Car rental in Okinawa

Okinawa is a place where a car is genuinely useful. The monorail runs only in Naha, buses outside the city are slower and less frequent, and the aquarium, beaches and viewpoints are spread along the island. In Naha itself you can manage without one. In November 2026, listings started from about US$17 a day, but budget for tolls, fuel and parking as well.

When a car is worth it

Churaumi Aquarium. Allow about two hours each way from Naha. The northern road passes beaches and small towns, so leave early and make a day of it.

Kouri Island. A long bridge crosses clear shallow water to a small island, not far from the aquarium, so the two pair well in one day.

Cape Manzamo. A cliff-top viewpoint on the west coast, about an hour from Naha, easy to combine with a beach stop or lunch on the way north.

The south. Itoman, Nanjo and the southern coast are within about an hour of Naha, with beaches, cafes and viewpoints that suit half a day.

Before you book

Your licence. Japan accepts international permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, not the 1968 Vienna one. Drivers from some places, including Taiwan, may need an official Japanese translation of their licence instead. You must arrange this before you travel, so confirm with the rental company what your licence requires. Bring your passport and original licence as well.

Where to collect the car. Pick up at Naha Airport, where the road north starts within minutes, or at a branch near where you're staying. Ask about any fee for returning the car at a different branch.

Insurance. Check what the basic cover excludes. Many companies add a non-operation charge if the car needs repair, and optional cover can reduce it.

Extras. Reserve a child seat if you need one, as young children must use one by law. Ask for an ETC card and an English navigation system.

Driving in Japan

The basics. Traffic drives on the left. Drink-driving rules are very strict, so don't drink at all if you're driving. Stop fully at railway crossings and stop signs.

Tolls. The Okinawa Expressway runs from the Naha area north to Nago, with tolls, while many drivers take the slower coast road. An ETC card lets you use the dedicated lanes without stopping. Ask the rental company how tolls are settled.

Traffic and parking. Naha is congested at rush hour, and the road north can be slow on weekends and holidays, so allow extra time. Check whether your hotel has parking and what it costs, and expect busy car parks at popular spots.

Weather. Typhoons can close roads and disrupt flights, mostly from about July to October. Check conditions before you set out, and allow slack in your schedule.

Returning the car. Most rentals expect a full tank, so allow time to refuel near the branch and to check the car with the staff.