okinawa Prefecture is made up of 160 islands of various sizes. This chain of islands is known as the Ryukyu Islands. |  | Total Surface Area 2274k㎡ Ranks 4th smallest prefecture in Japan |  | Population Approximately 1,3000,000 |  | Climate Okinawa has an average annual temperature of 23℃. The lowest temperature in winter rarely falls below 10℃, making the weather in Okinawa warm and pleasant throughout the year. |  | Location Okinawa is located at the southern tip of Japan. |  | Currency Japanese Yen is the official currency used in Okinawa. However there are shops which also accepts US dollars. Please take note that not all shops accept credit cards. |  | Consumption Tax Japan has a consumption tax of 5%. There are cases where tax has already been included in prices of goods or services. Tipping is not practiced in Okinawa. |  | Language Japanese is the official language used in Okinawa although a fair number of people can speak English. Okinawa's dialect 'Uchina-guchi' is also widely used by the locals. |  | Voltage The voltage used in Japan is 100v, 60Hz. |  | Attire Short-sleeve clothing is suitable from May to October. Sunblock and long-sleeve clothing would be useful during the summer months of July to August where UV rays can be extremely strong. Sweaters and cardigans would be useful for the winter months of November to February. |  | Transportation Okinawa's public transportation system is made up of buses and taxis. Most locals have their own cars. Although there are no train services in Okinawa, a monorail service connects the major spots in Naha city. Estimated Annual Rainfall Approximately 2037 milimeters.Typhoons can be expected during July to September. |  | History Okinawa used to be an independent country known as Ryukyu. |  | Airport Naha Airport is made up of the International Terminal and Domestic Terminal. International flights to Taipei, Seoul, Shanghai and Manila are available. |  | Industry Okinawa's main industry is made up of commerce, financial and service sectors at 85% and construction and production sectors at 12%. |  | Price Level A bottle of mineral water (500mm) costs about 110yen. Tap water is safe for cosumption in Okinawa. |  | Health With an average lifespan of 86.88years old, the women of Okinawa has the longest lifespan in all of Japan. Okinawa is also known as the Longevity island. |  | Security Okinawa has a sound security system and can be said to be one of the safest place in Japan. |  | Culture Okinawa is said to have a 'Chanpuru' (mixed) culture. Okinawa culture reflects influences from Southeast asia, China, Korea and Mainland Japan. Festivals, dances, music, karate, arts and crafts retain a distinctive style unique to Okinawa. |  | Ocean Emerald oceans surrounded by coral reefs makes Okinawa a diver's paradise. However, please note that due to tide movements, there may be places which may not be suitable for swimming at certain times. High tide and low tide usually takes place 2 times a day. It is possible to take advantage of the movement of tides to enjoy a spot of fishing. ※Please note that tide movements may vary from season to season. |  | Characteristics Surrounded by lush greenery, clear skies, white beaches and the brilliant colors of flora and fuana, it is just like a visit to a tropical paradise. In Okinawa, You will feel a sense of tranquility of being in Japan while immersed in a totally different environment with its unique customs and culture. Travellers will be able to experience another face of Japan like never before. |
|
About Okinawa
