Outline & Information

Outline

Dates　November 1-5, 2019
Venue　Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
　　　　1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan 904-0495

Okinawa overview

Okinawa has a warm climate throughout the year and is one of the most popular resorts in Japan. It is famous for the great nature such as a World Heritage site and coral reefs. There are many golf courses and beautiful beaches in Okinawa. Many tourists from various countries around world visit there. You can enjoy marine products and delicious foods in Okinawa.

Weather

The temperature in Okinawa during September ranges from 26 to 30 degrees centigrade, and 79 to 86 degrees in Fahrenheit. Normally Okinawa in September during day time, it is still hot and humid like summer.

Currency

Currency in Japan is the "yen." Currency exchange is handled by the airport, banks, post office, some larger hotels and souvenir shops as well as licensed money exchangers found on mainly big street. There are Cash exchange machines in shopping centers and convenience stores. Exchange at the airport is recommended for your convenience. Most foreign currencies and travelers' checks can be exchanged at banks and hotels in main cities. However, we highly recommend purchasing travelers' checks or cash in Yen or U.S. dollars before leaving your home countries. A passport may be required for currency exchange services.

Credit Card

Most hotels, major department stores and restaurants accept VISA, Master, JCB, Amex and Diners. However, small shops like station kiosks, convenience stores, vending machines and train tickets for short distances do not accept credit cards. It is advisable to bring a certain amount of cash.

Traveler’s Check

Traveler’s checks are acceptable at most hotels and banks.

ATM

Most ATMs in Japan do not accept credit, debit and ATM cards issued outside of Japan. The only ATMs which accept credit cards and are those found at the post offices. These ATMs allow you to withdraw cash by credit and debit cards issued outside of Japan, including Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB cards and provide an English user menu.

Business Hours

Onna village area is very close to OIST, but there are no restaurants in this area except those in hotels.
Naha city area is downtown area which is convenient for shopping and dining.

 

Banks 9:00-15:00
Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Money Exchange Mostly 9:00-20:00
Supermarket Mostly 9:00-20:00,
Depending on stores
Convenience Stores Mostly open 24 hours
Post Offices 9:00-17:00,
Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Department Stores 10:00-20:30 Open 7 days
Restaurants Some open 24 hours,
Some open 9:00-23:00
Bars 18:00-Midnight

Electricity

Voltage in Japan is 100V A.C., 2-flat-pin plug Type-A. It is difficult to find 3-pin compatible sockets, 120V, 200V, and 220V. An adapter is advised for the use of electrical equipment.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan unless mentioned otherwise. Also you can buy mineral water at convenience stores, super markets, and kiosks, etc.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited inside most buildings and stations, except in designated smoking areas. Smoking while outside is illegal in Naha city.

Visa

Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/

Tax

Consumption tax will rate 10% starting from October 2019.

Tipping

Tipping is not common in Japan, and is not generally done in any situation.

Public Transportation

There is the monorail service in Okinawa, however, it only travels through southern part of Okinawa. You can take buses or cars to get to central and northern parts of Okinawa where OIST is located. We recommend using a rent-a-car for sightseeing and visiting other parts of Okinawa.

Accommodation

Our official travel agent (JTB) helps you to find hotels.