Okinawa and South-West Islands

The south-west islands of Japan extend 1000km from the south of Kyushu to Yonaguni-jima island. The island group is divided into the northern and southern halfs, with the northern half including the islands of Osumi-shoto and Amami-shoto and the southern half including the islands Okinawa, Yaeyama, Miyako and Daito.

Okinawa and the south-west islands have a slightly warmer climate to main land Japan and contain a variety of fine beaches, excellent scuba diving and traditional culture. These are all attractions that make this area of Japan a popular place to visit.

Despite this area of Japan having so far survived the exploitation of the main land and World War II, the big onslaught of tourists may destroy the traditional ways of these islands.

When in Japan there are a few things to remember to avoid upsetting the local people.
1) When meeting someone for the first time for business it is important to bow and exchange business cards.
2) Remove your shoes before entering the home or a Tamami room.
3) When sitting on the floor keep your legs under you at all times and if you have to stretch do so with out pointing your feet at anyone.
4) When you meet Japanese people it is important to bow. When bowing it is a rule that the person who has a higher status bows shallower than the other persons.
5) The exchanging of gifts is an important part of Japanese culture and there for if you are invited into someone’s home you should give a small gift. Preferably from your own country. When money is being given it is best for it to be in an envelope.
6) Blowing your nose in public is seen as rude and is frowned upon.
7) Bathing follows strict guidelines and it is important to follow them, washing is done before entering the bath.
8) Japanese do not eat in the streets unless seats are provided. (Ice cream is an exception.)

Japanese are very tolerant of foreigners and there is little chance of offending them once they understand. It is important however to follow these guidelines to avoid any altercations.

Japan has a very complex climate as a whole country because the northern climate is very different to the southern Island climate. The climates also differ in the different seasons. The climates are obviously warmer in the summer months and cooler in the winter months for all regions. In the north the climate is generally cold with snow in the winter months where down in the south the climate is sub-tropical. In Japan the seasons bring a high degree of weather variation. The winter brings snow falls to Japans western side and cooler weather to the eastern side. The summer months bring warm weather with high humidity and is generally the time of year it rains. The autumn and spring months are generally mild with low rainfall and mostly clear days.