|
|
 |
|
| |
|
| General Information |
|
| |
| Japan is rich in tradition and arts, full of historical buildings, unique performing arts and action-packed festivals. Japan is also a nature-lover’s paradise, offering everything from spectacular mountain ranges that excite snow lovers to beaches that attract divers. |
| |
 |
|
| ............................................................................................................................. |
| |
| Environment |
|
| |
|
Okinawa is located south of mainland Japan, in the East China Sea. It is Japan’s southernmost prefecture and consists of a few dozen small islands in the southern half of the Nansei Shoto, the island chain which stretches over about one thousand kilometers from Kyushu to Taiwan.
Okinawa can be divided into three major island groups, the Okinawa Islands (Okinawa Shoto) around Okinawa Island (Okinawa Honto), the Miyako Islands (Miyako Retto) around Miyako Island and the Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama Retto) around Ishigaki Island. The capital city, Naha, is within a two hour flight to Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai and Manila.
Okinawa’s green islands enjoy a measured pace of life, far from hectic city routine. They have a unique cultural and musical tradition and host many beautiful and unusual species of flora and fauna. |
| |
|
| Full Country Name |
Japan |
| Population |
127 Million |
| Area |
377,899 sq km |
| Capital City |
Tokyo |
| Languages |
Japanese |
| Religions |
Shinto, Buddhist, Christian |
| Government |
Constitutional Monarchy |
 |
| |
| ............................................................................................................................. |
| |
|
| When To Go |
|
| |
|
A sub-tropical climate keeps Okinawa pleasantly warm all year round. The annual average temperature is 22-23C, and due to the Kuroshio current, it is warm in winter. In the summer months, it is a kaleidoscope of brilliant flowers, dazzling beaches and beautiful corals. |
| |
|
|
Month |
Temperature |
|
January |
18.3ºC |
|
February |
18.6ºC |
|
March |
20.6ºC |
|
April |
23.2ºC |
|
May |
25.5ºC |
|
June |
27.9ºC |
|
August |
28.9ºC |
|
September |
27.7ºC |
|
October |
25.6ºC |
|
November |
22.8ºC |
|
December |
19.8ºC
|
| |
|
Average temperature throughout year is 24 degree C. |
|
| |
| What’s the weather today? | |
| ............................................................................................................................. |
| |
|
| Travel Tips |
|
| |
|
| Passport / Visa Requirements |
All visitors must hold current passport valid for at least six months upon arrival in Japan. Proof of onward passage and sufficient funds are required. All visitors are responsible for checking for any visa requirements which may be applicable according to their citizenship and country of residence.
All foreign travelers who live out of Japan are required to hand in copies of the passport page in order to identify photo, name and place of issue when they check in at the hotel. |
|
|
| Time zone |
9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+9 GMT) |
| |
|
| Voltage Requirements |
100 volts AC |
| |
|
| Socket Type |
 |
| |
|
| Food |
Japanese, Chinese, Indian and European cuisines predominate and chicken, fish, noodles and curries can be found everywhere. You will also be able to discover the traditional Okinawan cuisine, including pork, local seafood and native tropical vegetables and fruits. Stir-frying is a common cooking method and Okinawan "chanpuru" is a stir-fry combination of eggs, leeks, tofu and other ingredients. Okinawan menus often feature a number of "chanpuru" dishes listed. |
| |
|
| Currency |
The official currency in Japan is the yen. Major credit cards are also recognised, such as JCB, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, SAISON, UC, MILLION, JAL, Diners Club. |
| |
|
| Dress Code |
Day time temperatures are generally high, which allows for some light clothes. Humidity levels are also high, so loose cotton and natural fibres are recommended. During winter, you may need some long sleeves at night. |
| |
|
| Things To Bring |
Don’t forget to take your suntan lotion, shower gel, shampoo, tooth brush, tooth paste and mosquito repellent. |
| |
|
| Common Phrases |
Here are some common phrases in Japan you might find useful:
Arigatou - Thank You
Youkoso - Welcome
Ohayou - Good Morning
Konnichiwa - Good Afternoon/Good Day
Konbanwa – Good Evening
Oyasuminasai - Good Night Oishii - Delicious! |
| |
|
| Tipping |
No tipping is required in Japan. |
| | |
| ............................................................................................................................. |
| |
|
| Seasonal Highlights |
|
| |
|
|
Month |
Event |
|
•
|
January |
•
|
Shogatsu - New year |
| |
|
|
|
|
• |
August |
• |
Bon - Deifying the ancestors |
| | |
| ............................................................................................................................. |
| |
|
| How To Get There |
|
| |
| Location |
| |
|
• |
Club Med Kabira is idyllically situated on the North-west part of the island of Ishigaki. |
|
• |
The Village is located 40 minutes by car from Ishigaki airport. |
| |
|
Photo courtesy of Tourism Japan |
|
By courtesy of Japan National Tourist Organization | | |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
© 2006 Club Med, All inclusive great value packages for holidays in Australia, Maldives, Japan,
Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, French Polynesia, Europe, United States and all around the world. |
|
|
