Home＞Okinawa FAQ
FAQ
Tourism
Q. When and where can I see Eisa?
A. Eisa can be seen from July to September in various locations including Yomitan Village, Onna Village, Naha City, etc. and "The All-Okinawa Eisa Festival" of Okinawa City.
Q. Where can I see bullfighting?
A. Bullfighting is basically held on Sundays mainly at the Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome. Admission is from 2,500 yen to 3,000 yen.
Q. Can I visit a hot spring in Okinawa?
A. Although Okinawa does not have many hot spring areas, hot spring and spa facilities, etc. at public baths and hotels can be used in various locations around the prefecture.
Q. What kind of relaxation esthetic facilities are there in Okinawa?
A. In Okinawa, you can rejuvenate yourself at esthetic salons featuring unique ingredients such as Thalassotherapy which uses deep ocean water. Please click here for more details.
Q. How do I get to the public market?
A. From Miebashi Station on the monorail, walk down Okiei Street towards Kokusai Street, Ichiba-Hondori Street will be on your right about 5 minutes on foot.
Q. How do I get to Kokusai Street?
A. When you go from Naha Kuko (Naha Airport) Station to Miebashi Station by monorail, you can walk to Mutsumibashi which is the heart of Kokusai Street in about 5 minutes on foot.
Q. What kind of World Heritage sites are there?
A. There are nine sites in Okinawa Prefecture registered as World Heritage sites under "Gusuku Sites and the Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu". From the north, there are the Nakijin Castle Ruins (Nakijin Village), Zakimi Castle Ruins (Yomitan Village), Katsuren Castle Ruins (Katsuren Town), Nakagusuku Castle Ruins (Nakagusuku Village, Kitanakagusuku Village), Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum, Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate, Shurijo Castle, Shikina-En Gardens (Naha City), and Sefa Utaki (Nanjo City).
Q. Are there any recommended routes for seeing the World Heritage sites?
A. We recommend dividing your routes into the Central and Northern Course (Nakijin Castle Ruins, Zakimi Castle Ruins, Katsuren Castle Ruins, Nakagusuku Castle Ruins) and the South Course (Tamaudun Royal Mausoleum, Sonohyan Utaki Stone Gate, Shurijo Castle, Shikina-En Gardens, Sefa Utaki). Rental cars and taxis are recommended for visiting surrounding areas.
Q. When can I go whale watching?
A. Usually, from the middle of December to the end of March, you can go whale watching in the seas adjacent to Okinawa.
Q. Where can I do the whale watching?
A. You can go whale watching in the vicinity of the Kerama Islands and there are boats for whale watching departing from Naha City, Yomitan Village, Onna Village, Kerama Islands (Zamami Village, Tokashiki Village).
Q. Are there any tours of the uninhabited islands near the Okinawa Main Island?
A. For uninhabited islands near the Okinawa Main Island, you can visit Nagannu Island with its pure white beach. You can also visit Komaka Island from the Chinen Kai-yo Leisure Center in addition to Nap Island from the Moon Beach Resort.
Q. Are there any tours of the uninhabited islands around the Yaeyama Islands?
A. In the Yaeyama islands, you can visit Kayama Island from Kohama Island. You can enjoy snorkeling and tours of the star-shaped sand beaches and diving, etc. there.
Q. Are there any eco-tours?
A. A variety of eco-tours are available in Yanbaru and on Iriomote Island. There are various trekking, exploring shallow rivers, and sea kayaking tours and canoe experiences, etc. available.
Q. When are the cherry blossoms in full bloom?
A. In Okinawa, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom from the Northern Okinawa Main Island (Yae-dake and Nago Castle Ruins) from the end of January and they are in full bloom on the Southern Okinawa Main Island (Yogi Park and Yaese Park) in the middle of February.
Transportation Access
Q. How can I get to Churaumi Aquarium from Naha Airport by car?
A. From the airport, take the Nakachi I.C or Tomigusuku I.C to the Naha Airport Expressway. Then, via the Okinawa Expressway, take Route 58 from the Kyoda I.C. After taking Route 449 and Prefectural Highway 114, you will arrive at Ocean Expo Park where Churaumi Aquarium is located. (Approximately 2.5 hours)
Q. How can I get to Churaumi Aquarium from Naha Airport by bus?
AFrom Naha Airport, take route bus No. 111 (Highway Bus) or bus No. 120 to the Nago Bus Terminal. From the Nago Bus Terminal, take route bus No. 65, 66 or 70 and get off at the "Kaiyohaku Koen (Ocean Expo Park) Mae" bus stop. It takes approximately 3 hours by highway bus and approximately 3.5 hours by route bus.
Q. How can I get to Churaumi Aquarium from Naha City by car?
A. Take Okinawa Expressway from the Naha I.C. Then, from the Kyoda I.C, head down Route 58, Route 449 and Prefectural Highway 114 to Ocean Expo Park where Churaumi Aquarium is located. (Approximately 2.5 hours)
Q. How can I get to Churaumi Aquarium from Naha City by bus?
A. From Naha Bus Terminal, take route bus No. 111 (Highway Bus) or bus No. 20/120 to the Nago Bus Terminal. From the Nago Bus Terminal, take route bus No. 65, 66 or 70 and get off at "Kaiyohaku Koen (Ocean Expo Park) Mae" bus stop. It takes approximately 3 hours by highway bus and approximately 3.5 hours by route bus.
Q. How can I get to Shurijo Castle Park by public transportation?
A. You can take the monorail from Naha Kuko (Naha Airport) Station to Shuri Station in approximately 27 minutes. It costs 290yen. From the station, it takes about 15 min. on foot. Or you can take route bus (No.8) from Shuri Station. (Get off the bus at "Shurijo-mae" bus stop.)
Q. How can I get to Shurijo Castle Park by car?
A. Head north along Route 58 and turn right at Tomari Crossing. Go through Sogenji Street (National Highway 29), pass Asato Crossing and head up the slope. Pass Shuri-ko (Shuri High School) Mae bus stop and turn right at the next Ikehata Crossing to arrive at Shurijo Castle Park. It takes about 30 min.
Beach/Marine Sports
Q. When can I swim at a beach?
AYou can swim at the beaches in the Yaeyama Region from the end of March and the beaches on the Okinawa Main Island from the beginning of April if the weather is fine. The best season for swimming is from July to the beginning of October. It may be a little cold at the end of October.
Q. Where can I do diving?
A. There are a large number of diving spots from the northern area to southern area as well as outlying islands in Okinawa. Okinawa has a great environment including surf shops where everyone from beginners to experienced divers can enjoy diving.
Q. Are there any facilities where I can touch a dolphin?
A. In Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, you can enjoy watching the dolphins jump and dance. You can also actually touch dolphins in two locations at the Renaissance Okinawa Resort (Onna Village) and Motobu Genki Mura (Wellness Village Motobu at Motobu Town).
Q. Are there any dangerous creatures in the ocean?
A. Since there are many dangerous creatures such as sea snakes and jellyfish in the beautiful coral reefs of the ocean, please be careful not to touch them.
Q. Are there any places where I can swim with whale sharks?
A. There are experience programs for swimming with whale sharks within the prefecture. For details, please contact a dive shop directly. In Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, you cannot swim with the whale sharks, however, you can see whale sharks swimming in the largest water tank in the world.
Q. Are there any surfing spots in Okinawa?
A. Major surfing points are Suicide Point (Komesu Coast/Itoman City), Sunabe Point (Miyagi Coast/Chatan Town), Ikei Island Point (Yonashiro Town) and Mizukama Point (Mizukama Coast/Kadena Town) , etc.
Life
Q. What kind of food can I enjoy in Okinawa?
A. You can enjoy cuisine using unique ingredients including Okinawan vegetables such as goya, and pork is eaten from the ears to the feet. Famous dishes include "Canpuru", stir-fried tofu and vegetables, and "Rafute", pork stew.
Q. Where can I exchange money in Okinawa?
A.Currency exchange is possible in major banks and the US dollar is a main currency. (9:00-15:00, in the Bank of the Ryukyus until 16:00). In addition, currency exchange counters are available in the airport and Kokusai Street within Naha City.
Q. Can I use electrical products as they are?
A.In Okinawa, 60Hz AC100V is used and electrical products not for overseas use require a transformer. In addition, A type plugs with two vertical flat pins are also necessary.
Q. Who should I contact if I have any trouble?
A.In case of accidents, theft, etc., contact the nearest police station or substation (there are 72 police stations and 84 substations in Okinawa) or call 110. If you need an ambulance because you are injured or sick, call 119.
Q. How can I make international calls? (Can I use a cellular phone?)
A.You can make international phone calls from public phones designated as an "International & Domestic" phone. You can also use prepaid cards for international phone calls. Please click here for more details.
