Six points to consider when choosing a rental car
If you are planning to use a rental car for your trip to Okinawa, the first step to a comfortable trip is to choose it well in advance. By choosing a car model and service that suits your travel style as well as price, you can reduce the stress of transportation and enjoy a more fulfilling trip to Okinawa.
1. select a car model according to your travel style
Everyone enjoys Okinawa trips in different ways. When choosing a rental car, it is important to select a car that suits your travel style.
●If you want to enjoy the beaches and tourist attractions...
Compact cars and mini cars can be used to navigate narrow roads with ease!
●For a family vacation...
Comfortable & easy storage of luggage in minivans and SUVs!
●If you want to enjoy a drive with a spectacular view...
It is best to drive in a convertible car and feel the Okinawan wind!
●If you want to go to a remote island...
A small car that is easy to put on the ferry is convenient!
If you choose an inexpensive car at random, you may later find yourself saying, "It's too small, it won't fit my luggage! It won't fit my luggage! It is important to choose a car that suits the purpose of your trip. It is important to choose a car that suits the purpose of your trip.
2. think about where to pick up and return the items
When renting a car, the pick-up and return locations are surprisingly important.
●If you want to move as soon as you arrive....
Offices near Naha Airport are convenient! Be sure to check for free shuttle service!
●If you want to stay one night on Kokusai Dori on the first day...
You can save money by renting the next day at a city office!
●If you want to rent at the hotel where you are staying...
It is also possible to use a rental car affiliated with the hotel!
Airport sales offices tend to be crowded, so it may take some time during peak hours. You may dare to take the Yui Rail or a cab before renting a car.
3. be sure to check the indemnity coverage
It is common for people to say, "I booked a cheap plan, but when I added insurance locally, it ended up costing me more..." This is a common occurrence in car rentals. Especially in Okinawa, many people drive for the first time, and the risk of accidents and scrapes is high, so you should make sure you have the right coverage.
Minimum points to check:
(1) Exemption from deductible compensation (waiver of out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident)
(ii) NOC (compensation for absence from work) (compensation in the event of an accident that prevents the use of the rental car)
Many rental car companies offer compensation plans that include (1) and (2) for a fee of about 2,000 to 3,000 yen per day. It is tempting to think that you will be fine, but in fact we often see accidents involving rental cars, so it is best not to be stingy with your compensation plan.
4. check fuel rules and refueling locations
Surprisingly, many people panic when they are told to "fill up your tank before returning the car." There are two main types of fuel rules for rental cars.
●Return a car with a full tank (typical rental car)
→ Must refuel before return
●Gasoline included plan (some car rental companies)
→ No need to refuel upon return
If you are returning a full tank, check the locations of gas stations near the airport! Consider the timing of refueling so that you will not be rushed at the last minute for your flight.
5. pitfalls! Conditions for incurring additional fees
Car rental fees may include additional charges in addition to the base fee. The following are points to check when making a reservation.
●Child seat fee...
If you have a child under 6 years old, it is mandatory to install a child safety seat! (Free or charged, must be confirmed)
●Optional Charges...
Availability of additional services such as car navigation, ETC, Wi-Fi rental, etc. (many companies offer this service)
●Late night and early morning rates...
Renting and returning a car early in the morning or late at night may incur additional charges. (Check the car rental company's business hours!)
●one-way car rental fee...
If you return the car to a different location than the office where you rented it, you may be charged an additional fee.
It cost more than I thought it would! To avoid regrets, please confirm whether or not there are any additional fees before making a reservation.
6. understand the timing of price fluctuations
Car rental prices fluctuate depending on the tourist season. Especially during summer vacation and Golden Week, not only do prices go up, but if you do not reserve early, you may not be able to rent the type of car you want.
Approximate time of reservation
●Busy season (GW, summer vacation, year-end and New Year)...
Reservations recommended 3 months in advance.
●Normal term (spring and fall)...
Can be done 1 month in advance
●Off-season (winter)...
Last-minute reservations can be made in time, but if you are aiming for a low-cost plan, please make your reservations early.
If you are caught off guard and think, "There's still time, so don't worry," popular rental cars fill up quickly. Make your reservations early to get the best deal.
How to find a rental car
First, check the OTA website for cost quotes all at once. If you have time, we recommend checking the official websites of car rental companies as well.
Campaigns & Coupons
Car rental companies in Okinawa
Company Name | 24-hour fee | indemnity coverage | (car) child seat | Airport pickup | Car models handled | location (e.g. of industry) | one-way | Business Hours | association membership | Main Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Rent-A-Car | From 6864 yen | 1100 yen/day, etc. | 550 yen/72h | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the airport, etc. | Fat. | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | A major nationwide company with peace of mind |
Nippon Rent-a-Car | 6270 yen and up | 1100 yen/day, etc. | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the Airport | Fat. | 8:00-19:00 | participation | A major nationwide company with peace of mind |
Nissan Rent-a-Car | From ¥7315 | 1650 yen/day, etc. | 550 yen/24h/unit (Maximum 1,100 yen) | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the airport, etc. | Fat. | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | A major nationwide company with peace of mind |
ORIX Rent-a-Car | From 8910 yen | 1100 yen/day, etc. | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the airport, etc. | Fat. | 9:00-19:00 | participation | A major nationwide company with peace of mind |
Fuji Rent-a-Car | From 9600 yen | including | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Mini, passenger car, minivan, etc. | Around the airport, etc. | Fat. | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | Company with the best value in association membership. |
OTS Car Rental | From 5500 yen | including | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the Airport | Fat. | 8:00-19:00 | participation | Early bird specials are available. |
Times Car Rental | From 6050 yen | including | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x-mark (used to indicate an incorrect answer in a test, etc.) | 9:00-18:00 (from 6/1) | participation | 4 minutes from the airport! Members save! |
ABC Rent-a-Car | From 11,000 yen | including | free | Fat. | Mini, passenger car, minivan, etc. | Around the Airport | ? | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | One month rental may be a good deal. |
Budget Rent-a-Car | 5577 yen and up | 1430 yen/day, etc. | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x-mark (used to indicate an incorrect answer in a test, etc.) | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | Web membership is 25%OFF |
Sky Rent-a-Car | From 11200 yen | including | Web reservations are free of charge | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the Airport | Fat. | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | Many early bird discounts and special offers |
Daihatsu Rent-a-Car | From 3,500 yen | 2000 yen/day | 550 yen/unit | Fat. | Light, passenger cars, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x-mark (used to indicate an incorrect answer in a test, etc.) | 9:00-18:00 | participation | Check it out, it might be cheaper! |
Yu-I Rent a Car | From 11,000 yen | including | free | Fat. | Mini, passenger car, SUV, etc. | Around the Airport | confirmation required | 8:00-19:00 | participation | Bases in Naha and Miyako |
Celebrity Rent-a-Car | From 17,000 yen | 2000 yen/day | free | Fat (limousine) | Sedan, convertible, RV, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x-mark (used to indicate an incorrect answer in a test, etc.) | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | Specializing in foreign cars, convertible cars, etc. |
HV Rent-A-Car | 13860 yen and up | including | free | Fat. | Mini, passenger car, SUV, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x-mark (used to indicate an incorrect answer in a test, etc.) | 8:00-19:00 | participation | Immunity included, near Naha Airport |
J-Net Rent-a-Car | From 10,000 yen | including | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, minivans, RVs, etc. | Around the Airport | Fat (no other stores) | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | National Network Company |
Goodspeed Car Rental | From 8,000 yen | 1650 yen/day | 1000 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, minivans, luxury cars, etc. | Around the Airport | confirmation required | 9:00 - 20:30 | participation | A well-known used car sales company |
Universe Rent-a-Car | From 15690 yen | including | Free (limited time) | △ (return only) | Foreign cars, SUVs, convertibles, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x (1 store only) | 8:00-19:00 | participation | Luxury foreign cars can be rented. |
Heat Sports Car Rental | From 20460 yen | including | free | Fat (completely individual) | Open, Wagon, SUV, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x (1 store only) | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | Luxury foreign cars can be rented. |
Apple Rent-A-Car | From 6,900 yen | 1650 yen/day | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x (1 store only) | 8:00-18:00 | participation | A well-known used car sales company |
Gulliver Rent-a-Car | From 12,000 yen | including | 500 yen/unit | ×x-mark (used to indicate an incorrect answer in a test, etc.) | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x (1 store only) | 8:00 - 21:00 | participation | Nationwide network of used car dealers |
Select Rent-A-Car | From 12,600 yen | 2200 yen/day | 1 car free of charge | Fat. | Imports, luxury, sports, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x (1 store only) | 8:00 - 20:00 | participation | Imported & Domestic Luxury Cars |
Kanucha Rent a Car | From 8,500 yen | 1100 yen/day | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, etc. | Around the Airport | confirmation required | 9:00-18:00 | participation | Kanucha guests save! |
Suite Rent a Car | From 8900 yen | 1650 yen/day | 1100 yen/unit | Fat. | Passenger cars, minivans, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x (1 store only) | 9:00-19:00 | participation | Car rental companies that claim to offer low-cost |
Deluxe Rental Cars | From 15090 yen | 1650 yen/day | free | Fat. | Luxury imported cars, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x (1 store only) | 9:00 - 20:00 | participation | Luxury Imported Car Rental |
GKS Okinawa Car Rental | From 19500 yen | including | confirmation required | confirmation required | Jepp, SUV, etc. | Around the Airport | ×x (1 store only) | 8:00 - 20:00 | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | Jeep and other American cars available |
Gatz Rent-a-Car | From 3,740 yen | 1100 yen/day | confirmation required | confirmation required | Light, passenger cars, etc. | Around the Airport | confirmation required | 9:00 - 20:00 | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | Cheap rentals |
Aqua Rent a Car | From 6800 yen | including | confirmation required | Fat. | Light cars, etc. | Around the Airport | confirmation required | 9:00 - 20:00 | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | Cheap rentals |
Goya Rent-a-Car | From 6,700 yen | 1650 yen/day, etc. | 1 car free of charge | Fat. | Mini, passenger car, minivan, etc. | Around the Airport | confirmation required | 10:00-19:00 | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
*"One-day rates" are for June 1, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to June 2, 2024, 10:00 a.m., compact car designated search.
Airport pickup" is for Naha Airport. It may not be available at some offices. Please check. (e.g. ORIX Rent-A-Car Naha Airport Branch offers airport pick-up service, while Naha Nishimachi Branch does not specify pick-up service.)
*"Association membership" is,Okinawa Prefecture Car Rental AssociationThis is an indication of whether the company is a member of the
*"Business hours" may differ for each office if there is more than one office in the prefecture.
*"One-way" is a service in which the rental car is returned to a different office from the one from which it departed. Please check availability and fees.
*Information is collected by Okibara's own efforts. The table is for reference only.
Glossary of Car Rental Terminology
What is the older and younger age of a car?
The year is the year in which the car was first registered as a new car at the Transport Branch Office (year of first registration). The older model year is defined as about 3 years or less after registration. On the other hand, there is no clear standard for low age, but it generally refers to 7 to 10 years after registration and manufacture. For the cheaper rental car plans, these lower-aged cars are more common.
What is the indemnity system?
This is an optional but recommended option. As those who drive their own cars know, automobile damage insurance and automobile liability insurance are included in the rental vehicle. In the event of a rental car accident, the insurance company will pay the damages. However, the insurance company does not pay the full amount, but there is money (deductible) that the customer must pay (generally around 50,000 yen). In order to exempt you from paying this deductible, there is the Compensation for Deductible Waiver (CDW). The amount varies slightly among rental car companies, but the deductible compensation is around 1,500 yen per day.
Details,What are "indemnity" and "NOC?"See the article on the
What is non-operation charge?
Non-operation charge (NOC) is a system whereby the customer who caused the accident pays the sales proceeds that the store would have earned if the rental car were no longer available for rental to other customers due to an accident, etc. (Generally, 20,000 yen if the car is self-propelled and 50,000 yen if it is not self-propelled). NOC compensation is a way to avoid paying this cost. The amount varies slightly among rental car companies, but NOC is around 1,000 yen per day.
Details,What are "indemnity" and "NOC?"See the article on the
What is one-way (ride-along)?
This service allows you to return the car at a different location from where you rented it. Some major car rental companies in Okinawa Prefecture offer this service (an additional fee is basically required).
What is a child seat?
According to Article 14 of the Road Traffic Law, children up to 6 years old are required to wear a child safety seat. If you lie when making a reservation, you may not be able to rent a car. Car rental companies also generally rent out child seats for a fee (the number is limited at each store).
What is a car navigation system?
This device uses map information and GPS installed in the vehicle to provide route guidance to the destination. In many cases these days, GoogleMap on a smartphone is sufficient. However, I would be concerned about whether music can be connected to the car navigation system's Bluetooth. The cheaper the rental car, the older the car navigation system may be, or it may be old-fashioned audio only.
What is an ETC card?
This electronic payment system enables nonstop passage through toll gates on the Okinawa Expressway. Okinawa Prefecture has the worst installation rate of ETC on-board equipment in Japan. This means that if you forget your ETC card during your commute or at major interchanges (Nishihara IC, Xuada IC, Ishikawa IC), you are likely to wait in line at the toll booth. Some rental car companies may lend you an ETC card.
What is the seating capacity?
This is the maximum number of people allowed in the vehicle. When traveling, carry-on bags and souvenirs are supposed to be loaded into the car, so if you make a reservation just short of the maximum capacity, it will be difficult in many ways.
Details,Points to consider when selecting an appropriate car modelSee the article on the
What are excess charges?
This is an additional charge incurred when a vehicle is returned after the reserved time. Rates and calculation methods vary from store to store. It is important to contact the rental company in advance if you need to extend the time. Also, if you are going to be late returning the car due to traffic congestion, etc., contact the store as soon as possible.
Car Rental FAQ
When is the cheapest time to rent a car in Okinawa?
The off-season for Okinawa travel is from October and November through February, excluding the year-end and New Year holidays. Some rental car companies set regular rates for this period. Rates are higher during the summer months of April through October, which is the high season. In addition, rates may be increased on specific days during GW, Obon, SW, and year-end and New Year's holidays. For details, please contact us,Annual Rental Car Average Tablefor more information.
Is it difficult to drive a car in Okinawa?
Once you get used to it, you will be fine. Characteristically, the roads are narrow in many places, and some are poorly paved. There are Okinawans and foreigners of various driving skills. There are also many motorcycles passing through.
Why do stores charge different rates for the same vehicle?
First, the bigger the company, the stronger the brand and the more trustworthy it is.
Second, the bigger the car, the more likely it is to be a new (older) car.
Third, there is a wide range of services. The larger companies may have stores near airports and more flexible services. Also, the larger rental car companies are more likely to be available by phone 24 hours a day in the event of a problem.
Fourth, there is a balance between supply and demand. As a matter of course, during peak seasons such as Golden Week, prices are raised (because they are still booked). The price may change depending on the extent of the price increase.
Do I need to purchase coverage for my rental car?
I would definitely join, although I would leave it up to you as it is optional. I see accidents involving rental cars every year in Okinawa. Having coverage in the event of an accident or trouble makes a big difference in peace of mind. Even if you are a safe driver, you cannot deny the possibility of being involved in an accident due to the fast-paced driving characteristic of Okinawans or the unfamiliarity of foreigners and tourists.
Are there any areas where the roads are narrow or there is heavy traffic?
The roads around Naha City seem narrow. Commuting hours are widely congested throughout Okinawa. Traffic increases around tourist spots, during events, and on rainy days.
Is it dangerous to drive in rainy weather?
Roads in Okinawa contain more lime than those in Japan, and this is said to be the reason why they become slippery when it rains. Drive safely, drive at a moderate speed, and keep a sufficient distance between vehicles. During squalls and heavy rain, it can be difficult to see what is ahead, and some road surfaces have very large puddles.
Anyway, is it safe to rent a cheap car?
Be sure to read the reviews. Here are some of the reasons why we can offer car rentals at much lower prices than the market rate
1, Utilize used cars. Fewer staff.
2, Reduce operations by leaving the vehicle to us.
3. Locate stores away from airports and other major locations.
These may include.
Which should you prioritize when renting a car, cheap or safe?
I would certainly put safety first. Trust the car rental companies across the country and the stores that are members of the Okinawa Car Rental Association.
How does the rental car return date work?
Return the car to the return location designated by the rental company. Make sure to return the car in plenty of time and fill up the tank with gas. Please check the rental location and the return location carefully, as they may be different. Most companies will instruct you to return the car at least 90 minutes before the flight departs. There are restaurants and cafes at the airport, and you can buy souvenirs, so you may want to move to the airport early on your last day.