My fiancé and I will be heading to Japan on honeymoon in September. We have decided to finish the trip with some relaxing days (5) in the Yaeyama islands. Initially we think of staying for 2 nights in Iriomote and 3 nights in Ishigaki - I would be very happy to hear your opinion on other islands maybe worth visiting and spending the night. Also, how can we expect the weather to be on the 8-12 October?
After the questions, the cry for help - it is proving rather difficult to book accomodation there, as the hotel websites (for those hotels which have one, that is) are all in Japanese and our Japanese skills are nill. No chance to have a look at rates or room types, though. So, all suggestions for accomodation and contact details of English (or Spanish:)- speaking staff would be very welcome!
Is it true that nobody would rent you a car/scooter without an International Driving License (thinking of going through all the Spanish bureacracy to get one makes me dizzy....)
Thanks in advance to everybody!
Katia
For historical weather information try www.wunderground.com<BR><BR>Have you tried the Japanese National Tourist Organization websites? Have you considered contacting the Japanese embassy or consulate for recommendations of a Japanese tour company in Spain to assist you in making reservations? Have you tried contacting the JNTO in Paris?
Address: 4, rue de Ventadour 75001 Paris
Tel: 33 (01) 42-96-20-29
Fax: 33 (01) 40-20-92-79
Website: http://www.tourisme-japon.fr/<BR>Territories in Charge: France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Switzerland (Swiss-French), Africa (French-spoken areas)
In most countries international driver's licenses are obtained through the country's Automobile Association not through the government bureaucracy.
Ruth
Mahae Plus - Okinawa Convention and Visitor's Bureau has some info about accomodations in Ishigaki!
I would also recommend the island where I reside, Miyako Jima! On the Mahae Plus! Okinawa Convention & Visitor's Bureau homepage you will be able to do search for accomodations on other outer islands (Miyako, Ishigaki, Tokashiki, Kume, Iriomote, Taketomi, etc)
Sorry, but if you wish to rent a car here you will need to come WITH an international driver's licence... sorry but it indeed absolutely required!
This summer is Miyako and Ishigaki, it has been extremely hot w/ very high UV ratings every day...in the past few years, it has still been quite hot in October and even through December! (it should be cooler in the evenings 20-25 celsius in October...now it is only getting down to 30/29 at night! Not unlike much of Southern Europe...of course not quite to those extremes.
Thanks very much to both of you! I will certainly visit the websites you suggest and, alternatively, will try to do it through an specialised Japan travel agency - not sure, since we were thinking of staying at low-key guest houses....
If only we would have an Automobile Association in Spain, kingdom of bureaucracy :)
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