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Slide 20

Free travel in Okinawa with a rental car

Both side trips and local food,
You can also enjoy touring the spectacular scenery at your own pace.
Now, go on your own personal road trip.


Points to consider when choosing a rental car

Features of Okinawa Rent-a-Car
Photos of Naha Airport, Okinawa, Japan

Choose a car rental store near the airport

Especially around Naha Airport, the distance to the rental car store and pick-up time varies from store to store. Even if you say "00 Naha Airport Branch", it may take 20 to 30 minutes from the airport by courtesy car.
If you are based in Naha City for sightseeing, you can also rent a room near your lodgings from the second day.
RecommendedKanucha Rent-a-Car airport front office, Times Car Naha Airport Branch, Toyota Rent-a-Car Naha Airport Branch, Fuji Rent-a-Car Head Office Naha Branch, etc.

Rental car, back of car

Select a vehicle with a capacity of x 1.5 to 2 times the number of people

When traveling, we recommend that you choose a vehicle that has plenty of room for the number of passengers. For example, if you have two passengers, choose a car with a capacity of four; if you have four passengers, choose a car with a capacity of seven, which will give you more space for luggage and souvenirs and allow you to drive comfortably.
We have heard stories of people who booked a car with a capacity of four people, and as a result, their luggage was so packed that they had to leave their luggage at the hotel before starting their sightseeing tour later in the day.

Rental Cars in Okinawa

Check rates + coverage + options

When choosing a rental car, coverage and options are important in addition to low rates. In particular, we recommend that you purchase liability waiver and non-operation charge (NOC) coverage. No matter how careful you are, accidents and problems can happen.
We too see several rental car accidents every year. It is an indescribable feeling to see stunned tourists.

Okinawa Expressway Nishihara Tollgate

Don't forget your driver's license and ETC card.

Never forget your driver's license and ETC card! Forgetting your driver's license could drastically change your travel plans. Also, the ETC card makes it easier to pay at toll booths on the Okinawa Expressway.
Since the penetration rate of ETC is low in Okinawa, there are often congestion at general tollgates; bringing your ETC card will help you avoid traffic jams.

Choose 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.

Consider pick-up and return locations

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.

Be sure to check the deductible 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.

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.

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.

Understand price fluctuation timing

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.

the latest information

Car Rental Stores by Characteristics

Car rental stores near Naha Airport

Naha Airport

We have compiled a quick list of stores that take around 10 minutes to reach after departing from Naha Airport. Of course, the time may be around due to busy season or traffic jams. By the way, even if the address is "00 Rent-A-Car Naha Airport Branch", you should look at the address. The address may be outside of Naha City, and some stores may take 20 to 30 minutes from the airport by courtesy car.

Naha City/Naha Airport nearby

Times Car Rental Naha Airport

Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association Member] About 1.5 km from Naha Airport. About 5 minutes by free shuttle bus. Relatively reasonable price.

Naha City/Naha Airport nearby

Kanucha Car Rental Airport

Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association Member] About 1.5 km from Naha Airport. About 5 minutes by free shuttle bus. Great deals for hotel guests.

Naha City/Naha Airport nearby

Toyota Rent-A-Car Naha Airport

Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association Member] About 1.5 km from Naha Airport. About 5 minutes by free shuttle bus. Major car rental company.

Price x Safe Car Rental Stores

rent-a-car

For those who want to rent a car without compromising safety and security, but at the best possible price. We have picked up rental car companies that operate on a nationwide scale or in Okinawa. These are just the right stores for you, cheap but reliable.

4 stores in Okinawa

Budget Rent-a-Car

Member of Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association] Free shuttle bus. Stores in Naha, Miyako, Ishigaki and all over Japan. Reasonable rates.

3 stores in Okinawa

Goodspeed Car Rental

Member of Okinawa Car Rental Association] Free pick-up and drop-off available. Compact cars, SUVs, convertible cars, and motorcycles available.

5 stores in Okinawa

OTS Car Rental

Member of Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association】South part of the main island, Miyako, Ishigaki. Free pick-up and drop-off available. All cars are less than 3 years old except some.

Luxury and luxury cars

Luxury and luxury cars

Pick up a car rental store that offers an extraordinary lineup of convertible cars, SUVs, luxury sedans, and more. Let's enjoy resort driving in Okinawa in style.

Ownership of luxury foreign cars

Universe Rent-a-Car

Member of Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association】Naha Airport Branch, Miyakojima Airport Branch. Cab fee refundable. Sports cars and SUVs available.

Specializing in foreign cars and luxury cars

Celebrity Rent-a-Car

Member of Okinawa Car Rental Association】No.1 car rental company in Okinawa specializing in foreign cars and luxury cars.

Foreign car specialty store

Smile Resort Car Rental

Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association member] Limousine pick-up plan is available. Cab fee refundable.

Rakuten Travel Awards 2024

award

The Rakuten Travel Car Rental Award is a program that recognizes car rental stores that have received high ratings on Rakuten Travel. 2024. Top Sales Award The following are three companies that have been honored as

1st:4 stores in Okinawa

Budget Rent-a-Car

Member of Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association] Free shuttle bus. Stores in Naha, Miyako, Ishigaki and all over Japan. Reasonable rates.

2nd place:3 stores in Okinawa

ABC Rent-a-Car

Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association Member】Naha Airport office is about 7 minutes away by free shuttle bus. Free option with children.

3rd place:3 stores in Okinawa

Fuji Rent-a-Car

Okinawa Rent-A-Car Association Member] Free pick-up and drop-off service is available in Naha and Ishigaki. Enjoy your trip with our low-cost plans.

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.