Home＞Plan Your Visit＞Introduction
Plan Your Visit
Introduction
| Formal Name | Okinawa Prefecture |
| Capital | Naha City |
| Naha City | Approximately 2,300 sq. km Approximately 1,200 sq. km (Main Island only) |
| Population | Approximately 1.34 million |
| Language | Japanese *Okinawa dialect is also spoken. |
| Currency | Japanese Yen *U.S. dollar is also accepted in some stores due to the presence of U.S. military bases. |
| Paper Money | 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 10,000 yen denominations |
| Coins | 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, 500 yen denominations |
| Currency Exchange | The U.S. dollar can be exchanged at The Bank of Okinawa, Bank of The Ryukyus and The Okinawa Kaiho Bank. For other currencies, please contact the bank directly. |
| Credit card(1) | VISA, MASTER, JCB, etc. Hotels generally accept credit cards, however, shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards. *Cash Advances by Credit Card |
| Time Zone | Japan Standard Time (GMT＋9 hours) |
| Electricity | 100V & 60Hz |
| Internet | Except for part of the Northern Main Island and some outlying islands, high speed Internet is available for use in most regions. |
| National Holidays | Same as Japan Click Here for Details |
| Telephone | Country Code 81 / Area Code 098, 0980 (Northern Main Island, Miyako, Yaeyama) , 09892（Minami Daito Island, Kita Daito Island） |
| Click Here for Details | |
| Police | 110 |
| Emergency/Fire | 119 |
(1) Most ATMs do not handle cash advances by credit cards or bank cards issued overseas. In Okinawa, only ATMs belonging to the Japan Post Bank handle cash advances by credit cards issued overseas. An “International ATM Service” sticker indicates the installation location of ATMs that handle cash advances by credit card.
Others
Hostels
Hostels are recommended for those who enjoy communicating with the owners and other guests. Please note that although the prices are affordable, only cash may be accepted.
Eating and Drinking
In addition to traditional Okinawan cuisine, one can enjoy dishes from various countries including regular Japanese food. The tap water is suitable for drinking.
Bus Tours
Bus tours operate daily on the Okinawa Main Island. Most tours cost around 5,000 yen and various types of tours are available. The tours average around 6-10 hours in length but differ according to the tour.
Cruises
There is also an abundance of cruise services. Sunset cruises are especially popular and take about two hours. Reservations are possible at resort hotels and dive shops, etc. Please refer to "Cruise Japan" for information on ports and nearby sightseeing destinations.
Interpreter Guides
Interpreter guides are professionally qualified to provide tours in Japan (Okinawa) in a foreign language. There are approximately 90 interpreter guides and region-limited interpreter guides (Okinawa only).
