Many people look forward to the long autumn holiday, Silver Week, every year, don't they?

However, in 2021 and 2022, due to the self-isolation period caused by the coronavirus (the fourth and sixth waves), many people were unable to fully enjoy the long autumn holidays, and are likely hoping to do so this year.

As for the arrangement of the 2023 calendar,
9/16 (Sat), 17 (Sun), 18 (Mon/Holiday)When,
9/23 (Sat/Holiday)/24 (Sun)Only once during a three-day weekend.

I predict that the crowds and price increases will be concentrated during the three-day weekend! It's best to plan your trip early!
Let me tell you how to enjoy your trip to Okinawa during Silver Week 2023!

<Contents>
1. What is the weather like in Okinawa during Silver Week?
2. What should I wear?
3. To put it bluntly, are there a lot of typhoons in September?
4. Is it possible to swim in the sea?
5. Are there any events?
6. What are some recommended local specialties and souvenirs for this time of year?
7. Regarding the Okinawa tour during Silver Week 2023
Summary

Lowest price information for Okinawa tours departing in December

1. What is the weather like in Okinawa during Silver Week?

First, let me show you the weather data for the Silver Week period. The following data is for mid-to-late September.

Even after introducing it, you probably still don't really understand what it's actually like, right?

Next, let's add data from late July, the hottest time of the year, and compare it...

As you can see, the results show that there is almost no difference between the peak of summer and mid-September.

Therefore, September in Okinawa is still very much the height of summer. However, from my experience living there, it does get a little cooler at night (which makes it more comfortable). It's probably a bit more pleasant than the peak of summer.

For those who want to enjoy Okinawa in the summer, Silver Week is perfect!

2. What should I wear?

Basically, summer clothes are fine! T-shirts and shorts, or for women, dresses or skirts.
It looks something like this. Make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen!

Also, it can get a little cooler at night, so it's a good idea to bring a light long-sleeved shirt.

3. To put it bluntly, are there a lot of typhoons in September?

One of the biggest worries when planning a summer trip to Okinawa is typhoons, isn't it? And are typhoons particularly frequent in September compared to other months in the summer? Let's take a look at the data.

Therefore, the data shows that August and September have more incidents compared to July and October. In terms of the actual number of times an storm approached, September had 1.7. Considering that one direct hit can cause a delay of 3-4 days, it can be estimated that an storm would affect approximately 7-8 days out of 30, or about 25% of the time.

Whether this is a lot or a little will depend on the individual, but if you're planning a trip to Okinawa in the summer, whether it's August or September, it's good to keep in mind that there's this much risk involved.

If you get caught in a typhoon, think of it as a valuable experience and stay quiet.

By the way, if you have booked a tour, the response in the event of a typhoon will be as follows:

1. What if your departure date coincides with a typhoon?

If a typhoon is expected to hit Okinawa (or your departure point) on your departure date, you may be able to cancel your tour without cancellation fees (or cancel your flight and receive a full refund) once the airline determines that there is a high probability of a typhoon. However, the airline's decision is usually made about one to two days before the flight, so you will need to wait until then.

2: If a typhoon hits after you arrive at your destination

If your return flight is cancelled and you are unable to return home, you will be put on a waiting list for a flight (a flight departing the following day or later) and board it. The airfare itself will be covered as it will be treated as a replacement flight, so there will be no additional charges, but you will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred while you are there (such as accommodation).

Recently, some travel agencies offer cancellation insurance, which covers expenses incurred during a flight cancellation, or tours that include this insurance. You might want to check with them.

In any case, please be sure to check thoroughly with the travel agency from which you booked your tour for more details!

4. Is it possible to swim in the sea?

You can definitely enjoy swimming in the ocean in Okinawa during Silver Week! Just make sure to use plenty of sunscreen and have a great time!
The photo was taken from the beach at Fusaki Resort Village in Ishigaki Island.

Are there no jellyfish?

In mainland Japan, it's generally believed that you can't swim in the sea after the Obon festival because of jellyfish, but in Okinawa, the beaches are still packed with swimmers even in September. That being said, there are still jellyfish, so it's recommended to wear something to cover your skin, such as a rash guard (along with sunscreen), if possible.

Another dangerous jellyfish in Okinawa is the "habu jellyfish." A sting causes excruciating pain, and in severe cases, can lead to difficulty breathing or even cardiac arrest. Therefore, many public beaches in Okinawa are equipped with "habu jellyfish nets," which are jellyfish-repellent nets, so you can enjoy yourself safely within those areas.

The buoys stretched across the sea are box jellyfish nets. The area inside these nets is a designated swimming area.

5. What are some recommended local specialties and souvenirs for this time of year?

Of course, one thing that's essential in Okinawa during the summer is fruit.
Among them, I recommend these two items.

pineapple

Okinawan pineapples are delicious as they are, but the tastiest ones are the ripe pineapples harvested during the hot summer months of August and September.
However, please note that by late September, the season is nearing its end, so the amount available will be smaller. Pineapples from Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island are especially recommended.
You can certainly find them in souvenir shops, but it's cheaper and better to buy them at supermarkets (like Aeon or San-A), roadside rest areas, or direct sales outlets.

キーツマンゴー

Image source: OkiMall　http://1oki.com/keitt-mango
Another one I'd like to recommend is the king of sweets, mango! However, the image that comes to mind for most people is...
The red mangoes are a variety called apple mangoes, but their season is over. Instead, the green mangoes called "Keitt mangoes" are available from September to November.
These mangoes are even larger than apple mangoes, with some weighing over 1kg each. They're green on the outside, but a delicious orange color inside! These mangoes are only available at this time of year, making them a special treat you'll want to buy as a gift for someone special.

6. So, can I get tickets for the tour?

Now, for those of you who have read this far, this is probably the question that's on your mind, isn't it?
To put it bluntly, the conclusion is that it's extremely difficult to get a reservation! Just like during Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's, you need to make a reservation 3 to 6 months in advance, otherwise it will be sold out.

So, if you're thinking of taking a trip during Silver Week, you should make your reservations as soon as possible.

7. Regarding a trip to Okinawa during Silver Week in 2023

So, the Silver Week in 2023 was...

①September 16th (Sat), 17th (Sunday), 18th (Monday/Holiday)When,
②9/23 (Sat/Holiday)/24 (Sun)but,
For example, if you're planning a 3-night, 4-day trip from Haneda to Okinawa Main Island, staying at a basic resort hotel (2 people per room, rental car included),
The estimated cost per person is around ¥130,000 for option ① and ¥100,000 for option ②.
This won't be related to the long weekend, but if you postpone it by another week, it will be even more affordable (around ¥15,000 per person), as prices fluctuate significantly from week to week and day to day. Please consider your budget carefully.

Summary

So, that's a look at some of the questions that come to mind when thinking about going to Okinawa during Silver Week! September might bring typhoons, but it's the best time of year for summer. Why not enjoy Okinawa in the summer during Silver Week with your partner, family, or group?

Lowest price information for Okinawa tours departing in December

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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