OKINAWA LOCAL TOUR GUIDE'S BLOG: Nago's roadside market, now visitors from China can use 中国银联 (Zhōngguó Yínlián)----UnionPay credit card

About The Author

Welcome to OKINAWA LOCAL TOUR GUIDE'S BLOG.

This blog is created by a local tour guide born and raised in the northern region of Okinawa island. This lush mountainous area is locally known as Yanbaru, and the name means to the locals as a place to enjoy and appreciate nature.

I write, in a rather freewheeling manner, things I see and hear mainly in the nature-rich region of Okinawa . Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture in Japan. Come and experience this unique resort island in the heart of subtropical climate and blue ocean.

For those who wish to contact Shu Uechi, the author, please send an e-mail to:　sr-uechi@auone.jp

このブログは沖縄生まれ・沖縄育ちの地域限定通訳案内士・上地が作成しているブログです。

2011/02/07

Nago's roadside market, now visitors from China can use 中国银联 (Zhōngguó Yínlián)----UnionPay credit card

I put up this information particularly for visitors from China. China's most popular credit card, 中国银联, or Zhōngguó Yínlián (UnionPay, in English) can be used at Kyoda Michino Eki, or Roadside Station Kyoda. I've been asked by some Chinise visitors about places where they can use the credit card.

Perhaps, I should explain a little more about this facility. Although it says Michino Eki, or roadside station, it's more like a roadside market housed in a large building. In fact, Michino Eki are all over Japan, usually established along national highways and expressways in this country, selling at each facility their own local products. In this particular facility here in Nago City, Okinawa, many local food producers and retailers sell their products. If you are looking for the local products from this region, Roadside Station Kyoda is a good place to go.

Visitors from Chinia should also be informed that UnionPay credit card can be used only at the casher at the main entrance. Unfortunately, other cashiers do not handle UnionPay card. So, it will be convenient if Chinese visitors---visitors from other nations, for that matter---still carry some amount of Japanese yen as well.

In case you drive in Okinawa (assuming that you use the Okinawa Expressway), here is the direction. Drive the expressway north and get off the expressway at Kyoda (the last exit to the northern region of Okinawa island). Continue driving north on National Route 58 for about 1 kilometer. Soon, you'll see a road sign just like below. Follow the arrow to the right and you can park your car at the large parking lot. (Google Map Here)