Okinawa

[kiamchai]

Hi,

Anyone been to Okinawa?

can you share on the weather in mid-late March as well as the places of interest?

Does the shops usually close early?

Roughly what time does the sky turns dark?

Is it as early as 4pm in winter in mainland Japan?

How about the other islands in okinawa such as Ishigaki? How's the snorkeling/diving experience there? Any tours to recommend?

Thanks!

 

[cpuer]

Here's the timing:
Sunrise and Sunset for Japan

 

[kifo]

Hi,

Anyone been to Okinawa?

can you share on the weather in mid-late March as well as the places of interest?

Does the shops usually close early?

Roughly what time does the sky turns dark?

Is it as early as 4pm in winter in mainland Japan?

How about the other islands in okinawa such as Ishigaki? How's the snorkeling/diving experience there? Any tours to recommend?

Thanks!

If you go Ishigaki, I would suggest you go to one of the other islands from Ishigaki for diving - Iriomote or Taketomi. Stay a few days on Ishigaki to see the sights, but make sure you go to Iriomote which has some terrific diving and kayaking stuff to do. Stay at least one night in Taketomi village cos the place is like right out of a storybook

If you are staying at Iriomote, I strongly recommend Minshuku Mariudo. They run many hiking, kayaking and diving tours and it is really THE place to stay there.

For daylight hours, Ishigaki is along the same latitude as Taipei so you can see it for Taipei.

 

[evilerniex]

here is kifo's thread on ishigaki:
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/japan-271/back-ishigaki-okinawa-4258028.html

and this is my report on okinawa main island:
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/j...mano-okinawa-9-nov-24-nov-2012-a-3994176.html

main places of interest:
Churaumi aquarium and ocean expo park
shuri castle
kokusai-dori shopping street
american village
various beaches

 

[kiamchai]

Thanks all for your reply.

Roughly how much should I bring for a week's trip? Taken into consideration the water activities and sightseeing/admission/transport(would not be renting a car as I do not have a driving license) fees

 

[kifo]

Thanks all for your reply.

Roughly how much should I bring for a week's trip? Taken into consideration the water activities and sightseeing/admission/transport(would not be renting a car as I do not have a driving license) fees

Have you decided which part of Okinawa are you going? You are aware that you will need to fly between Okinawa main island and Ishigaki?

 

[kiamchai]

Have you decided which part of Okinawa are you going? You are aware that you will need to fly between Okinawa main island and Ishigaki?

I would be flying in from HongKong to Naha. Yes, am still looking out for a reasonable price for flights from Naha to Ishigaki.

Itinerary is not confirmed. But would probably make 1-3 ferry trips from Ishigaki if time permits.

 

[fuzzybear]

Hahaha so fast go Jp again
Enjoy it

 

[kiamchai]

Seems like okinawa isn't a place that many are keen in?

Anyone been to miyako island? How's the place as compared to Ishigaki?

 

[kifo]

Seems like okinawa isn't a place that many are keen in?

Anyone been to miyako island? How's the place as compared to Ishigaki?

Nope. I have only been to Ishigaki, Taketomi and Iriomote. I recommend the Yaeyama group of islands because of the variety of islands to go to, each offering different interests. However if you are expecting to see temples and traditional japanese culture, Okinawa is not Kyoto for sure. Taketomi can offer you a stay in a true authentic Okinawan village that's about it.

People with more time than me should explore Yonaguni and Hateruma islands as well.

 

[kiamchai]

Nope. I have only been to Ishigaki, Taketomi and Iriomote. I recommend the Yaeyama group of islands because of the variety of islands to go to, each offering different interests. However if you are expecting to see temples and traditional japanese culture, Okinawa is not Kyoto for sure. Taketomi can offer you a stay in a true authentic Okinawan village that's about it.

People with more time than me should explore Yonaguni and Hateruma islands as well.

Thanks for the info!

Did you go hiking? Manage to spot the habu snake? Any ideas how to avoid it?

Also, what are the names of the white beaches in Ishigaki island? Did you go snorkeling or diving? How much is the rental of gears and wetsuit?

Can't wait to visit okinawa!

 

[kifo]

Thanks for the info!

Did you go hiking? Manage to spot the habu snake? Any ideas how to avoid it?

Also, what are the names of the white beaches in Ishigaki island? Did you go snorkeling or diving? How much is the rental of gears and wetsuit?

Can't wait to visit okinawa!

Yes I hiked in Iriomote. It was organised by the minshuku place and my package is a kayak + hike trip. On my trip, there was only another Japanese tourist who signed up on that day. I kayaked up one of the rivers until it became too narrow to proceed, then the guide lead us further into the forest until we reached an amazing secluded waterfall in the middle of the island. We could swim in the pool right under the waterfall and there was even a platform where we can jump into the water.

While we were swimming, the guide cooked delicious ramen by the waterfall. I even drank tea and ate dessert while relaxing after the lunch.

It was a full day trip. Started at 8am and reached back by 4pm.

The minshuku runs diving tours as well but I didn't sign up.

While I was there, the people there were showing me a habu that they have caught in the forest that morning. It was still alive in a glass jar. They said they are going to make habu liquor from it. I didn't ask how they caught it though.

 

[kiamchai]

It certainly sounds interesting! Getting very excited. Haha.

 

[icequeenz]

Seems like okinawa isn't a place that many are keen in?

Anyone been to miyako island? How's the place as compared to Ishigaki?

I just spent 5d4n on the main island. Everytime the staff ask where I'm from, they are surprised to hear singapore. They always guess hong Kong, Taiwan or Korea.

Can't advise you much on the islands as i stayed only on the main island and was driving.

 

[evilerniex]

It certainly sounds interesting! Getting very excited. Haha.

u can check out peach airline for flight between naha and ishigaki. promotion price is only 1980yen