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Okinawa to Hokkaido

Updated: March 14, 2024 01:33 AM

Okinawa to Hokkaido: A Complete Guide

Okinawa and Hokkaido are two of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. Okinawa is known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and subtropical climate, while Hokkaido is famous for its snow-capped mountains, volcanic landscapes, and world-class skiing. Getting from Okinawa to Hokkaido can be a bit of a journey, but it's definitely worth it. Here's everything you need to know about traveling from Okinawa to Hokkaido, including language, currency, distance, how to reach, expenses, best time to go, what to eat, where to go, and FAQs.

Language

The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and you should be able to get by without speaking any Japanese. If you're planning on venturing off the beaten path, it's helpful to learn a few basic Japanese phrases.

Currency

The currency of Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY). You can exchange your currency at banks, post offices, and currency exchange offices. Credit cards are also widely accepted in Japan.

Distance

The distance from Okinawa to Hokkaido is approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles). This is a long journey, but there are several ways to get from Okinawa to Hokkaido, including by plane, train, and ferry.

How to Reach

The fastest and most convenient way to get from Okinawa to Hokkaido is by plane. There are several airlines that offer direct flights between Okinawa and Hokkaido, including Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Peach Aviation. The flight takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can also get from Okinawa to Hokkaido by train. However, this is a long and expensive journey, taking around 24 hours. The most popular way to get from Okinawa to Hokkaido is by ferry. There are several ferry companies that offer services between Okinawa and Hokkaido, including Taiyo Ferry, New Century Ferry, and Meimon Taiyo Ferry. The ferry journey takes around 24 hours. You can also get from Okinawa to Hokkaido by bus. However, this is a very long and uncomfortable journey, taking around 36 hours.

Expenses

The cost of getting from Okinawa to Hokkaido will vary depending on the method of transportation you choose. The following are approximate costs:

  • Plane: 10,000-20,000 JPY
  • Train: 25,000-50,000 JPY
  • Ferry: 15,000-30,000 JPY
  • Bus: 10,000-20,000 JPY

Best time to go

The best time to visit Okinawa is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny. The best time to visit Hokkaido is from December to March, when the snow is at its peak. However, you can visit Okinawa and Hokkaido at any time of year. If you're planning on visiting during the peak season, be sure to book your accommodation and transportation in advance.

What to Eat

Okinawa is known for its unique cuisine, which is influenced by Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian flavors. Some of the most popular dishes include:

  • Soba noodles
  • Okinawa soba
  • Goya champuru
  • Taco rice
  • Rafute

Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood, dairy products, and vegetables. Some of the most popular dishes include:

  • Seafood bowls
  • Ramen
  • Genghis Khan
  • Ishikari nabe
  • Hokkaido ice cream

Where to Go

Okinawa and Hokkaido are both large and diverse prefectures, with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the most popular places to visit in each prefecture:

Okinawa

  • Naha
  • Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
  • Shuri Castle
  • Nago
  • Ishigaki Island

Hokkaido

  • Sapporo
  • Otaru
  • Hakodate
  • Niseko
  • Lake Toya

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling from Okinawa to Hokkaido:

  1. How long does it take to get from Okinawa to Hokkaido?
  2. The journey time from Okinawa to Hokkaido will vary depending on the method of transportation you choose. The fastest way to get there is by plane, which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. The longest way to get there is by bus, which takes around 36 hours.
  3. How much does it cost to get from Okinawa to Hokkaido?
  4. The cost of getting from Okinawa to Hokkaido will vary depending on the method of transportation you choose. The cheapest way to get there is by bus, which costs around 10,000-20,000 JPY. The most expensive way to get there is by train, which costs around 25,000-50,000 JPY.
  5. What is the best time to visit Okinawa and Hokkaido?
  6. The best time to visit Okinawa is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny. The best time to visit Hokkaido is from December to March, when the snow is at its peak. However, you can visit both prefectures at any time of year.
  7. What are some of the most popular things to do in Okinawa and Hokkaido?
  8. Some of the most popular things to do in Okinawa include visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Shuri Castle, and Nago. Some of the most popular things to do in Hokkaido include visiting Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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