We are welcoming you to Okinawa, No.1 destination for Japanese people to go. It is a tropical island that is blessed with the beautiful “Kerama-blue” ocean and sunshine. Okinawa is an ideal location not only for exchange of information on scientific and engineering aspects, but also for relaxation time. This is one of the reasons why G8 Summit was held here in 2000. (The Bankoku-Shinryokan facility was built for this G8 Summit.)

While we shall discuss the harsh space environment in the auditorium, you will be able to experience the magnificent environment of the southern islands outside the auditorium. You may forget your suit and tie at home, but do not dare to forget your swimsuit. While the microgravity issues are out of the scope of our conference, you will have a chance to experience the microgravity environment by snorkeling or scuba diving. And remember, if you are UV careless, your skin may experience the full effect of the UV radiation in Okinawa similar to FEP Teflon in space!

Link to Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau

Link to Okinawa Story

Rent-a-car is the most convenient option for participants who do not worry about driving on the left side of the road. There are many rent-a-car companies in Okinawa. Some of them have English, Chinese and Korean language services and English GPS systems.

Bankoku-Shinryo-Kan is located only 2 km from the “Kyoda Exit” of Okinawa Express Way. Follow English signs for “Busena cape” or “Bankoku-Shinryo-Kan”.

Taxi is not recommended for “solo” travel because it may be too expensive for single passenger (60 km, JPY10,000-).

Because there is no public train service in Okinawa except for the short monorail system between airport and downtown of Naha city, you may use bus service to the conference site. There are 3 bus routes for Nago area from the airport.

Airport shuttle “Basho” connects directly the airport and some hotels in Nago area. If you stay in The Busena Terrace Hotel or directly go to Bankoku-Shinryo-Kan, take this bus and get off at the Busena Terrace stop. The bus will arrive at the Busena Terrace hotel entrance. Departure time* at the airport is 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00. This bus also stops at Kariyushi and Marriott Hotels. It takes approximately 1hr50min and costs JPY2150/adult.

The bus No.111 directly goes to Nago city bus terminal via Okinawa Express Way. This bus does not make stops at hotels. Thus, you may use taxi from the Nago city bus terminal to your hotel or Bankoku-Shinryo-Kan. Departure times from the airport are: 6:10, 6:35, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:45, 16:45, 17:30 and 18:15. It takes approximately 1hr45min to arrive at the city bus terminal and costs JPY2130/adult.

Local bus No.120 goes to Nago city bus terminal from the airport. This bus does not enter Okinawa Express Way. Get off at the bus stop “Busena Resort” or “Kise” depending on your hotel location. Departure times from the airport are: 8:35, 8:50, 9:15, 9:40, 10:05, 10:30, 11:00,11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:10 and 19:45. It takes approximately 2hrs20min to get to the bus stop “Busena Resort” or “Kise” and costs JPY1480/adult.

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