◆
E n g l i s◆hEmergency Contact Information

Hospitals●Naha & Southern Region of Okinawa Main Island
Nanbu Medical Center & Child Medical Center☎098-888-0123

Nanbu Tokushukai Hospital☎098-998-3221

Tomishiro Chuo Hospital☎098-850-3811●Central Region of Okinawa Main Island
Chubu Tokushukai Hospital☎098-932-1110

University of the Ryukyus Hospital☎098-895-3331

Makiminato Chuo Hospital☎098-877-0575

J

A

P

A

N

OKINAWA
Learn, Experience, Create

Guide to Educational
Travel in Okinawa

Urasoe Sogo Hospital☎098-878-0231●Northern Region of Okinawa Main Island●Miyako Island

Hokubu-Chiku Ishikai Hospital

Okinawa Miyako Hospital☎0980-54-1111☎0980-72-3151*See the following website for a guide to using medical institutions in Japan

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/emergency/mi_guide.html

Problems & Accidents
Local police department ☎110

Ambulance ☎119

Maritime emergency ☎118

Okinawa Prefectural Police Headquarters ☎098-862-0110
10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters ☎098-867-0118

Embassies & Consulates
Office of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Singapore-Osaka :3-77 Oimatsu-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka ☎072-223-6911

Embassy of Malaysia, Tokyo : 20-16 Nanpeidai-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo ☎03-3476-3840
Australian Consulate-General Fukuoka :7th Floor, Tenjin Twin Building, 1-6-8 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka ☎092-734-5055
Office of the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Thailand-Naha :1-35 Shuri Sakiyama-cho, Naha City, Okinawa ☎098-885-1534

U.S. Consulate General Naha : 2-1-1 Toyama, Urasoe City, Okinawa ☎098-876-4211

Office of the Honorary Consul of Canada-Fukuoka :Inside Kyushu Electric Power Co., INC., 2-1-81 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka ☎092-726-6348
Office of the Honorary Consul of New Zealand-Fukuoka :5 th Floor, Fukuoka Building, Inside Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd., 1-11-17 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka ☎092-734-1554

Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau
2nd Floor, Okinawa Industry Support Center,
1831-1 Oroku, Naha City, Okinawa☎ +81-98-859-6125
Singapore Office
1 North Bridge Road #22-09 High Street Centre, Singapore☎065-6694-6408

Okinawa Educational Travel Website
http://edu.visitokinawa.jp/en

Cultural Experiences
Advanced Technology
Homestay
School Exchange
Marine Biology
Earth ScienceLearn, Experience, Create

Beijing

Guide to Educational Travel in

OKINAWA

Educational Travel in Okinawa

Seoul
Busan

Develops the Life Skills

NagoyaTokyo
Osaka

Learn, Experience andCreate a Future in Okinawa

FukuokaNanjingShanghaiIn addition to the warm mild climate and rich natural environment only found in southern islands,
Okinawa, which rises south of the Japanese archipelago, has many attractions including its history andtraditional culture, which have undergone unique transitions. It is also an extraordinary place forstudying peace as many battle sites remain along with the availability of other experiences only
obtainable in Okinawa.
Why not have a worthwhile experience learning in close rapport with students of the same generationand the people of Okinawa?

Taipei
Okinawa

Taichung
Vietnam
Hanoi

Myanmar
Naypyidaw

Hong Kong
500km

Kaohsiung

Laos
Vientiane

1,000km

Philippines
Thailand

ManilaBangkokCambodia

1,500kmPhnom Penh

Brunei
Darussalam

2,000kmBandar Seri
Begawan

Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur

2,500kmSingapore
Singapore

3,000kmIndonesia
Jakarta

3,500kmWhy is Okinawa a special destination for educational travel?

1

Precious naturalenvironment
acclaimed worldwide

Ocean water with world-class clarity is here in
Okinawa along with verdant forests abounding in
biodiversity where many rare creatures live, and arich natural environment still remains today.

2

Close to other Asian countries

Geographicalsuperiority

Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Seoul and other major Asian cities
are located within a radius of 1,500km from the prefectural capital
Naha. Access to Okinawa is very convenient as it is the closest
region of Japan to other Asian countries.

3

Nine world
heritage sites
interspersed around theprefecture

Shuri Castle and other castle remains as well
as places of scenic beauty have been inscribedon the World Heritage List as “Gusuku Sites
and Related Properties of the Kingdom of
Ryukyu” in 2000.

4 5
No.1
destination

for high school excursions inJapanWith its distinctive history, culture and nature,
Okinawa is also a place where peace may bestudied, and Okinawa has garnered tremendous
support from teachers and students in Japan asa destination for school excursions.

*Japan School Excursion Association
2015 Data Book "Annual Report on Educational Travel"

Unique history
and culture
unlike anything found on
mainland Japan

Okinawa was formerly an independent country
known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. It has a distinctive history, which included flourishing tradewith other Asian countries and a period ofadministration under the United States.

What is Okinawa Like?
What is the Climate Like?

Countries and regions differ in many ways, such as
their climate and customs. Here is some basic information you should know before you travel to Okinawa.

The sun is intense in summer.
Be prepared with sunscreen.

What are the Customs and Culture of Okinawa?
Unique traditional practices tied to the land have remained strong in Okinawa with its particular history.
If you know some of these, your trip to Okinawa will definitely be more enjoyable.
Try conversing with Okinawan people
in Okinawan language

Okinawa is comparatively warm throughout the year,
but there can be some big differences in temperature between morning and evening.
Let’s take a look at what sort of clothing is best for
the time of year when you’re traveling.

Okinawan people ( Uchinanchu ) are very open andfriendly. Start off a fun trip to Okinawa by greetingpeople with “haisai! ” (hello).
*Women say “haitai ” instead of “haisai ”

Okinawa’s guardian deity
shisa are placed here andthere all around the islands
In Okinawa, you will often see a pair of figures,
which look somewhat like lions, placed on a roof
or in front of a gate to the building. This legendary animal was originally brought to Okinawa
from China and is used to ward off evil.

Be sure not to trespass onimportant sites in local communities
In Okinawa, communities have built up in aparticular way, and sacred sites and battle
sites can be found in urban and residential
areas. Be sure to respect such sites and ask
before entering them.

Appropriate
Clothing【】

Light long-sleeve shirt or 【Short sleeves】【Sweater and long sleeves】【Sweater and long sleeves】【Long sleeves】【Short sleeves】
The strong seasonal breezes Evenings are still chilly. Carry It feels like the height of short sleeves
Hot and humid most of the You’ll need protection against
make it feel colder than it a spring coat or something to spring, but you’ll need long The most pleasant time of time. Try short sleeves and the sun. Put on a light shirt
really is. Be sure to bring a put on when the temperature sleeves at night.
and sunglasses.
the year. Perfect for short shorts.
light jacket.
drops.
sleeves and jeans.

SunriseSunsetTemperature
Rainfall
Ocean Water
Temperature

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

What Sort of Cuisine and Foods Can be Found in Okinawa?

Avg.

Avg.

Avg.

Avg.

Avg.

Avg.

Using ingredients grown in southern latitudes as a base, Okinawan cuisine has developed in a unique way influenced by Japan, China
and America. The names of dishes are often in the Okinawan language, so, if you’re not sure, please ask someone at the shop.

Typhoons

Appropriate
Clothing【Short sleeves】【Short sleeves】【Short sleeves】【Long or short sleeves】 【Long sleeves】【Long sleeves】
Take precautions against Hat, sunglasses and light The hottest time of the year has You’ll need a light cardigan Light cardigan or similar fall Winter is warm compared tothe sun with a light shirt and long sleeve shirt for sun passed, but you can still enjoy to put on in the morning and wear.
mainland Japan. Sweatshirt
the beach and swimming. You’ll evening.
sunglasses. Watch out for protection.
and jeans weather.
need sunglasses, though.
typhoons.

SunriseSunsetTemperature
Rainfall
Ocean Water
Temperature

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

High
Low
Avg.

Avg.

Avg.

Avg.

Avg.

Avg.

Avg.

Typhoons*Sunrise and sunset are average times as measured on the 20th of each month in Naha City. <National Astronomical Observatory of Japan>*Highs, lows, average temperature and rainfall are measurements taken in Naha City in 2014. The number of typhoons is the average from 2005 to 2014 in Naha City.<Japan Meteorological Agency>*2015 data is used for the ocean water temperature. <11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters>*About the number of approaching typhoons: This refers to the number of typhoons in the vicinity whose center passes within 300km of a weather observation station in either Naha, Nago, Kume Island,
Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, Yonaguni Island or Minami-Daito Island.

Okinawa Soba

Goya Champuru

TebichiSea Grapes (Umi-budo)

Imaiyu (Fresh Local Fish)

Shima Yasai (Local Vegetables)

Taco Rice

Sata Andagi

This dish starts with noodles, which
are made the same way as Chinese
noodles, and then adds a broth,prepared from dried bonito flakes andpork bones, with chunks of pork meat.

Imaiyu is the Okinawan word for fresh
fish. These colorful tropical fish aredelicious to eat.

This dish is a staple of any family meal
and made by stir frying bitter gourd(goya) and tofu made from soybeans.

These traditional vegetables are
known among the Okinawan people
as the source of longevity. These arerare in other prefectures and not astaple of diets outside Okinawa.

This dish of simmered pigs feet issoftened so that they are easy to eat.
It can also be used as a topping for
Okinawa soba.

A twist has been added to tacos, a
Mexican dish, to provide a full meal,
topped with meat, cheese, lettuce
and tomatoes.

This seaweed grown in the seasaround Okinawa has a faint salty
taste and a unique crunchy texture
that pops inside your mouth.

Sugar, flour, eggs and other ingredients are mixed and kneaded into
small clumps which are deep-fried to
produce this traditional sweet. It’s amust-have snack in Okinawa.

Ie Island

What is Okinawa Like?

Guide to Okinawa Main Island and Outlying Islands

Map of theWhole Okinawa Prefecture

Okinawa Prefecture, which is located on the southwestern tip of Japan, belongs to the Southwest Islands chain arching between
Kyushu and Taiwan. Its extensive sea area stretches approximately 1000 km east to west and 400 km north to south, and isinterspersed with over 160 Islands small and large. There are 41 municipalities, including Naha City where the prefectural office
is located. Okinawa is linked to major cities in Asia within a 1,500 km radius. Here is a guide to the Okinawa main island, which isthe center of Okinawa and might also be called the gateway to the south of Japan, and the four principal outlying island groups.

Northern Region of Main Island

Iheya Island

The northern region of the Okinawa main island, which mountains and forests stretch
over, is known as Yanbaru and has been designated a national park. It is also a

Iriomote
IslandKunigami
Village

YonaguniIslandAguni
Kume Island
IslandTonakiIslandTaramaIslandOkinawa
Main Island

KeramaIslands

Kita-daito Island
Minami-daito Island

Kume Island Area

Miyako Island

Kume Island is located in the East China Sea,

Ishigaki Island

approximately 100 km west of Naha city. The entire
island has been designated a prefectural nature

HaterumaIslandpark. In the northwestern part of the island, themountain streams and wetlands around Mount

Uegusuku are protected under the Ramsar Con-

treasure trove of precious flora and fauna with many species designated for special

Noho Island

Iheya Island
Izena Island

vention.

protection by the prefecture and central government. To the northwest of this region,

Kume
Islandlie Iheya Island, Izena Island, and Ie Island. These islands are easy to travel to by

regular ferry. *The regions that are designated as a national park are limited to Kunigami Village, Higashi Village and Ogimi Village.

Izena Island

Ie Island

Ogimi
Village

Kouri Island

MotobuTown

Minna Island

Central Region ofMain Island

Yagaji Island

Miyako Island Area
Miyako Island is known as the Eco-Island for its promotion of locally

The Kerama Islands are mainly comprised of four inhabited islands: Toka-

renewable energy. There is a lot of beautiful nature to see including

in 2014. It has some of the most transparent seas in the world, which makeproduced and consumed energy, including advanced efforts to use

HigashiVillageshiki, Zamami, Aka and Geruma. The area was designated a national park

Yonaha Maehama Beach, which has been ranked No. 1 on a popu-

for excellent scuba diving.

lar travel information website three years in a row.

Ikema
IslandNago
City

The central region where the American presence can be

Kerama Islands Area

particularly felt is distinguished by several historical

YakabiIslandOgami
IslandAka
IslandIrabu
Islandheritages including the remains of Katsuren Castle, Zakimi

Castle and Nakagusuku Castle. There is an extensive shop-

Kuba
Islandping center and a Ferris wheel in Chatan, which is popularwith young people.

YomitanVillage

Onna
Village

ShimojiIslandUruma
CityChatanTown

Okinawa
City Henza Island

Tsuken Island

Naha Airport

Naha
City
Itoman
City

Nanjo
City

Kudaka Island

Yaeyama Islands Area
In the Yaeyama Islands comprised of Ishigaki, Iriomote, Taketomi,sites and memorials. Historical heritages can be found heretional culture are alive that are different from those on the Okinawa

Among these, there are some cultural properties and famous

Japan known as the Sekisei shoko coral reef, a part of Ishigaki Island

intense fighting took place during WWⅡ, has many battle

Yonaguni and other islands, abundant nature and a distinctive tradi-and there, imparting a feel for the history of the Ryukyus.

main island. The sea area which comprises the largest coral reef insights that are a must-see for anyone visiting Okinawa toand all of Iriomote Island, have been designated as a national park.

Castle Park and Shikina Royal Garden in Naha city.

GerumaIslandFukajiIslandHatomaIslandThe southern region of the Okinawa main island, wherelearn about the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, including Shurijo

Amuro
IslandMae
IslandTokashiki
IslandYonaguniIslandTaramaIslandSouthern Region ofMain Island

GishibuIslandKurimaIslandMinna
IslandHamahiga Island

Kuro
IslandMiyakoIslandIkei Island
Miyagi Island

ZamamiIslandIriomote
IslandHaterumaIslandYubu
IslandKohamaIslandKayamaIslandTaketomi
IslandKuro Island
Aragusuku Island(Kamiji Island & Shimoji Island)

Ishigaki
IslandSchool Exchange

Viewing & Participatingin Classes

Cultural Experiences

Students interact with each otherin actual classes

Learning about Japan throughcross-cultural experiences

High school students from Kaohsiung give a presentation about their country.
The students also exchanged souvenirs.

Students visiting as part of a program funded by the Japan-Korea Cultural Foundation,
which promotes exchange between Japan and Korea.

Visiting students do not just watch classes in session but also they
participate and actually experience the subjects. The students have
fun communicating through gestures and English.

Sanshin(Okinawan
traditional
instrument)

Young people improve their international understandingby experiencing Sanshin performances and other aspectsof Okinawan culture as well as Japanese culture, including tea ceremony
in a Japanese-style room.

Improving communication skills and learning

Through a Variety of Exchanges
and Experiences
Taiwan’s Nanyang Pr imar
Ishigaki Municy Sc ho ol an
ho ld a music ipal Ishigaki No. 2 Mi ddd
festivalle Sc ho ol

Interacting with others who have different cultural and historicalbackgrounds and thinking together to create something areindeed a very precious time when young people can develop theskills which are necessary for living in the global community.

Experiencing
Club Activities
Exchanges overcome
language barriersde dn high sch oo l fun
ony for a Ko rea
We lco me ceremorea Cultural Fo undatio nby the Japan-K

Sports and other physical activities help overcome
language barriers and lessen the divide.

Visiting students are welcomed with dances andSanshin music at a ceremony.
Taiwanese students also perform a dance.

Students develop even closer ties when they share ameal together

Welcome Ceremony

Exchanges
During Lunch

Students are greeted in grand stylewith fun performances

The exchange begins with a welcome ceremony. After the school principal and a student representative give
welcome speeches, commemorative gifts are exchanged, photos taken, and students also begin to relax.

Learning about different
food cultures
Handball game between Hong Kong’s Chinese
Y.M.C.A. College and Okinawa’s Maehara HighSchoolStudents get to actually experience a different dietary culture while
establishing friendships as they enjoy local dishes together.

Homestay During
Exchange in Okinawa

Cooking Okinawan
Traditional Dishes

Traditional Culture
Make your second
home here
in Okinawa!

Chance to experience Okinawan life up close and personalStudents can enjoy a homestay with a family running a farm or other business. By helping
the host family and enjoying meals together at the dinner table, students develop greater
sense of different cultures and people while having fun at the same time.

Exchanges of
Okinawan culture
popular since long ago

Students help
prepare the morning andevening meals and learn
about Okinawan ingredients

Homestay exchanges foster an understanding of other communities through opportunities to try eisa dancing, Sanshin
and other musical instruments, which are traditional parts ofeach Okinawan family’s culture.

Students experience a taste of Okinawan soba, goya champuru and other typical home-cooked meals, and have the chance
to make sata-andagi and other sweets. They learn how meals
are influenced by the different community environments.

Welcome & Farewell
Ceremonies

Farming Experience

Comments from a host familyHomestay

Highlights

Initially, we didn’t know how it would go, but thestudents were bright and sincere, which madefor a good mood. Writing Chinese charactershelped us overcome the language barrier. We
all cried at the farewell ceremony.
(Ogimi Marugoto Tourism Association)

We have wonderful memories from the visit.
We hope to come and see you again soon,
and want more foreign people to learn
about Ogimi Village’s charm.
(Lanyu High School, Taiwan)

Chura-Mura Yomitan Far

ewell Ceremony

Family businesses
vary by community

Opportunity to experience
traditional culture

Depending on the community, students will
get a chance to help families engaged infarming, fishing, and other businesses.

Students also have the opportunity to experience
performing arts and traditional crafts that show the
Okinawan spirit.

Top priority given to
camaraderie

Reliable support system

No more than around five students are
assigned to each family.
Students welcomed like members of thefamily.

11Comments
from a visiting school

Only government-approved families participate in
the program.
Emergency contact system.

Helping out
fosters a sense of accomplishment andgratitude for nature’s blessings

Students and host families
overcome language barriers tobuild family-like bonds

Students not only learn Okinawan-style farming techniques,but also gain a sense of accomplishment from putting in agood day’s work with nature.

Although everyone might be nervous at first, they gradually
open up as they spend time with each other and are full ofgratitude when they have to say good-bye.

Basic Okinawan Homestay ProgramDay

1

Students and families meet
(welcome ceremony)

Farming and cooking
lessons withhomestay families(Ex. of program from Ogimi Marugoto Tourism Association “Igimi Minpaku”)
Dinner, bath andbedtimeDay

2

Wake up &breakfast

Farmingexperience

Farewell(Farewell ceremony)12

Okinawa

Educational Travel

1

Facility
VisitsLearn about Okinawa’s unique history, culture,industry, nature and peace at tourist attractions.

2

World
Heritage

Shurijo Seiden, Shurijo Castle Park

Shurijo Castle Park

Shurijo Castle Park includes Shurijo Castle where the ancient Ryukyuan Kings lived andmany other historical sites associated with the Ryukyu Kingdom. Here, visitors can experience Ryukyuan history and culture as well as the unique architectural style.

Exotic charm with vestiges of
the Ryukyu Kingdom
not found in Japan

MAHAE

History & Culture

Ryukyu Kingdom historic sites
inscribed as UNESCO World Heritages
The Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom
of Ryukyu, a total of nine sites including Shurijo Castle,
were inscribed as World Heritage Sites in 2000.

Shurijo Castle Site

For roughly 450 years from the 15th to the 19th centuries, Okinawa wasan independent country known as the Ryukyu Kingdom, a highly prosperous base for trade among China, Japan and Southeast Asian
nations. Ryukyuan culture, which developed independently with influences from other countries, lives on today in Okinawa’s food, crafts
and performing arts.

①Yachimun pottery carries
on a tradition going back 400
years ②Traditional chinsuko
sweets13

Required Time

1500 people

90 min.

Fukushu-En Park encompasses a total area of 8500 m². The ancient Chinese scenery andstructures express traditional Chinese methods, and the seasonal trees and flowers arearranged in a pattern evocative of the four seasons.

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese,
Simplified Chinese), Korean
Wheelchair Access Available
Accepts Visitors
Languages

Address / 1-2 Kinjo-cho, Naha City, Okinawa

Capacity

Required Time

300 people

30 - 60 min.

All Year Round
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese),
Korean, Spanish
Wheelchair Access Available
Accepts Visitors
Languages

Address / 2-29-19 Kume, Naha City, Okinawa

3

4

The outer w
alls of Shur
ijo Castle coa sense ofnjure upOkinawa’s
histor y

Kinjo-cho stone-paved road in Shuri,going down hill from the castle

Fascinin any w ation not foundhere else in J
apan

Capacity

Fukushu-En Park

Tamaudun

Sonohyan-utaki
Stone Gate

Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

The Nakamura HouseThe Okinawa Prefectural Museum offers exhibits showing Okinawa’s nature, history, culture
and other aspects. The Art Museum principally displays works by artists having aconnection with Okinawa. There is even a section where visitors may try on dyed fabrics.

This residence was constructed in the traditional Okinawan architectural style in the
mid-18 th century. It is a very valuable structure representative of a prewar house and has
been preserved in its original state.

Capacity

Required Time

100 people

30 - 60 min.

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese),
Korean, Spanish
Wheelchair Access Available
Accepts Visitors
Languages

Capacity

Required Time

40 people

20 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese), Korean

Wheelchair Access Not available

Address / 106 Oshiro, Kitanakagusuku Village, Okinawa

Address / 3-1-1 Omoromachi, Naha City, Okinawa(The Nakamura House Souvenir Shop)

5

6

Yomitan Pottery Village

Taketomi Island Visitor Center Taketomi Yugafu-kan

Many traditional Okinawan pottery workshops have been established in Yomitan Pottery
Village. Visitors may purchase their favorite pottery works and tour the kiln.

The facility uses video, exhibits and sound to show how traditional culture, performing artsand people’s lives developed within the bountiful nature of Taketomi Island and Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.

Katsuren-jo Site

Sefa-utaki

Zakimi-jo Site

Capacity

Shikinaen

National
Important
Cultural
Property

Nakagusuku-jo Site

Nakijin Castle Remains

No limits inside the village(capacity differs depending on
pottery studio)

Required Time
60 - 90 min.

Address / 2653-1 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Okinawa

capacity differs depending
on pottery studio
capacity differs depending
on pottery studio
Wheelchair Access Available in public
restrooms. (Depends on the
Accepts Visitors
Languages

workshops for other restrooms)

Capacity

Required Time

80 people

30 - 60 min.

Address / Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Okinawa

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round(Closed during typhoons)
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese), Korean

Wheelchair Access Available( NPO Takidhun)(Yomitan Village Tourism Association)*“Visitor capacity” indicates the maximum number of people allowed into a facility at one time. *Please see the insert for more information about foreign language panel displays, pamphlets,
voice guidance, and other multilingual services. *“Barrier-free” indicates whether or not the facility provides wheelchair access.

14Facility
VisitsAdvanced technologies thatare the pride of Japan andtraditional industry
developed within
Okinawa’s particularclimate and environment

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) isa center for education and research on cutting-edge technologies

Industry

8

Okinawa Institute of Science andTechnology Graduate University (OIST)

Okinawa Tracking andCommunication Station (JAXA)OIST offers five-year graduate study programs for pursuing education and research ontechnologies at world-class levels. Tours of the facility, which is surrounded by greenery andenjoys a view of the East China Sea are available. There is also a café open to the public.
Capacity

Required Time

80 people (Negotiable)

60 - 90 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

JAXA is a facility that tracks and controls satellites. Models and videos show how satellites
and parabolic antennas function. Visitors will enjoy learning about space development.

All Year Round
EnglishWheelchair Access Available

Address / 1919-1 Tancha, Onna Village, Okinawa(Campus Visit)

Capacity

Required Time90 people

30 - 60 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
EnglishWheelchair Access Available

Address / 1712 Afuso Kinrabaru, Onna Village, Okinawa

910

Trim Recycling Factory

Okinawa Prefecture Ocean Thermal Energy
Conversion Demonstration Facility

OIST

Tourism supports the economy of
Okinawa Prefecture

Tourism income(100 million yen)

Okinawa Prefecture, whichis enveloped by the beautifulsea, has developed into one
of Japan’s leading resor t
areas. In the recent years,
O kinawa Prefecture has
seen an increase in travelers
from other countries and anincrease in demand for
1990
interpretation.

tr iesdus !
nift o s lan dia lore’s small
e
h
s
i
T
h
t
on

7

At this plant, waste glass is used as raw material for manufacturing an artificial pumice
known as Supersol, which has completely different properties than those of glass. Visitors
learn about this technology, which has attracted attention worldwide.

Domestic visitors
International visitors
Tourism income

Number of
Tourists Arriving in
Okinawa Prefecture
1994

1998

2002

2008

2012 2015*Source: Okinawa Prefecture website

Capacity

Required Time120 people

60 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
English, Chinese,
Vietnamese, Thai

Wheelchair Access Not available

Visitors may tour the facility where testing is conducted to generate electricity using
deep-sea water. They will also learn about the particular characteristics of deep-sea water
as well as its uses and applications.
Capacity

20 people(More people

possible if divided into groups)

Required Time

20 - 60 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
EnglishWheelchair Access Partly available

Address / 1763-1 Aragusuku, Yaese Town, Okinawa

Address / 500-1 Maja, Kumejima Town, Okinawa

11

12

Nuchi-Masu Sightseeing andSalt Manufacturing Factory (Nuchi-Una)

Miyakojima Next Generation Energy Park

Hotel Staff

Okinawa Prefecture has a flourishing fishing industry that benefits from thebounty of the beautiful sea as well as agriculture that makes use of the temperate climate. These products are shipped throughout Okinawa and all
around Japan. Okinawa has companies and universities that serve as centers for research and development, allowing people access to cutting-edge
technologies.

Hotel staff respond to a variety ofguests’ needs and help make theirstay comfortable.

Aquatic Activity Staff

Staff working on the beaches andhelping with marine activities are on
the front line making sure their guests
are safe.

Interpreters & Tour Guides
Interpreters and tour guides show
visitors from Japan and other countries
around tourist sites, presenting them in
an interesting and enjoyable fashion.
Wind turbine on Miyako Island

15

Okinawa Tracking andCommunication Station (JAXA)

While viewing the salt production room, visitors have a chance to see how salt is madeusing the world’s first manufacturing method. Visitors will also enjoy the spectacular
scenery of Miyagi Island, in addition to shopping and dining.
Capacity

Required Time

30 - 35 people

10 - 15 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round(Closed during typhoons)
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese)

Wheelchair Access Available

Address / 2768 Miyagi, Yonashiro, Uruma City, Okinawa

While touring multiple facilities on the island constructed to protect the natural environment
and locally produce and consume energy, visitors learn about the underground dam and theprocess of wind and solar power generation.
Capacity

Required Time

40 people (One bus)

3 hours

Address / Various areas on Miyako Island

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year RoundInterpreter required

Wheelchair Access Not available in the solar
power generation facility(Miyako Island Tourism Club)*“Visitor capacity” indicates the maximum number of people allowed into a facility at one time. *Please see the insert for more information about foreign language panel displays, pamphlets,
voice guidance, and other multilingual services. *“Barrier-free” indicates whether or not the facility provides wheelchair access.

16Facility
Visits13

14

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

GODAC (Global Oceanographic Data Center) /JAMSTEC

The concept of Churaumi Aquarium at Ocean Expo Park is “encountering the Okinawa sea.”
It is one of the world’s largest aquarium and the first in the world to successfully breed
several whale sharks and manta rays.

Blue coral seas andforests inhabited by rare creatures

Precious mangrov

Looking to have Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima Amami-OshimaIslandIsland, the Northern Part of Okinawa Island,
and Iriomote Island added
to the UNESCO World Heritage List
Amami

only
e as
n at u r w a !
e
c
n
a
in
rie
Expe can in Ok
yo u

Colorful coral inhabit the beautiful waters, which are also
some of the clearest anywhere in the world. In the forestsof this subtropical oceanic climate, you can encounter
precious flora and fauna that you would not be able to see
in mainland Japan. National parks have been designated in
the Yanbaru area (2016), which stretches over three villages Kunigami, Higashi and Ogimi in the northern region of
the main island, theKerama Islands (2014)
and the Iriomote-Ishigaki area (1972).

17

Okinawa actively works
to preserve the coral

90 - 120 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese), Korean

Wheelchair Accesible Available

Capacity

Required Time120 people

60 min.

Address / 424 Ishikawa, Motobu Town, Okinawa

Address / 224-3 Toyohara, Nago City, Okinawa

15

16

Yambaru Wildlife Conservation CenterUfugi Nature Museum

Valley of Gangala

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year RoundInterpreter required

Wheelchair Accesible Available

Great banyan tree in the Valley of Gangala

e forests

Natureー

Required Time

JAMSTEC’s Global Oceanographic Data Center offers free tours to help people improvetheir understanding of ocean science and technology. Visitors enjoy learning about the
deep-sea and coral reefs through videos and experiments.

Islands
The Japanese government is seeking to have Amami-Oshima
TokunoshimaIsland, Tokunoshima Island, Yanbaru in the northern region ofIslandthe Okinawa main island and Iriomote Island registered as
Kagoshima
UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Yanbaru has many rare
species, including the Okinawa rail and Pryer’s
woodpecker, living in its dynamic forest with aNaharich diverse plant life. In addition, all seven
Okinawa
Northern
species of mangroves native to
Iriomote
Okinawa Main Island
Japan are distributed on Iriomote
IslandIsland, and the indigenous
Ryukyu Islands
Iriomote cat has been designated an endangered species.

Source:Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center

Image : ＠K.P.V.B/@OCVB

Yanbaru forest with its diverse
ecosystem

The Okinawa rail is a protected
species in Japan which is only
found in the northern region of the
Okinawa main island

It is estimated that there are
only about 100 Iriomote cats still
livingThe Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center’s Ufugi Nature Museum has displays of stuffedanimals and shows videos to present in an easy-to-understand manner the ecosystem andprecious wildlife of the Yanbaru area in the northern region of the Okinawa main island.
Capacity

Required Time

50 people

45 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

The Valley of Gangala was created when a limestone cave, which had formed overhundreds of thousands of years, collapsed. Experts guide visitors through the mysticalforest in this rich natural environment.

All Year Round
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese), Korean

Wheelchair Accesible Available

Capacity

Required Time

24 people

80 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese), Korean

Wheelchair Accesible Not available

Address / 263-1 Hiji, Kunigami Village, Okinawa

Address / 202 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa

17

18

Sea Turtle Museum of Kumejima

Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory

While observing sea turtles as well as newly born baby turtles swimming around slowly andgracefully, visitors learn about the ecology and current state of sea turtles, which are indanger of extinction.

At the Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory, visitors can enjoy 4D2U (four-dimensional
digital universe), which makes use of the Murikabushi telescope, the largest in Kyushu andOkinawa, to view heavenly bodies and space in three dimensions.

Capacity

Required Time

30 people

10 - 30 min.

Address / 170 Ou, Kumejima Town, Okinawa

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
EnglishWheelchair Accesible Available

Capacity

Required Time

30 people

30 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year RoundInterpreter required

Wheelchair Accesible Available

Address / 1024-1 Arakawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa*“Visitor capacity” indicates the maximum number of people allowed into a facility at one time. *Please see the insert for more information about foreign language panel displays, pamphlets,
voice guidance, and other multilingual services. *“Barrier-free” indicates whether or not the facility provides wheelchair access.

18Facility
Visits

Sharing the misery of war
and value of peacerds ofcarefully to the wondVisitors listening
ed the war firstha
nc
rie
pe
ex
o
wh
a someone20

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum

Himeyuri Peace Museum

The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum commemorates victims of the war and works to communicate tofuture generations historical lessons painfully learned from the Battle of Okinawa. The museum has displays
showing testimony given by people who experienced the fighting as well as numerous actual items and documents.

The Himeyuri students or “Lily Corps” were mobilized to serve as nurses during the Battle of
Okinawa. Visitors to the museum learn about war and peace through the experiences ofthese girls who were in their teens at the time of the fighting.

No set limits

Required Time

45 min.

Accepts Visitors

All Year Round
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese),
Korean, Spanish, others
Wheelchair Access Available
Languages

Cornerstone ofPeace Memorial on
which 240,000 names
are inscribedow
er allain
e nev appen ag
w
t
a
h
h
S o t f wa r t oe dy oe t r ag

During World War II roughly 70 years ago, so many people died in Okinawa Prefecture that
one-fourth of its precious population was lost. Particularly in the southern region of the mainisland where the Japanese military was headquartered, fierce fighting embroiled local residents
during the battle’s final stages. Even today, many caves where people sought shelter from thefighting, memorial monuments as well as battle sites still remain. These are now used to teachpeople about peace.

19

Required Time400 people

30 - 60 min.

Accepts Visitors

All Year Round
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese),
Korean, Spanish
Wheelchair Access Available
Languages

Address / 614-1 Mabuni, Itoman City, Okinawa

Address / 671-1 Ihara, Itoman City, Okinawa

21

22

Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum

Kakazu Heights ParkThe Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum provides an overview of the sinking of the Tsushima-maru,
which was used to evacuate schoolchildren. The museum works to communicate the value ofpeace through this tragedy in which 1,482 people, including many children, lost their lives.

The Observatory Park has a sweeping view of Futenma base. It was also the site of fierce
fighting during the Battle of Okinawa, vestiges of which still remain today.

In the Peace Memorial Park plaza, a monument has been erected in a prayer for world
peace and souls of the war dead. The namesof the people who died during the Battle of
Okinawa is inscribed on the Cornerstone ofPeace Memorial, regardless of nationality orwhether or not they were soldier or civilian.
The number of people fallen during the war
includes 149,425 from Okinawa Prefecture,
77,417 from other prefectures, and 14,572
from other countries (as of June 2016).

Capacity

Required Time80 - 100 people

40 min.

Accepts Visitors

All Year Round
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese),
KoreanWheelchair Access Available
Languages

Cave in which people took shelter toescape the ravages of war

Plaza where the Cornerstone ofPeace Memorial stands

Capacity

Required Time

200 - 400 people

30 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

Address / 1-5 Kakazu, Ginowan City, Okinawa

23

24

Okinawa City Street Corner Data HallThe Former Japanese Navy
Underground Headquarters

Capacity

Required Time

30 people

15 - 60 min.

Address / 1-17-17 Chuo, Okinawa City, Okinawa

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
EnglishWheelchair Access Available

All Year Round
English(Not available
Wheelchair Access Available
at the observation deck)(Hagoromo Park Management)

Address / 1-25-37 Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa

Organized around the theme of “considering the postwar history and culture of Okinawa City,”
the Okinawa City Street Corner Data Hall displays objects and scenes showing Okinawa
spanning an interval from ranging from the middle of the war through the postwar period.

The Okinawa Peace Hall,symbol of respect for the war deadCapacity

Cornerstone of Peace Memorial on which thenames of those fallen during the war are inscribed

Peace
th

19

The command bunker, which a Japanese Navy advance team built during World War II at the time of
the Battle of Okinawa, has been opened to the public, including the commander’s office. There is alsoa free museum on the grounds, displaying personal effects and letters which have been retrieved.
Capacity

Required Time150 people

40 min.

Accepts Visitors

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese,
Simplified Chinese), Korean
Wheelchair Access Available
Languages

Address / 236 Tomigusuku, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa*“Visitor capacity” indicates the maximum number of people allowed into a facility at one time. *Please see the insert for more information about foreign language panel displays, pamphlets,
voice guidance, and other multilingual services. *“Barrier-free” indicates whether or not the facility provides wheelchair access.

20

Okinawa

Educational Travel

Activities

A full complement of programs allows students
to experience nature, culture and industry as
found nowhere else but in Okinawa.

Feeling close to nature’s
bounty provides
a chance to think
about environmental issues

27

28

Whale Watching

Zamami Village
Whale Watching Association

From December to April every year, the whale watching tour offers people the opportunity
to see humpback whales that have returned to the waters around Zamami Island.
Capacity

40 people

Working to restore coral reefs
Coral reefs are home to a variety of creatures.
Of the approximately 400 species of coral in
Japan, over 380 inhabit the seas around Okinawa. Reclamation of coastal waters and rise inocean temperatures in recent years pose aserious threat to coral reefs. Projects are actively underway to preserve and regenerate coralthrough cultivation and other means.

Precious nature still remains in Okinawa’s seas
and forests. Be careful not to unnecessarily touchanimals or plants during activities.

Nature25

26

Glass-bottom Boat,
Underwater Observatory

Busena Marine ParkAt the only underwater observatory on the Okinawa main island, you don’t have to get wet
to see tropical fish in action. Another popular activity is a promenade over the sea in awhale-shaped glass bottom boat.
All Year Round ( Maybe
Capacity

36 people per glass-bottom boat,
24 people inside underwaterobservation tower

Required Time90 min.

Address / 1744-1 Kise, Nago City, Okinawa

21

Accepts Visitors
Languages

cancelled due to theweather or sea conditions )English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese,
Simplified Chinese), Korean

Wheelchair Accesible Available

Beach Trekking(Ino observations)Okinawan Experience Nirai Kanai

Students observe inoh (coastal shallows enclosed by coral reefs) where a variety of rarecreatures live to learn about the ecosystem of the beautiful sea and environmental issues.
Capacity

20 - 60 people

Required Time2 - 2.5 hours

Address / 524 Yamada, Onna Village, Okinawa

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year RoundInterpreter required

Wheelchair Accesible Not available

Required Time

2 hours

27th Dec. to 5th Apr.
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese),
KoreanWheelchair Access Available

At Gala Aoi Umi, visitors have the chance to prune coral branches and plant coral seedlings
set in artificial bedrock. They can also try their hand at making salt and take it home withthem. The facility also has a café on the grounds.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

Gala Aoi Umi

Coral Seedling Planting

Capacity

20 - 40 people

Languages

40 - 60 min.

Address / 1 Zamami, Zamami Village, Okinawa

Address / 915 Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Okinawa

29

30

Cave Exploring

Okinawa World
Culture Kingdom Gyokusendo

Visitors explore a limestone cave, which formed over 300,000 years and is designated as anatural monument. With a special “southern island cave exploration” plan, tours are alsooffered to go into the closed areas.
Capacity

25 people ( Groups of over 25
people must be divided into
separate groups)

Required Time

2.5 hours

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese,
Simplified Chinese), Korean
Wheelchair Access Not available

Designatedas a naturalprotection
area

Nakama River Cruise, Others

Hirata Tourism

A leisurely boat cruise takes visitors along the Nakama River on Iriomote Island where thelargest mangrove forest in Japan can be found. Trekking and canoeing along the Urauchi
River are also popular.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese), Korean(Excludes a part ofWheelchair Access Available
the Sango Batake (coral field))
Accepts Visitors

Required Time

Capacity

Required Time

60 people per group60 - 70 min.

Accepts Visitors

All Year Round

Languages

Not available

Wheelchair Access Available

Address / 1336 Maekawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa

Address / Inside the Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal, 1 Misaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa

31

32

Mangrove Crab Fishing

Miyako Island
Tourism Association

Guided by crab fishermen who know all the inlets around Irabu Island, visitors can take atour on which they bring up crab pots set along the tidal flats and mangrove forest.
Capacity

10 - 80 people

Required Time90 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year RoundInterpreter required

Wheelchair Access Not available

Address / 2F, 187 Nishizato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa

Marine Activities

SEASIR

Visitors are invited to experience snorkeling, sea kayaking or some of the many otheractivities. Safety measures and multilingual support services are provided so that visitors
can enjoy these activities safely
Capacity

100 people

Required Time

3.5 hours ( May differ
depending on the programor ocean conditions

Address / 2-2-9 Minatomachi, Naha City, Okinawa*Please see the insert for more information about foreign language panel displays, pamphlets, voice guidance, and other multilingual services.
*“Barrier-free” indicates whether or not the facility provides wheelchair access.

Accepts Visitors

Oct. - Jun.

English, Mandarin,
Cantonese, and Korean
Available
for some programs
Wheelchair Access(please confirm beforehand)
Languages

22Experience

35

Culture36

Eisa Dance

Okinawa City Tourism Association

People can experience authentic eisa in the city that is home to eisa, Okinawa City. Visitors
experience Okinawa’s traditional performing arts firsthand. Prepare sport wear and take part!
Capacity

Required Time

300 people

60 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages(Koza Information Center)

37

Uruma City Tourism Association

Participants can experience traditional Ryukyu dances handed down since the days of the
Ryukyu Kingdom. As an instructor teaches you the particular hand and finger movements,
you can learn a dance called Chijuyaa.

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese), Korean

Wheelchair Access Available

Address / 3-14-2 Chuo, Okinawa City, Okinawa

Ryukyuan Dance

Capacity

Required Time

From 30 people

2 hours

Accepts Visitors
Languages
Wheelchair Access

All Year RoundInterpreter required
Not available

Address / 4 Yonashiro Yahira, Uruma City, Okinawa

38

Fascinating unique culture
carefully handed down
since ancient times
Eisa, richly influenced by each community
Eisa is a dance to honor the souls of ancestors and pray for good
health, well-being and prosperity of each home in the community
during the Bon festival according to the lunar calendar in Okinawa.
The performers wear colorful costumes and dance dynamicallywhile beating drums. Performances are different in each communityand have been carefully handed down over the ages by the community youth groups. There are also many places where visitors canwatch eisa performed for tourists throughout the year.

33

34

Take a Walk with aNaha Machi Mai Guide

Naha City Tourist
Information

Local guides well-versed in Okinawa’s history and culture show visitors the streets of Naha,using a variety of courses that include Makishi Public Market, Shujijo Castle and other suchareas.
Capacity

300 people(Differs depending on
the course)

Required Time
60 -120 min.
(Differs depending on
the course)

Accepts Visitors

Confirmation required

Languages

Interpreter required

Wheelchair Access Available for some courses

Address / 3F Tenbusu Naha, 3-2-10 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa

23

Traditional Culture
Experience

Ryukyu Mura

A number oftangible culturalproperties are
inside thefacility

At Ryukyu Mura, the streets are lined with old-fashioned traditional houses, and visitors
have a chance to learn about Okinawan culture, including watching eisa and Ryukyuan
dance performances as well as trying their hand at making crafts.
Capacity
Eisa dance 40 people
Shisa painting 100 people,
othersRequired TimeEisa dance 30 min.
Shisa painting 100 min.,etc.

Address / 1130 Yamada, Onna Village, Okinawa

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese), Korean

Wheelchair Access Available

KarateExperience

Okinawa Traditional Karatedo Kobudo
International Karate Study Centre

At Murasaki Mura in Yomitan Village, there is a dojo where visitors can experience
traditional Okinawan karate. Reservations are accepted in advance, which will allow you tolearn about the three main karate styles in Okinawa.
Capacity

Required Time

20 people

60 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

Sailboat “Sabani”

Visitors ride in a traditional wooden sailboat in Itoman, the “uminchu (fisherman)” village.
This experience builds a cooperative spirit as everyone works together to row the boat
together.

All Year Round
EnglishWheelchair Access Available

Ichimarine

Capacity

Required Time

20 - 100 people

2 hours 30 min.

Excluding July to
September
Conversations
Languages
possible in Chinese
Wheelchair Access Confirmation required
Accepts Visitors

Address / 1020-1 Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Okinawa

Address / 101 Palace Yuuna 1-37-2 Nishizaki, Itoman City, Okinawa

39

40

Kumejima Town
Tourism Association

Experiencing Island
Lifestyle

The Association offers a variety of hands-on programs so that students can interact with
Kume Islanders while walking through the Nibuchi forest, exploring the Yajiyaa caves,
learning to play Sanshin, or even making snacks.
Capacity

Required Time

20 people

2 hours

Address / Tourism Information Center “I-fu”
160-57 Higa, Kumejima Town, Okinawa

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
EnglishWheelchair Access Not Available

A number oftangible culturalproperties are
inside thefacility

Traditional Culture
Experience

Ishigaki Yaima Village

This theme park is a re-creation of old Yaeyama. In addition to having a chance to wear
Ryukyu traditional outfit and painting shisa pottery, visitors can see more than 50 squirrel
monkeys.
Capacity

For traditional cultulture experiences,
If divided into groups, reservations
are possible for over 50

Required Time60 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese)

Wheelchair Access Available

Address / 967-1 Nagura, Ishigaki City, Okinawa*Please see the insert for more information about foreign language panel displays, pamphlets, voice guidance, and other multilingual services.
*“Barrier-free” indicates whether or not the facility provides wheelchair access.

24Experience

COLUMN

Industry

Asian Countries andthe Ryukyus were
Connected by Trade Ties

Experience Okinawa’s unique industry
that supports people’s lives
41

42

Exchanges Begin with East Asia Trade

Ryukyuan Ships Voyaging to "Manaban"

Although the exact timing is unclear, it is believed that the Kingdom of the
Ryukyus began to trade and exchange with the nations of Southeast Asia
in the latter half of the 14th century. China's Ming dynasty had banned
trade in those years with those countries with which it had no diplomatic
relations. Owing to its friendly ties with the dynasty, the Ryukyus wasable to take on much of Ming's foreign commerce. Chinese goods weremuch in demand at the time. Ryukyuan traders sold those goods inJapan and around Southeast Asia, and conversely delivered those items
they obtained in those places to the Chinese Emperor. It was thus in thisform of intermediary trade that the Ryukyus began their exchanges with
Southeast Asia.

Ryukyuan ships made the voyage to ports across Southeast Asia tocarry out trade. The Kingdom of Siam (Thailand) topped the list ofthese ships' destinations, with other trade partners that included
Malacca (Malaysia), Pattani (Thailand and Malaysia), Java (Indonesia), Palembang (Indonesia), Sumatra (Indonesia), Sunda (Indonesia), Annam (Vietnam) and so on. Malacca and some other regions
also served as a gateway for the voyagers to trade with India, Arabia,
and Europe. The Ryukyuans referred to these Southeast Asian
regions collectively as "Manaban," and they worked to deepen theirexchanges with them.

Ryukyu Trade Routes
Sea of Japan

Beijing

There are half-day and full-day programs so that students can learn about the joys anddifficulties of farming by helping out farmers in Ogimi Village.
Capacity
Required Time
10 - 180 people（4-5 people per house） 3 hours or 6 hours

Accepts Visitors
Languages

Address / 1357-18 Taminato, Ogimi Village, Okinawa

Okinawa-Kokuto

Visitors can try their hand at making sweet and delicious unrefined brown sugar (feerequired). During the visit, a tour is provided of the sugar plant to describe the entire
process through which the brown sugar is made from sugarcane.

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese)

Wheelchair Access Not available

Yellow Sea

Okinawan Brown Sugar
MakingEas t aSe
China

Farming

NPO Corporation
Ogimi Marugoto Tourism Association

Capacity

Required Time

40 people

60 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

FuzhouGuangdong

All Year Round
English, Chinese (Traditional
Chinese, Simplified Chinese), Korean

Address / 2822-3 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Okinawa

Annam

Siam

S ou
China thS ea

44

Cambodia

Patani
SumatraMalacca
BorneoPalembang
KarahaMinsa Weaving
The Mineya Weaving Center explains the
production process based on the historyof traditional Yaeyama hand-weaving.
Visitors can actually experience weaving
Yaeyama minsa and Kusagi dyeing.
Capacity
Weaving 15 people,
Kusagi dyeing
experience 40 people

Required Time
Weaving 20 min.
Kusagi dyeing
experience 60 min.

Accepts Visitors
Languages

Wheelchair Access Available

Address / 1129-2 Wakugawahara, Arakawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa

25

All Year Round
English, Chinese(Traditional Chinese), Korean

Fishing

Yomitan Village Federation ofFisheries Cooperative Association

Students can experience the fishing industry at the largest stationary net in Okinawa
Prefecture. They have the chance to see up close how fishermen arrange the nets, haul up
fish and process them.
Capacity

Required Time

Up to 24 people

2 hours

HakataNaha

The Ryukyus' primary imports from Southeast Asia were pepper andother spices, and sappanwood, which was used as an ingredient indyes and Chinese herbal medicines. These would often then be
shipped to Ming China as tribute to the court or sold to mainland
Japan and Korea. Ceramics produced in Ming China and Southeast
Asia were also important trade goods.

Ryukyu Kingdom

Accepts Visitors
Languages

All Year Round
EnglishWheelchair Access Not available

Luzon

Representative works of pottery made in Thailand and Vietnam.

( The picture is provided by Okinawa Prefectural Buried Cultural Property Center)

Jambi

Mineya Kobou

Sakai

The Fruits of the Southeast
Asia Trade for the Ryukyus

Wheelchair Access Available

Ayutthaya

43

Busan

<Annotation>*Each region’s names are cited from the document below.

Surabaya

An Enthusiasm forInternational Exchange was Cultivatedby Trade with Southeast Asia
With a history different from that of Japan, the Ryukyus prospered
economically owing to these sorts of connections they forged with
Southeast Asia. The islands flourished for a time as a center forintermediary trade in the region. They lost this advantage in thelatter half of the 16th century, and moreover with the coming of theAge of Exploration their trade with Southeast Asia went into
decline. Nonetheless, the interactions had gifted the Ryukyus withmany things. Above all, the great interest in international exchange
cultivated in that area still seems to be alive in the hearts andminds of Okinawans of today.
Reference: TAKARA Kurayoshi and DANA Masayuki, eds.,
Zusetsu: Ryukyu okoku [ The Kingdom of the Ryukyus—Illustrated.]

Address / 33 Toya, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa*Please see the insert for more information about foreign language panel displays, pamphlets, voice guidance, and other multilingual services.
*“Barrier-free” indicates whether or not the facility provides wheelchair access.

26

Study, Feel, and Experience the Natural Environment and Culture of Okinawa

Okinawa Educational Travel
Recommended Courses

Tips for Planning Okinawa Educational Travel
Okinawa has an abundance of attractions, allowing for a variety of plans. Pick your destinations based on how long your trip will be.

Whether your interest is in history, culture, nature, peace studies, or industry, Okinawa offers a variety of potential subjects optimal for educational travel. Here, you can put together travel plans that incorporate experiences
impossible to have anywhere else around Japan.
5

Main
Island4-day, 3-night plan8

can come into contact with Okinawa’s history, culture, and natural

Onna Village

and technology institutions as GODAC, OIST, and JAXA. The offerings
focus on allowing students to enjoy themselves on their own throughfirsthand study and other experiences including homestays and school

1

2

Naha City 3
Naha Airport
1
2 Nanjo City
Tomigusuku City

P22
2 Okinawa World,
Culture Kingdom and Gyokusendo(Nanjo City)

1 The Former Japanese
Navy Underground Headquarters(Tomigusuku City)P20

1 A set of caverns in which the Former Japanese Navy
Underground Headquarters was located during the Battle of
Okinawa. The site also features a museum and resource center.

Day

4

2 The immense power of the Eisa dance makes it amust-see. Also take in a habu (Ryukyu pit viper) show
and explore underground caverns.

3 Shurijo
Castle Park P14(Naha City)

Stay in themain island's
southern region

4 Okinawa Bullfight Experience (Uruma City)
Uruma City Tourism & Local Products Association

P24

School exchange program on
Okinawa Main IslandDay

3

3 Shurijo Castle was the palace for the king of the
Ryukyu Kingdom. Numerous ruins of historic sites also
remain in the vicinity.

Exciting Okinawa-style Bullfights and Interschool Exchanges☎+81-98-978-0077

You can also set out from the main island to visit theoutlying islands. The Kerama and Yaeyama Islands aswell as the islands of Kume and Miyako are among themany islands in the vicinity, each with a wealth of distinguishing features.

Okinawa
Main Island

Experience History and Culture in the Southern Area of the Main Island
Naha
AirportWe recommend limiting the trip to the main island.
Private residences that take in lodgers on educational
travel for homestays are available throughout theprefecture, allowing one to choose based on proximity
to the places you want to visit.

Higashi Village

69Uruma City

environment, but also venues associated with cutting edge scienceDay

For a 5-day, 4-night trip

Nago City

This plan allows you to visit not only the sites and facilities where you

exchange programs, creating memories they will never forget.

7

Motobu Town

For a 4-day, 3-night trip

Stay in themain island's northern region

Study and Experience Firsthand the Ecology of the Seas
P18
5 Okinawa
Churaumi Aquarium(Motobu Town)

6 GODAC P18(Nago City)

5 The enormous tanks where visitors can take in a
panoramic view of fish from the Kuroshio Sea and coralbeing raised on a tremendous scale are spectacular.

Day

4

7 Homestay (Higashi Villge)
Higashi Village Tourism Promotion
Association ☎+81-980-51-2655

6 Facility allowing free field trips where visitors can
get a better understanding of ocean chemistry technologies.

Homestay in
Higashi Village

7 Get a taste of private life in Okinawa throughcultural experiences at fisheries and in the home.

Visit a Graduate University that
Performs the World's Most Cutting Edge Research
Villagefarewell ceremony

8 Okinawa Institute of Science andTechnology Graduate University (OIST)(Onna Village)
P16

9 JAXA P16(Onna Village)

Naha
AirportThat wasamazing!

4

An example of traditional culture with roots infarmers' entertainments.
Split up into teams andcheer your bull on!

27

A chance to deepen mutual understanding through presentations
and classes.

8 This research facility with its views of the East
China Sea has a cafe open to the public.

9 Students can learn here about the roles of manmade
artificial and parabolic antennae, as well as space development.

28

Okinawa Educational Travel
Recommended Courses
6

Outlying
Main＋
Islands
IslandApprox. 35 minutesby high-speed boat

This program focuses on getting to know what makes
Okinawa special firsthand, including a nature experienceat the Keramashoto National Park and a homestay at avillage where traditional culture remains vibrant. The planoffers abundant other opportunities for learning, including

Kerama Islands
ZamamiIsland2

a peace studies program, a field trip to Churaumi Aquarium, and an enjoyable stroll around the city.

1

Day

3

Motobu Town

5-day, 4-night planDay

Okinawa
Main Island

Tokashiki
Island35

47
Onna Village

3 Murasaki Mura
(Yomitan Village) P24

Zamami Port toTomari Port

4 Churamura Yomitan
Homestay (Yomitan Village)

Stay in
Yomitan Village

Yummy♪

Yomitan Village
TomariPort

Naha
Airport

9 8

Naha City

Itoman City

3 Learn firsthand about a wide variety of folk arts, andeven take in a training hall for Okinawa-style karate

1

A Day for Thinking About Peace and Interacting with Okinawan Students
Naha
AirportHomestay Experience to
Learn About Farming Community Culture and Lifestyles

P20
1 Okinawa Prefectural
Peace Memorial Museum (Itoman City)

School exchange
program on
Okinawa Main Island

Stay in themain island's
southern regionDay44 Encounter the soul of the culture and people of Okinawa througha homestay program focused on experiencing daily life

Learn About the Latest Technology and the Beautiful World of the Ocean
Farewell
Ceremonies

5 Okinawa Institute of Science andTechnology Graduate University (OIST)(Onna Village)
P16

6 Okinawa P18
Churaumi Aquarium(Motobu Town)

7 GODAC P18(Motobu Town)

Stay in themain island's
northern region

go!
Let’s

1 A program focused on testimonies from locals to convey
the tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa and the pricelessness of
peace

Day

2

Learn About History and Nature at Kerama Shoto National Park
Tomari Port toKerama Islands

Peace Studies (Tokashiki Island)

Tokashiki Village Chamber of Commerceand Industry ☎+81-98-987-3955

Arrange charterboat forgetting around2 Marine Activity Experience (Zamami
Island) Zamami Village Tourism Association☎+81-98-987-2777

Stay onZamami Island*Lodging facilities also available on Tokashiki Island

Outlying
Islands

Day

5

6 Go on a field trip here to take in the sight of enormous
whale sharks and the diverse marine life of Okinawan
waters

7 Have fun learning about the deep seas and coral
reefs through videos and experiments

History and Local Lifestyles on View in Central Naha
8 Shurijo Castle Park
(Naha City)P14

9 Naha Machi Mai P23(stroll around the city)[ Kokusai Street ] (Naha City)

Naha Airport

Come again!

2 Enjoy marine sports to your heart's content in one of the world's most beautiful seas (Activity also available at Tokashiki Island)29

5 An educational facility engaged in teaching andresearch on world-class science and technology. Visitors
can view cutting-edge technologies

Getting to know other kids the same age from other countries
who were raised in different backgrounds can be exciting!

8 Added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000 for the outstanding value of its unique architectural styles and rock arrangement
techniques

9 Okinawa's busiest shopping district is packed with shops selling
local products, eating and drinking establishments, and other businesses along a 1.6-kilometer stretch

30

Information about Okinawa Educational Travel ①
Access■IATA airline designation■Access to Okinawa from Asia

Airports
IATA code
Flight time
●To Naha
BangkokMM
About 4 h 15 min.
Seoul（Incheon）OZ, LJ, 7C, TW, MM, ZE, KE About 2 h 25 min.
Busan
OZ, LJ, 7C
About 2 h.
Beijing
CA
About 3 h 10 min.
About 2 h.
Shanghai（Pudong）MU, HOCA
Tianjin
About 3 h 30 min.
About 2 h 25 min.
JD, MU
HangzhoujgAbout 2 h 50 min.
HO
Nan inAbout 1 h 30 min.
Taipei（Taoyuan）CI, MM, BR, IT, JW
About 1 h 40 min.
AE
Taichung
About 1 h 45 min.
CI
Kaohsiung
About 2 h 30 min.
HX, KA, MM
Hong Kong●To Ishigaki
About 50 min.
Taipei（Taoyuan）CI, UO
About 2 h 20 min.
Hong Kong
UO

IATA code

Airline

IATA code

Asiana Airlines
Jin Air
Jeju Airlines
T’way Airlines
Eastar Jet
Korean Air
Air China
China Eastern Airlines
Juneyao Airlines
Beijing Capital Airlines

OZ
LJ
7C
TW
ZE
KE
CA
MU
HO
JD

China Airlines
EVA Air
Peach Aviation
TigerairMandarin Airlines
Hong Kong Airlines
Cathay Dragon
HK Express

CI
BR
MM
IT
AE
HX
KA
UO

Airline

IATA code
JL
NU
NU
GK
NH
JW
BC
LQ
MM

Japan Airlines / JAL
Japan Transocean Air / JTA
Ryukyu Air Commuter / RAC
Jetstar Japan / JJPAll Nippon Airways /ANA
Vanilla Air /VNL
Skymark Airlines / SKY
Solaseed Air / SNAPeach Aviation / APJ■Access from Okinawa to cities in Japan
Flight time
Airports
IATA code●From NahaNH
SapporoAbout 3 h 15 min.
NH
Sendai
About 2 h 35 min.
NH
Shizuoka
About 2 h 15 min.
NU
Komatsu
About 2 h 10 min.
BC
Ibaraki
About 2 h 30 min.
Tokyo International【Haneda】NH, JL, NU, BC About 2 h 20 min.
NH, GK, JW, MM About 2 h 35 min.
NaritaOsaka International【Itami】NH, JL, NU
About 1 h 55 min.
BC, LQ
Kobe
About 2 h.
Kansai International NH, NU, MM, GK About 1 h 50 min.
Chubu International NH, NU, BC, GK About 2 h 10 min.
NU
Okayama
About 1 h 50 min.
NH
Takamatsu
About 1 h 50 min.
NH
Hiroshima
About 1 h 45 min.
NH
Matsuyama
About 1 h 45 min.
NH, NU, BC, MM About 1 h 40 min.
FukuokaNH
Kumamoto
About 1 h 25 min.
NH
Nagasaki
About 1 h 25 min.
LQ, ANA codeshare About 1 h 20 min.
Miyazaki
LQ, ANA codeshare About 1 h 15 min.
Kagoshima
NU
Amami-Oshima
About 1 h 5 min.
NU
Yoron
About 40 min.
●From Ishigaki
Tokyo International【Haneda】 NU, NH
About 3 h 15 min.
Kansai International NU, NH, MM
About 2 h 20 min.
About 2 h 45 min.
Chubu International NH
About 2 h 10 min.
FukuokaNH●From Miyako
Tokyo International【Haneda】 NU
About 2 h 55 min.
About 2 h 40 min.
Kansai International NH

Airline+α PlanSave on Travel Between Okinawa andOther Cities in Japan

SapporoEither airline is

Overseas visitors may fly JAL and ANA domestic routes
for a flat rate of ¥10,800 (tax incl.) one way.

Either airline isOK

All over Japan（Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, etc.）

Okinawa

Fly JAL or ANA to anywhere in Japan for

10,800(tax incl.)¥

Sendai*Fare for one sector. Sectors may be added for an additional ¥10,800 per sector(please check the map on the left for destinations).
*It doesn’t matter which airline you fly between your country and Okinawa!!

Beijing

Japan
Seoul

Tianjin

NaritaKomatsu
Chubu
International Shizuoka

Osaka International(Itami)
Okayama Kobe
Hiroshima

Busan

Takamatsu

Tokyo International(Haneda)*To take advantage of this discount offer, purchase your ticket 72 hours in advance on either the
JAL or ANA website above.

■Access by Air■Access by Sea

Airline
IATA designation Flight time
●From Naha
Kumejima
About 30 min.
NU
MiyakoAbout 45 min.
NU, NH
Ishigaki
About 1 h.
NU, NH
Kita daito
About 1 h 10 min.
NU
Minami daito
About 1 h 10 min.
NU
Yonaguni
About 1 h 30 min.
NU
●From Miyako
Ishigaki
About 30 min.
NU, NH
TaramaAbout 25 min.
NU
●From Ishigaki
MiyakoAbout 30 min.
NU, NH
Yonaguni
About 35 min.
NU
●Minami daito-Kita daito
About 15 min.
Minami daito-Kita daito
NU

Kumamoto
NagasakiKagoshima●JAL Japan Explorer Pass
https://www.world.jal.com/world/en/japan_explorer_ pass/ar/●ANA Experience JAPAN Farehttps://www.ana- cooljapan.com/ejf

Access to Outlying Islands (Air & Sea)

KansaiInternational

Matsuyama

Fukuoka

MiyazakiNanjingShanghai

RouteIshigaki - Taketomi
Ishigaki - Kohama
Ishigaki - Kuroshima
Ishigaki - Iriomote (Ohara port)
Ishigaki - Iriomote (Uehara port)

Flight time
About 10 min.
About 25 min.
About 30 min.
About 35 to 45 min.
About 40 min.
Ishigaki - Hatoma
About 40 to 55 min.
Ishigaki - Hateruma
About 1 h.
Ishigaki - Yonaguni
About 4 h.
Miyako - Tarama
About 2 h.
Unten port - Iheya
About 1 h 20 min.
Unten port - Izena
About 55 min.
Toguchi port - Minna
About 15 min.
Motobu port - Ie
About 30 min.
Heshikiya port - Tsuken
About 30 min.
Tomari port - Aguni
About 2 h 10 min.
Tomari port - Kumejima
About 3 h to 4 h.
Tomari port - Tonaki
About 1 h 45 min. to 2 h 15 min.
Tomari port - Zamami
About 50 min to 2 h.
Tomari port - Tokashiki
About 35 min to 1 h 10 min.
Tomari port - Minami and Kita daito About 15 h.
Azama port - Kudaka
About 15 to 20 min.

*Same day return may not be available for some islands.
Please inquire with the airline for more information.
*The IATA code for both JTA and RAC is NU.

Hangzhoufrom Bangkok
2017.2.19 〜

Naha

Taipei

Okinawa

Aguni
Kumejima

MiyakoNaha

Taichung

TaramaKaohsiung*As of November 1, 2016

31

Kita daito
Minami daito

IshigakiHong KongOK

All over Japan

Okinawa（Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, etc.）

Ibaraki*The IATA code for both JTA and RAC is NU.
*Please check the airline’s IATA code on the right.
*Flight times are approximate and vary depending on
weather conditions.
*Flight schedules are subject to change. For more specificinformation, please inquire with the airline you intend on
flying with.

JAL & ANA Offers a Special Fare

Hokkaido

Yonaguni

Miyako◎ Information about transportation in Okinawa is available
on the following website.

http://en.okinawastory.jp/access/transportation_in_okinawa/

Ishigaki32

Information about Okinawa Educational Travel
Please check the following website for more information about animals and plants prohibited frombeing brought in or taken out of Okinawa, dangerous sea creatures, and what to do if disaster strikes(typhoons, earthquakes, tsunami, etc.)

http://en.okinawastory.jp/about/important/

Remember Your Manners
Table manners
Tables in shops are for theestablishment’s beverageand meal service, so pleaserefrain from bringing yourown drinks or food. Also,
banana peels, orange peels
and other scraps as well as
fish bones are not thrown on
the floor, but left on plates.

Precautions for Aquatic Activities
Five Precautions for Snorkeling
It looks easy, but practice is essential!
Learn how to use the snorkel, mask and fins.

Floating is difficult!

Wear a life jacket or wetsuit and make sure you’re buoyant.

The sea is beautiful, but full of danger!

Check where you’re going to swim, make sure of theweather and sea conditions, and avoid any risks that could
cause danger to yourself or others.

Watch out for jellyfish!
Many jellyfish will appear in the waters between May and October.
Caution is necessary as jellyfish are difficult to identify because
they are clear and almost see-through. Touching one brings
intense pain and welts may form. If you are stung, get out of thewater and call for help.

Poor health can be deadly in the water!
If you’re not feeling up to it, then stop andget out of the water.

You can’t call for help by yourself when
you’re in the water!

In Okinawa, people will not
like it if you walk around inyour bathing suit in places
other than the beach. Ifyou’ re leaving the beacharea, it’s best to put on a
T-shirt and shorts over yourswimsuit.

Accidents happen!
Learn from an instructor or someone who isexperienced. First practice in a pool or shallow
area where you can stand.

What to do During a Disaster (earthquake, tsunami or typhoon)
If an earthquake strikes

Quarantine restrictions have been placed on sweet potatoes and citrus plants. These items may not be taken from
Okinawa to other regions of Japan, as well as overseas.

Everyday manners

Always go into the water in groups of two
or more, and don’t stay for longer than
one hour each time. You won’t be able
to get back to shore once you’re tired.

If you see or are involvedin an accident or incident at sea,call 118 right away!

Not suitable for souvenirs

Hotel manners

In Japan, there is no customof tipping at hotels, restaurants, taxis or when shopping.
Instead, a nice “arigato” will
make everyone’s day better.

Restroom manners
Remember to remove yourshoes in your hotel room.
Also, change into the roomslippers or toilet if they areprovided.

The restrooms at commercial
establishments may be used
for free, but you will leave agood impression if you buy
something small as a token of
appreciation.

If you feel tremors at your lodging, secure an evacuation route, wait for the earthquake to subside,then evacuate following any instructions given by the accommodation staff.
If you’re outdoors, move away from concrete block walls, cliffs, rivers and out of alleyways.
There is a risk of a tsunami, so keep away from the seashore and evacuate to high ground or
solidly-constructed high buildings.

If a typhoon comes
Strong winds may cause objects flying and overturn them, so avoid going outside and stay inside at your lodging.
Keep on guard even if the storm has calmed down, and be sure to check the weather information before doing
anything.
Buses, airplane and other means of transportation will be affected, so get more information before heading out.
When there is a typhoon, check the travel and tourism
website “Be. Okinawa” for information about typhoon
conditions as well as airline and ferry service.

http://en.okinawastory.jp/

See the Okinawa disaster prevention information portal.

http://www.bousai.okinawa.jp/eng/

Watch out for Habu Snakes
Dangerous and poisonous snakes
The habu is a poisonous snake found in Okinawa
Prefecture. It is most active between April andNovember, but is also awake throughout theyear. The young will hatch around September
and begin to move around looking for food.
During the day, they hide in stonewalls, caves
and thick brush, but will come out at night.

33

Free Wi-Fi is Available

Look for the sticker!

Locations displaying the sticker “Be.Okinawa Free Wi-Fi” have Wi-Fi available free ofcharge. See below for details on hot spots and how to connect.

http://be.okinawa.free.wiﬁ.okinawaclip.com/?lang=en

Multilingual Contact Center● This is a public service for foreign visitors provided by Okinawa prefecture.
● Tourist information, interpreter services, emergency response support and other multilingual
services are available by telephone, Skype or email.
*Service is free of charge. Only telephone dialing charges apply.
(JST)

Habu Bite First Aid
Stay calm, try not to move around, and call someone closeby for help
Seek medical attention at a clinic or hospital right away.
As a first-aid measure, use a venom extractor to repeatedly draw out poison from the wound.
If it’s going to take time to get to a hospital, then wrap acloth loosely, enough for one finger to be inserted, aroundan area between the bite and heart.

［E-mail］visitokinawa@ocvb.or.jp34