🚗 Rent a Car in Okinawa
Explore hidden beaches, remote castles, and authentic local spots at your own pace. Starting from $30/day with flexible booking options.
Compare Car Rental Prices →💰 Best Prices
Economy cars from $30/day, mid-size from $45/day. Free cancellation on most bookings. Compare rates from Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan, Times, and international brands.
📍 Easy Pickup
Pick up directly at Naha Airport (OKA) or city locations. Most companies offer 24-hour return options. English GPS navigation included with most rentals.
🛡️ Full Insurance
Comprehensive coverage available. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and NOC (Non-Operation Charge) insurance recommended for peace of mind on island roads.
What You Need to Rent a Car
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – Required for most foreign licenses. Must be based on the 1968 Geneva Convention. Get yours before arriving in Japan.
- Valid Driver’s License – Your home country license plus IDP. Both must be presented at pickup.
- Credit Card – Required for deposit (usually 20,000-50,000 yen hold). Released at return.
- Minimum Age – Typically 18-21 years depending on rental company and vehicle class.
- Passport – For identification verification at rental counter.
Some countries (UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Taiwan, Belgium, Monaco, Slovenia) can use official Japanese translations of their licenses instead of IDP. Check with your rental company.
Vehicle Types & Average Prices
| Vehicle Class | Passengers | Luggage | Daily Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (Kei Car) | 4 | 2 small | $30-40 | Solo/couples, city driving |
| Compact | 5 | 2 medium | $40-55 | Small families, mixed terrain |
| Standard/SUV | 5-7 | 3-4 large | $60-90 | Families, beach gear, comfort |
| Minivan | 7-8 | 4+ large | $80-120 | Large groups, extended trips |
Japan’s unique “Kei” (軽) cars are perfect for Okinawa. Extremely fuel-efficient, easy to park, and discounted tolls on expressways. Great for couples or solo travelers with light luggage.
Essential Driving Tips for Okinawa
🚦 Road Rules
- Drive on the LEFT – Japan follows left-hand traffic. Take extra care at intersections and when leaving parking lots.
- Speed Limits – Generally 40-60 km/h on regular roads, 80 km/h on expressways. Strictly enforced with speed cameras.
- Zero Tolerance – No alcohol whatsoever. Even 0.01% BAC results in severe penalties including arrest and deportation.
- Seat Belts – Mandatory for all passengers. Child seats required for children under 6 years.
- Mobile Phones – Handheld phone use while driving is illegal. Use hands-free or pull over safely.
🗺️ Navigation & Routes
- GPS Navigation – Most rentals include Japanese GPS with English option. Confirm at booking. Google Maps works well as backup.
- Okinawa Expressway – Toll road (300-1,000 yen) connecting Naha to northern Okinawa. Saves time but scenic Route 58 coastal road is free and beautiful.
- Download Offline Maps – Cell service can be spotty in rural areas and remote islands. Download maps beforehand.
- MAPCODE System – Japanese GPS uses MAPCODE numbers. Get MAPCODEs for your destinations in advance from hotel confirmations.
⛽ Fuel & Parking
- Fuel Policy – Usually “full-to-full” – return with full tank or pay premium refueling charge (typically 200 yen/liter vs 160 yen/liter at stations).
- Gas Stations – Many are self-service. Look for “セルフ” (self) signs. Staff assistance available at full-service stations.
- Parking – Free at beaches and attractions outside Naha. Paid parking (100-300 yen/hour) in Naha and popular areas. Never park in residential streets without permission.
- Hotel Parking – Confirm parking availability and fees (free to 1,500 yen/night). Not all accommodations have parking, especially in central Naha.
Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) cards save 30% on expressway tolls. Rent one with your car (300-500 yen/day) if planning expressway use. Without ETC, you’ll pay cash at toll booths.
Insurance Options Explained
Standard Coverage (Usually Included)
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – Covers vehicle damage with deductible (usually 30,000-50,000 yen)
- Third Party Liability – Covers damage to other vehicles/property (up to unlimited)
- Personal Injury – Medical coverage for you and passengers
Recommended Add-Ons
- NOC (Non-Operation Charge) Waiver – 1,000-2,000 yen/day. Covers loss of rental income if car is damaged. Worth it for peace of mind.
- Full Coverage / Zero Deductible – 2,000-3,000 yen/day. Reduces your liability to zero. Recommended for unfamiliar left-side driving.
- Tire & Windshield Protection – Covers common damage not included in basic insurance. Useful on Okinawa’s rougher rural roads.
Your credit card travel insurance may cover car rentals – check before purchasing redundant coverage. However, confirm it covers left-side driving and international rentals in Japan specifically.
Smart Booking Strategies
- Book Early – Reserve 2-4 weeks ahead, especially for Golden Week (late April-early May), summer (July-August), and autumn (October). Peak season cars sell out.
- Compare Prices – Check multiple platforms: Rental Cars, Klook, international chains (Hertz, Budget), and local companies (Toyota, Nissan, Times, OTS Rent-a-Car).
- Airport vs City Pickup – Airport pickup is most convenient but may cost 500-1,000 yen more. City locations often cheaper but require shuttle/taxi to reach.
- Long-Term Discounts – Rentals 7+ days often get 20-30% discounts. One-month rentals available with significant savings.
- Check Included Equipment – Verify GPS, ETC card, child seats, WiFi included or available. Some companies charge extra for basics.
- Free Cancellation – Book with free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before pickup. Allows flexibility for weather or plan changes.
Japanese rental companies (Toyota, Nissan, Times, OTS) often offer newer vehicles, better insurance options, and 24/7 Japanese roadside assistance. International brands may be familiar but sometimes have older vehicles.
Seasonal Driving Conditions
🌸 Spring (March-May)
Ideal driving conditions. Pleasant weather, clear visibility, moderate traffic. Book early for Golden Week (late April-early May) when prices double and availability drops.
☀️ Summer (June-September)
Hot and humid with typhoon risk August-September. Traffic increases during school holidays (late July-August). AC essential. Monitor weather forecasts during typhoon season – flights/ferries may cancel.
🍂 Autumn (October-November)
Best overall season. Perfect weather, lower humidity, still warm ocean temperatures. Popular with domestic tourists – book 3-4 weeks ahead. Typhoons rare but possible early October.
❄️ Winter (December-February)
Coolest period but still mild (15-20°C). Lowest prices and availability. Some northern mountain roads may have occasional rain. Perfect for budget travelers and those avoiding crowds.
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