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Most popular car rental suppliers | KS Rental Car |
|---|---|
Most popular type | mini car |
Typical rental periods | 4 days |
Planning to explore Okinawa by car? Smart choice - it's the best way to discover hidden beaches, local restaurants, and stunning viewpoints that buses just can't reach. Here's your no-nonsense guide to renting and driving in Okinawa.
Naha Airport is your main rental hub, with the domestic terminal housing all major rental companies. Local companies like OTS Rent-a-Car, Times Car Rental, and Budget Rent-a-Car Okinawa typically offer better rates than international brands. After arrival, free shuttle buses run every 10-15 minutes to the rental car center. Downtown Naha also has rental shops near Asahibashi Station and Kokusai Street, but airport pickup is most convenient for flight arrivals.
You absolutely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country before arriving in Japan - you can't get one in Okinawa. The IDP must be based on the 1949 Geneva Convention (important for US drivers). Japanese law requires both your home license and IDP. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience. Basic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage for peace of mind.
For solo travelers or couples, the Toyota Vitz (Yaris) or Nissan Note are perfect - they're fuel-efficient and easy to park. Families often choose the Toyota Sienta or Honda Freed for their sliding doors and flexible seating. Planning to explore northern Okinawa? A compact SUV like the Toyota Raize or Daihatsu Rocky handles the mountain roads better. All rentals come with automatic transmission, AC, and basic insurance. Most now include English GPS navigation.
Drive on the left side. Speed limits are strictly enforced: 40-50 km/h in cities, 60 km/h on main roads. Rush hour (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM) affects mainly Naha city. The Okinawa Expressway (toll road) is worth using to avoid traffic - it runs from Naha to northern Okinawa. Watch for pedestrian crossings - cars must stop when someone is waiting to cross. During rainy season (May-June), drive carefully as roads can get slippery.
Most visitors take Route 58 north to Churaumi Aquarium (2 hours from Naha). The west coast drive to Cape Manzamo offers great sunset views. For beaches, Ocean Expo Park and Emerald Beach are must-visits. The Kouri Island bridge drive is stunning - perfect for photos. Southeast Okinawa's Sefa-utaki and Okinawa World make a good day trip. Plan extra time during peak seasons (Golden Week, Obon festival, Cherry Blossom season) as traffic increases.
Tourist spots charge 300-500 yen/hour for parking. Shopping malls like AEON and San-A usually offer free parking. Most hotels provide free parking, but central Naha hotels might charge. Gas stations are plentiful in southern/central Okinawa but scarce up north. Current fuel prices (as of 2024) range from ¥165-180/liter. Many stations are self-service with English-language screens. Keep ¥100 coins handy for parking meters.
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead - prices can double during peak seasons. Local companies often include insurance and English GPS in base rates. Consider the expressway pass if staying 2+ days - it's cheaper than paying individual tolls. Many car rental companies offer discounts for online bookings or longer rentals (5+ days). Join loyalty programs like OTS Club or Times Club for additional discounts and faster pickup.
Authentic Okinawa City supplier ratings
Okinawa City suppliers have an average rating of 4.5. All suppliers' ratings are based on authentic user reviews.