Travel to Okinawa and Information on Hotels, Restaurants, and Sightseeing by Couple

An important part of planning a trip to Okinawa is arranging a rental car. Renting a car is a convenient way to efficiently visit a wide range of tourist spots. However, many people may be concerned about the cost of car rental and choosing the right company. This article provides a comparison of major and budget car rental companies and details the cost rates for car rentals for a trip to Okinawa.

1. advantages of using a rental car in Okinawa

Okinawa offers beautiful nature and rich culture, but public transportation is limited. Therefore, using a rental car offers the following advantages.

Freedom of Movement

You can go where you want, when you want. Bus tours are limited in the places they can go, and the cost is high if the tour is far away by cab.

Improved access to tourist attractions

The monorail in Okinawa is connected only from Naha City, where Naha Airport is located, to Urasoe City. The southern part of the main island of Okinawa, north of the central part, is not accessible by monorail.

Easy to carry luggage

Traveling is more inconvenient the more luggage you have. If you can leave it in your car and go sightseeing, it will be so much easier.

2. types and characteristics of car rental companies

There are two types of car rental companies: major and budget. Understanding the characteristics of each will help you choose the company that is right for you.

Major car rental companies

Toyota Rent-A-Car
Nippon Rent-A-Car
ORIX Rent-A-Car
Times Car Rental

These companies tend to have better vehicle quality and service.

Low-cost car rental company

Cheap car rental companies charge lower rates than larger companies, but this is often due to the use of older (older registration) or used vehicles. In addition, services and the condition of the vehicles vary.

3. price quotes from major car rental companies

Rates quoted by major car rental companies are shown below. Rates vary depending on the type of car and the season, but please refer to them as a reference.

Light vehicles: 6,000-10,000 yen/day
Compact car: 8,000-12,000 yen/day
SUVs and minivans: 10,000-15,000 yen/day

Major car rental companies offer a wide range of benefits, such as early reservations and member discounts, which can be used to your advantage to save even more money.

4. price quotes of low-cost car rental companies

The price quotes for budget car rental companies are as follows. The rates are set lower than those of the major companies, but you should pay attention to the services they offer.

Light vehicles: 3,000-5,000 yen/day
Compact cars: 4,000-6,000 yen/day
SUVs and minivans: 6,000-10,000 yen/day

It is important to check insurance coverage and additional fees in advance with budget car rental companies. Be sure to look at reviews as well.

5. when rental car costs become high and how to keep them low

Car rental costs fluctuate depending on the time of year and availability of reservations. Knowing when it gets expensive and how to keep it low will help you use your rental car wisely.

When to go high

How to keep it cheap

Early booking

Once you have decided on your travel plans, make reservations as soon as possible; some car rental companies offer early-bird rates, such as 60 days in advance.

Use on weekdays

Rental cars are often less expensive when rented on weekdays. Also, reservations may be easier to obtain than on holidays.

Take advantage of our campaign

Take advantage of promotions and discounts from car rental companies. There are companies that offer discounts at any time simply by registering as a member of their official website.

Okinawa Car Rental Special

6. key points for car rental reservations

The key points to keep in mind when booking a rental car will help to make the arrangement smooth.

Reservations on the official website

We recommend that you use the official website to reserve a rental car. The official website provides up-to-date information and special offers, allowing you to make reservations with peace of mind.

Use of comparison sites

Comparison sites are also a good way to compare car rental rates. However, be aware that comparison sites may charge a fee.

Check for additional options

If you need additional options such as child seats or car navigation systems, it is recommended that you confirm and reserve them in advance.

7. driving precautions in okinawa

There are some unique precautions for driving in Okinawa. To enjoy a safe and enjoyable driving experience, keep the following points in mind.

Road congestion

The flow of cars is basically slow in Naha City and around tourist attractions. Traffic jams are likely to occur during commuting hours, and traffic volume increases when it rains. Be sure to schedule your trip with plenty of time to spare.

Maximum speed limit on the Okinawa Expressway is 80 km/h

The maximum speed limit on the Okinawa Expressway is 80 km/h. Do not drive too fast, mistaking it for the same as an ordinary highway. (Strictly speaking, there is no expressway in Okinawa.)

Securing a parking space

Parking may be limited in tourist areas and on beaches. It is convenient to check the location and rates of parking lots in advance.

Weather

The weather in Okinawa is changeable, and you need to be careful of sudden rain and strong winds. Check the weather forecast frequently, especially during typhoon season (June to October).

summary

This section provides detailed information on the cost of car rentals for trips to Okinawa and comparisons of major to budget car rental companies. Using a rental car in Okinawa is the best way to enjoy sightseeing with a high degree of freedom and efficiency. Compare the features and rates of major and budget car rental companies and choose the rental car company that best suits your needs. Also, take advantage of early reservations and campaigns to get the best deals on car rentals. Enjoy a comfortable drive to fully enjoy Okinawa's beautiful nature and culture.

Safe and affordable car rental company

Now that you have read to the end, I will give you my recommendations for car rental companies in Okinawa.

These three are members of the Okinawa Car Rental Association, have reasonable prices, are close to the airport, and have fairly good reviews.

Contributor Profile

OKIBRA

Okinawa travel media "OKIBRA" has been happily operated since 2020 by Kazunari, a computer geek, and Son-chan, an anime & food lover! They love Okinawa so much that they have visited more than 50 hotels and 500 restaurants in the prefecture, and they share the charms of Okinawa on Instagram and on the web. We will bring you the charms of Okinawa that you can't find anywhere else, from the unique perspective of a husband and wife team!

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