Okinawa Prefecture is made up of the Ryukyu Islands, which at their southern extremity begin at Nansei Islands. Okinawa consists of 160 islands of various size scattered across a vast area of ocean. The main island of Okinawa is located in the southernmost of Japan which takes 2 hrs. 30 min. by air from Tokyo.
With Okinawa being in a subtropical zone, Okinawa is quite warm throughout the year with the temperature ranging between about 16℃ and 32℃. The temperature during the period of the 7th APOSSM is expected to range between 26℃ and 29℃.
The crystal blue sea, with white sand beaches and colorful fish dancing through corals, welcomes all participants of the 7th APOSSM.
For about 450 years, from the 15th to 19th centuries, Okinawa prospered as the Kingdom of Ryukyu, a state independent of Japan's central government. Cultural characteristics and conventions born through relations with other countries in those days still survive in such interesting forms as artifacts and festivals, giving additional charm to Okinawa.
The currency of Japan is the yen. You can exchange U.S. dollar to yen at head and branch offices of the Bank of Okinawa, Bank of the Ryukyus, Kaihou Bank, and Mizuho Bank Naha Branch. Other exchangeable currencies are as follows: Euro, English pound, Canadian dollar, Swiss franc, Denmark krone, Sweden krone, Norway krone, Australian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Singapore dollar, New Zealand dollar, Thai baht. Please note that only certain banks can exchange these currencies.
International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and stores. However, some stores, restaurants and other businesses in Okinawa accept only Japanese yen in cash. Thus, carrying Japanese yen in cash is highly recommended. You can withdraw Japanese Yen using major international cards from Yucho ATMs (green colored ATMs), located at the post offices.
Please be aware that most ATMs in Japan are not open 24 hours a day.
In Japan, the electrical power supply to households is at 100 V and Okinawa operates at 60 Hz. If you want to use electric appliances which you brought in from your country, please check its compatibility in the appliances instruction manual. Please note that there are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs used in Japan but 2-fl at-pin plugs are used instead.
A 5% consumption tax is added to all purchases. Prices indicated on goods include the consumption tax.
You can drink tap water as is, but it is hard water and some people mind the smell of chlorine. Chinese, Western, Korean and local Okinawan cuisines are available. Water served at restaurants is free of charge and you may ask for extra servings.
Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Japan. Mineral water, including major imported brands, can be obtained at supermarkets, convenience stores and similar places.
The organizers accept no responsibility for accidents that involve participants.
Participants are encouraged to purchase travel insurance before leaving their home country.
In Japan, smoking is banned in many restaurants, hotels and other public facilities. Also, tipping is not customary in Japan.
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