A Flexible Okinawa Trip by Rental Car

Whether it's a detour or local cuisine,
You can enjoy exploring scenic spots at your own pace.
Now, set off on your very own road trip.


Tips for Choosing a Rental Car

Choose a Car Model Based on Your Travel Style

Everyone has their own way of enjoying a trip to Okinawa. When renting a car, it’s important to choose one that suits your travel style.

If you want to enjoy the beaches and tourist attractions,・・・
Get around narrow streets with ease in a compact car or kei car!
For a family trip,・・・
Comfortable and easy to store luggage in minivans and SUVs!
If you want to enjoy a scenic drive・・・
There's nothing better than driving a convertible and feeling the Okinawan breeze!
If you're going to a remote island,・・・
Small cars are convenient because they're easy to load onto ferries!

If you just pick a car on a whim, thinking, “I’ll just get a cheap one for now,” you might end up regretting it later, thinking, “It’s too small! I can’t fit my luggage in!” It’s important to choose a car that fits your travel plans.

Considering Pickup and Return Locations

When renting a car, the pickup and drop-off locations are surprisingly important factors.

If you want to head out right after you arrive,・・・
Rental offices near Naha Airport are convenient! Be sure to check if they offer a free shuttle service!
If you're staying on Kokusai Street for one night on your first day,・・・
Save money by renting the next day at a branch in the city!
If you're renting one at your hotel,・・・
Using a car rental service partnered with the hotel is also a good option!

The airport branch tends to get crowded, so it may take some time during peak hours. Another option is to take the Yui Rail or a taxi to the branch and rent a car from there.

Be sure to check the details of the liability waiver

"I booked a cheap plan, but when I added insurance on-site, it ended up costing more..." This is a common scenario when renting a car. Especially in Okinawa, where many people are driving for the first time and the risk of accidents or scratches is high, you should be sure to carefully check the details of your coverage.

Key Points to Check:
① Liability Waiver (Waiver of the Deductible in the Event of an Accident)
② Whether NOC (Non-Operation Compensation) is included (compensation if the rental car becomes unusable due to an accident)

Many car rental companies offer insurance plans that combine (1) and (2) for a daily premium of around 2,000 to 3,000 yen. It’s tempting to think, “It won’t happen to me,” but since car rental accidents are actually quite common, it’s best not to skimp on insurance coverage.

Check the fuel rules and refueling locations

Surprisingly, there are quite a few people who panic when told, “Please fill up the gas tank before returning the car.” There are two main types of fuel policies for rental cars.

Return with a Full Tank (Standard Car Rental)
→ You must fill up the tank before returning the vehicle

Plan with Gas Included (Some Car Rental Companies)
→ No need to refuel when returning the vehicle

If you're returning the car with a full tank, be sure to check the locations of gas stations near the airport! Plan when to fill up so you don't end up rushing at the last minute before your flight.

A Pitfall!? Conditions Under Which Additional Fees Apply

In addition to the base rate, additional charges may apply to car rental fees. Here are the points you should check when making a reservation:

Child Seat Fees・・・
If you have a child under 6 years old, you are required to use a child safety seat! (Check whether it’s free or requires a fee.)

Optional Fees・・・
Availability of additional services such as car navigation systems, ETC, and Wi-Fi rentals (there are many companies offering these services)

Late-Night and Early-Morning Rates・・・
Additional fees may apply for picking up or returning a rental car early in the morning or late at night. (Be sure to check the rental car company’s business hours!)

One-Way Fee・・・
If you return the vehicle to a location other than the branch where you rented it, you may be charged an additional fee.

To avoid regretting it later by thinking, “This ended up costing more than I expected!” be sure to check for any additional fees before making a reservation.

Understanding When Prices Fluctuate

Rental car prices fluctuate depending on the tourist season. During summer vacation and Golden Week in particular, not only do prices rise, but you may also be unable to rent your preferred car model unless you book early.

[Booking Guidelines]
Peak Seasons (Golden Week, Summer Vacation, Year-End and New Year Holidays)・・・
We recommend booking 3 months in advance

Regular Season (Spring and Fall)・・・
Even one month ago is fine

Off-season (Winter)・・・
Last-minute reservations are still possible, but if you want to snag a bargain, book early.

If you let your guard down thinking, “There’s still time, so it’ll be fine,” popular rental cars will be booked up in no time. Book early to get the best deal.

Latest News

[news_rentacar_campaign]

Car Rental Locations by Feature

Car Rental Locations Near Naha Airport

那覇空港

Here’s a quick rundown of rental car locations that are about 10 minutes from Naha Airport. Of course, travel times may vary depending on peak seasons or traffic. By the way, even if a location is listed as “XX Car Rental Naha Airport Branch,” be sure to check the address. Some locations may be outside Naha City, and it could take 20 to 30 minutes by shuttle from the airport to reach them.

Naha City / Near Naha Airport

Times Car Rental Naha Airport Branch

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] About 1.5 km from Naha Airport. About a 5-minute ride on the free shuttle bus. Relatively affordable.

Naha City / Near Naha Airport

Kanucha Car Rental (in front of the airport)

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] About 1.5 km from Naha Airport. About a 5-minute ride on the free shuttle bus. Great deals for hotel guests.

Naha City / Near Naha Airport

Toyota Rent-A-Car Naha Airport Branch

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] Located about 1.5 km from Naha Airport. About a 5-minute ride by free shuttle bus. A major car rental company.

Car Rental Locations Offering Great Prices and Peace of Mind

Car Rental

For those who want to rent a car with peace of mind and safety as top priorities—and get the best possible deal—we’ve handpicked car rental companies operating nationwide or in Okinawa. These are the perfect options: affordable yet reliable.

Four stores in Okinawa Prefecture

Budget Rent-A-Car

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] Free shuttle bus. Locations throughout Japan, including Naha, Miyako, and Ishigaki. Affordable.

Three stores in Okinawa Prefecture

Goodspeed Rent-A-Car

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] Free shuttle service available. We offer compact cars, SUVs, convertibles, and motorcycles.

5 stores in Okinawa Prefecture

OTS Car Rental

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] Southern Main Island, Miyako, and Ishigaki. Free shuttle service available. With a few exceptions, all vehicles are less than 3 years old.

Luxury Cars

Luxury Cars

Here are some rental car locations offering a selection of vehicles—including convertibles, SUVs, and luxury sedans—that let you experience something out of the ordinary. Enjoy your resort drive in Okinawa in even more style.

Ownership of Luxury Import Cars

Universe Rent-A-Car

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] Naha Airport Branch, Miyakojima Airport Branch. Taxi fare refunds available. Sports cars and SUVs also available.

Specializing in Import and Luxury Cars

Celebrity Car Rental

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] Okinawa’s No. 1 fleet of imported and luxury cars. Embark on a luxurious trip unlike any other.

Specialty Store for Imported Cars

Smile Resort Car Rental

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] Limousine pickup service available. BMW, VW, and more. Taxi fare reimbursement available.

Rakuten Travel Awards 2024

アワード

The Rakuten Travel Car Rental Awards is a program that recognizes businesses that have received high ratings on “Rakuten Travel.” In 2024, Top Sales Award Here are the three companies that have been recognized with this award.

1st place:Four stores in Okinawa Prefecture

Budget Rent-A-Car

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] Free shuttle bus. Locations throughout Japan, including Naha, Miyako, and Ishigaki. Affordable.

2nd place:Three stores in Okinawa Prefecture

ABC Car Rental

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] The Naha Airport branch is about a 7-minute ride via the free shuttle bus. Free options for families with children.

3rd place:Three stores in Okinawa Prefecture

Fuji Rent-A-Car

[Member of the Okinawa Car Rental Association] Free shuttle service available in Naha and Ishigaki. Enjoy your trip with our budget-friendly plans.

Glossary of Car Rental Terms

What Are "Newer Model Years" and "Older Model Years" for Cars?

The model year refers to the year the vehicle was first registered as new with the Regional Transport Bureau (the year of initial registration). Among these, a “recent model year” generally refers to vehicles registered within about three years. On the other hand, while there is no clear standard for an “older model year,” it generally refers to vehicles that were registered or manufactured about 7 to 10 years ago. Cheaper rental car plans often feature these older-model vehicles.

What Is the Liability Waiver Program?

This is an optional service, but we recommend purchasing it. As those who drive their own cars know, rental cars also come with auto damage insurance and auto liability insurance. In the event of an accident involving a rental car, the insurance company will cover the compensation costs. However, the insurance company does not pay the full amount; there is a portion that the customer must pay out of pocket (the deductible), which is generally around 50,000 yen. To waive this deductible, there is the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Although the cost varies slightly by rental car company, CDW typically costs around 1,500 yen per day.
For more details,What Are “Liability Waiver” and “NOC”?Please see the article.

What Is a Non-Operation Charge?

A Non-Operation Charge (NOC) is a system whereby, if a rental car becomes unavailable for rental to other customers due to an accident or other reason, the customer responsible for the accident pays the revenue the rental company would have otherwise earned (typically 20,000 yen if the car is drivable, and 50,000 yen if it is not). NOC coverage allows you to avoid paying this fee. Although the amount varies slightly by rental car company, the NOC is typically around 1,000 yen per day.
For more details,What Are “Liability Waiver” and “NOC”?Please see the article.

What Is a One-Way (One-Way Rental)?

This is a service that allows you to return the car to a different location than the one where you picked it up. Some major car rental companies in Okinawa Prefecture offer this service (an additional fee is generally required).

What Is a Child Safety Seat?

Under Article 14 of the Road Traffic Act, children up to age 6 are required to use a child safety seat. If you provide false information when making a reservation, you may not be allowed to rent a car. Car rental companies generally charge a fee for child safety seats (availability varies by location).

What Is a Car Navigation System?

It’s a device that uses map data and GPS built into the vehicle to provide turn-by-turn directions to your destination. These days, Google Maps on a smartphone is often enough, isn’t it? Still, I do wonder if I can connect my music via the car navigation system’s Bluetooth. Cheaper rental cars sometimes have older navigation systems, and sometimes they only have the old-fashioned audio system.

What Is an ETC Card?

This is an electronic payment system that allows you to pass through toll gates on the Okinawa Expressway without stopping. Okinawa Prefecture has the lowest ETC on-board unit installation rate in the country. This means that if you forget your ETC card during your commute or at major interchanges (Nishihara IC, Koda IC, Ishikawa IC), you’re likely to end up waiting in line at the toll gate. Some rental car companies may lend out ETC cards.

What Is Passenger Capacity?

This refers to the maximum number of people who can ride in the vehicle. When traveling, you’ll likely be loading suitcases and souvenirs into the car, so booking a vehicle that’s already at its capacity limit can make things quite difficult.
For more details,Key Points for Choosing the Right Car ModelPlease see the article.

What Is an Overage Charge?

予約した時間を超過して車両を返却した場合に発生する追加料金です。店舗によって、料金と計算方法が異なります。延長になる場合は事前にレンタカー会社に連絡することが重要です。また渋滞などにより、返却が遅くなりそうな場合も早めに店舗へ連絡しましょう。

レンタカーよくある質問

沖縄でレンタカーの安い時期は?

沖縄旅行のオフシーズンとなる10月、11月から年末年始を除いた2月ごろです。レンタカー会社によってはこの期間を通常料金と設定しています。ハイシーズンとなる4月から10月までの夏場は割り増し。さらに特定日のGW、お盆、SW、年末年始は料金を上げることがあります。詳しくは、年間レンタカー平均表をご覧ください。

沖縄での車の運転は難しいですか?

慣れれば大丈夫です。特徴として、道路は狭いところが多い、舗装が不十分な道もあります。沖縄県民や外国人など様々な運転技術の方がいます。バイクの通り抜けも多いです。

同じ車両でも店舗で料金が違う理由は?

1つ目に、大手ほどブランド力と信頼度があります。
2つ目に、大手ほど新車(高年式)の可能性が高いです。
3つ目に、サービスが幅広いこと。大手ほど空港近くに店舗があり、柔軟なサービスが多い場合があります。また大手レンタカー会社ほど、トラブルが発生した場合に、24時間電話で対応してくれます。
4つ目に、需要と供給のバランスです。当たり前の話ですが、ゴールデンウィークなどの繁忙期になると値段を上げます(それでも予約が入るから)。その値上げ幅によって料金が変わることもあります。

レンタカーの補償加入は必要ですか?

任意のためお任せしますが、私なら絶対に加入します。沖縄で毎年レンタカーの事故を見かけます。事故やトラブル時の補償をつけておくことで安心感が段違いです。いくら自分が安全運転でも、県民特有のマイペースな運転や、外国人や観光客の不慣れな土地での運転で、もらい事故を受ける可能性は否定できません。

道が狭い場所や交通量の多い場所はありますか?

那覇市周辺は道が狭い印象です。通勤時間は沖縄全体で広く渋滞します。観光地周辺、イベント時、雨の日は交通量が増えます。

雨の多い時期は運転が危険ですか?

沖縄の道路は、全国に比べ石灰が多く含まれていおり、これが雨の時に滑りやすくなる理由と言われています。スピードは控えめ、十分な車間距離を保ち、安全運転を心がけましょう。スコールや大雨の日は、前が見えなかったり、一部の路面にはとても大きな水たまりもできます。

とにかく安いレンタカーって大丈夫?

口コミを必ず見ておいてください。相場よりもはるかに低価格でレンタカーを提供できる理由は以下の通り。
1、中古車の活用する。スタッフが少ない。
2、車両をおまかせにすることでオペレーションを減らす。
3、店舗を空港などの主要地から離れた場所にする。
などが考えられます。

レンタカーは、安さと安全、どちらを優先するべきですか?

私なら確実に安全面を優先します。全国にあるレンタカー会社や、沖縄県レンタカー協会に加盟している店舗を信頼してみましょう。

レンタカーの返却日はどのように動きますか?

レンタカー会社指定の返却場所に返却します。時間に余裕を持って返却し、ガソリンを満タンにしましょう。借りる場所と返す場所が違う場合のあるのでしっかりとご確認ください。多くの会社は、飛行機出発の90分以上前に返却するように指示があるはずです。空港には飲食店やカフェがあり、お土産も買えるので、最終日は早めに空港移動しても良いでしょう。



sell Coupon hotel Accommodations directions_car Car Rental restaurant Gourmet kayaking Play Experience location_on Spot wb_sunny Weather and Clothing checklist Baggage Check