FAQ and their answers are available here. Please refer to them before contacting us.
Q.Do you accept credit cards (e-money)?
Basic credit cards and popular electronic payments in Japan are widely used, but some retailers do not accept them. It’s a good idea to check the exchange counters around the port beforehand and bring some cash with you.
Q.Where can I exchange money?
There are currency exchange machines at the cruise terminal. You can also exchange money at exchange offices and banks. Some large shopping malls may also have currency exchange machines. Check with your port of call beforehand to find out whether exchange offices are available in the area, as they may not be available in places such as remote islands.
Q.Where can I rent a car or bicycle?
There are many stores available, but we recommend booking in advance. Also, depending on the company and port, pick-up at the port may not be available. Please contact the companies for more information.
Q.Is there a shuttle bus?
There is no shuttle bus operated by the ports. Please contact the cruise line or travel agent for details.
Q.Can I use duty-free shopping (DFS)?
This service is available for those who are traveling to areas outside of Okinawa Prefecture (other prefectures, other countries). However, please note that this service is not available if your next destination is within Okinawa Prefecture (including remote islands).
For more details,please click here.
Q.Are there any souvenirs that I cannot bring onboard?
It depends on the regulations of each cruise ship. Please contact the travel agent where you booked.
In general, they forbid bringing in or taking out perishable items. There are also some items that cannot be brought into your home country (e.g. meat products), so you need to check in advance. That said, there are many processed marine products and snacks that you can take home with you as well, so enjoy your shopping. Some items, such as alcoholic beverages may be allowed to be brought on board, but there may be a charge for onboard consumption. Make sure to check with your travel agent or cruise line before purchasing.
Q.Is Wi-Fi available?
The following major free Wi-Fi services are available in Okinawa. For more information on the location and connection method of each service, please refer to the following. https://www.okinawastory.jp/news/777
Q.Can I go diving or do marine sports while in port?
Yes, there are many activities to enjoy the beautiful sea of Okinawa. We recommend booking in advance to make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy them. Please refer to the DIVE IN OKINAWA brochure, which lists the activities you can enjoy in Okinawa. https://www.visitokinawa.jp/for-visitors/e-brochure
Q.Can you arrange a wheelchair-accessible cab?
Care cabs and lift-installed cabs, need to be booked in advance. Make sure to book through your travel agent or contact Okinawa Multilingual Contact Center （https://okinawa-mcc.jp/）upon reservation as many welfare cab operators only offer services in Japanese.
Q.Is there a tourist information center at the port?
In most cases, there is a tourist information center at the cruise terminal. Even in ports without a terminal, most of them have a temporary tourist information center. If there are no tourist information offices, please contact Okinawa Multilingual Contact Center for more information using the information below. https://okinawa-mcc.jp/?lang=zh_tw
Q.Can you introduce a guide so I can tour around places I like?
We do not refer to specific guides on this website. There are many English and Chinese guides in Okinawa, but we recommend booking in advance. Please call the following phone number for guide inquiries. Okinawa Interpreter Guide Association [English/Chinese/Korean, etc.] Home Page:http://www.oiga.jpn.com/index.html Okinawa Tour-Guide Interpreter Network [Chinese/English] FACEBOOK Page:https://ja-jp.facebook.com/okinawagaido/
Q.How are COVID-19 prevention measures managed here?
In Okinawa, restaurants, transportation, and other industries have established guidelines for infection prevention. You can use the prefectural government’s infection prevention sticker as a guide to choose a restaurant, or check the website of a restaurant in advance. https://www.visitokinawa.jp/news/about-coronavirus-disease
Q.Is there anything I should bring with me?
As with other ports of call, you may want to bring a sunshade or rain gear depending on the weather. It is also a good idea to have a shopping bag with you, as Japan is now charging for plastic bags. Although we ask people to wear masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, you can commemorate your visit by purchasing and wearing a local mask sold in Okinawa.
Q.Where can I get information in case of an emergency, such as an incoming typhoon?
The average annual temperature is 22.7 degrees Celsius, while the lowest temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius even in the coldest months of December to January. So it can be said that the temperature is comfortable throughout the year. From January to March, you can enjoy whale watching, and the weather gets warmer and warmer day by day, and various flowers unique to Okinawa begin to bloom. From June onward, sunny intervals increase and you can enjoy the blue skies and seas that Okinawa is known for. From October to December, the weather is milder and it’s a pleasant time for trekking and other nature explorations. You may also be surprised to know that the sea is clearer in December, so you can enjoy marine activities with a different experience relative to summer months.
Q.Is there anything I should be aware of when sightseeing with small children and the elderly?
Take care of yourself. Due to the strong sunshine, be sure to drink plenty of water and wear sun protection such as sunglasses and a hat. On the other hand, buildings are air-conditioned, so it’s even better to have something to slip on.
