Excursion and Banquet
Wednesday afternoon will be dedicated to off-campus excursions, followed by a banquet dinner. Participants were contacted after registration and asked to indicate their preferred choice among those below.
Please note that participants will need to cover additional costs (e.g. entry fees) for certain excursions.
In the event of mild inclement weather all the excursions will proceed as planned.
In the event of severe inclement weather participants will be able to choose to go to Ryukyu Mura and Zakimi Castle or to skip the excursion.
Bus Schedule for Excursions
If you are not going on an excursion, a bus going to the banquet dinner venue will leave from the OIST Auditorium at 5:00 PM sharp
|
Excursion 1 (two buses) |
Excursion 2 | Excursion 3 |
Return Route 1 (two buses) |
Return Route 2 | Return Route 3 | ||||||
| Location | Time | Location | Time | Location | Time | Location | Time | Location | Time | Location | Time |
| OIST Auditorium | 14:00 | OIST Auditorium | 14:00 | OIST Auditorium | 14:00 | Oriental Hotel | 20:00 | Oriental Hotel | 20:00 | Oriental Hotel | 20:00 |
| Busena Marine Park | -- | Mt Ishikawa Hike | -- | Ryukyu Mura | -- | Seaside House | -- | Rizzan Sea Park | Seaside House | ||
| Kyoda Michino-eki | -- | -- | Zakimi Castle | -- | Peridot Hotel | -- | Fuchaku | Rizzan Sea Park | |||
| Oriental Hotel | 17:30 | Oriental Hotel | 17:30 | Oriental Hotel | 17:30 | OIST | 20:55 | Tiger Beach | Fuchaku | ||
| Moon Beach | Tiger Beach | ||||||||||
| Iha | Moon Beach | ||||||||||
| Maehara | Iha | ||||||||||
| Higashionna | Maehara | ||||||||||
| Ishikawa Entrance | Higashionna | ||||||||||
| Nanei Entrance | Ishikawa Entrance | ||||||||||
| Akasaki | Nanei Entrance | ||||||||||
| Akasaki/Tabata | 21:40 | Akasaki | |||||||||
| Akasaki/Tabata | 21:42 |
1. Busena Marine Park
Busena Marine Park provides safe access to the clean and clear waters of Okinawa, which are home to more than half of the world’s coral species. Visitors can enjoy views of the reef and its marine life through an observatory tower and a glass-bottom boat. The underwater observatory tower, at a depth of 5 meters, offers a 360-degree view of coral reefs and colorful fish. The glass-bottom boat extends the experience, allowing you to see vibrant coral fish up close.
During the latter part of the excursion, a bus will run on an optional side trip to Michi-no-Eki Kyoda where it's possible to shop for souvernirs and treats.
Costs:
Underwater Observatory adult pass: 1050 JPY
Glass-bottom boat adult pass: 1650 JPY
Combo (observatory+boat): 2100 JPY
Child discount is available.
Please note only cash (Japanese Yen) accepted.
Notice: The waters of Okinawa are beautiful; however, reefs, venomous wildlife, currents, and waves are only a handful of the many hazards present in the ocean. OIST requests that conference participants refrain from engaging in aquatic marine activities. Any participants who engage in such activities do so at their own risk and assume full liability for any adverse consequences.
2. Mount Ishikawa Hike
Mt. Ishikawa, with an elevation of 204 meters, is the highest point in the Uruma area and lends its name to the nearby city. The hike to the summit is a moderately challenging route, taking about 1 hour from OIST along a well-maintained and marked path. After navigating through the Okinawan tropical jungle, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the island and its coastline.
Notice: Participants should bring appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
3. Ryukyu Mura and Zakimi Castle
Ryukyu Mura is a reconstructed village from the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom, now a cultural theme park offering an overview of Okinawa’s culture. The village consists of traditional houses over 200 years old, with seven buildings declared National Tangible Cultural Properties in May 2007. Visitors can try Okinawan traditional food, known for contributing to the island’s longevity, and participate in activities such as pottery, weaving, painting shisa statues, and playing the sanshin guitar, or purchase a wide range of local souvenirs. Cultural (Eisa) show included.
Cost: admission fee 2000 JPY/person
Zakimi Castle was built in Yomitan around 1420 by Gosamaru, a commander from the kingdom of Chuzan. The castle was built to safeguard Chuzan from the northern kingdom, Hokuzan, during a period of near-constant civil war known as the Sanzan era. Zakimi Castle featured some of the most sophisticated stonework among all the castles in Okinawa. While the castle itself is long gone, the strong stone walls remain. Stunning views of the sea included.
Cost: admission fee 500 JPY/person
Banquet Dinner
The conference banquet dinner will start at 17:30 at the Oriental Hotel poolside venue (weather permitting, otherwise inside). Shuttle buses will go directly from each excursion to the banquet, so please plan accordingly.
