Life in Okinawa

Okinawa is a small island famous for its tropical climate and its beautiful beaches with an emerald clear water. It is one of the favorite holiday destinations for Japanese.

• General information
  • Currency
    • Unfortunately, there is no currency exchange service at OIST, but Naha airport has a currency exchange machine and the following currencies can be exchanged at the machine: US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR), Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY), South Korean Won (KRW), New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), British Pound (GBP), Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Singapore Dollar (SGD), Baht (THB). The opening hours are weekdays and weekends: 7:00-23:00. It is strongly recommended that you exchange currency in your own country or at major airports (Narita/Haneda/Kansai/Nagoya).
    • There is also the possibility to exchange currency at the nearest convenience store. The following currencies can be exchanged at the machine: US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR), Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY), South Korean Won (KRW), New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), British Pound (GBP), Australian Dollar (AUD). The opening hours are weekdays and weekends: 9:00-21:00.
    • ATMs: ATMs for credit card cashing are available in Naha Airport or nearby post offices/some convenience stores. Please be advised that some credit cards might not be accepted due to credit card policy (mostly credit cards issued abroad).
  • Weather: Average temperature around this time of the year is 23-27º Celsius. Typically, October is one of the most pleasant months in Okinawa, as it is warm, but not too humid. You can also bring your swimsuits!
    Information on the weather can be found here. (https://weatherspark.com/y/142278/Average-Weather-in-Okinawa-Japan-Year-Round)
  • Electricity: Japanese electricity plugs are A type. The voltage is 100V, and frequency is 60Hz. Please come prepared with a transformer or use products that is compatible with Japanese voltage.
 
• For general touristic information
  • Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau: https://www.ocvb.or.jp/foreign/en
  • Okinawa Hai (Okinawa’s English Community): https://okinawahai.com/
 
• Some famous touristic attractions
  • Churaumi Aquarium: https://churaumi.okinawa/en/
  • Kokusai Dori: http://oki-park.jp/shurijo/en/
  • Okinawa World: http://www.gyokusendo.co.jp/okinawaworld/en/
  • Peace Memorial Park: http://sp.heiwa-irei-okinawa.jp/
  • Ryukyu Mura: http://sp.heiwa-irei-okinawa.jp/
 
• About Okinawan history
  • The History of Okinawa: https://www.visitokinawa.jp/about-okinawa/history
  • Okinawa Island Guide: https://www.oki-islandguide.com/history