Rental Car: The Best Method for Traveling Around Okinawa
Naha Airport, located in Naha City, serves as the gateway to Okinawa. In addition to offering a wide range of services, this hub airport connects the main island of Okinawa to the islands of Ishigaki and Miyako.
Okinawa boasts several resort islands, sightseeing spots, and attractions. This is why a rental car is convenient when touring the islands.
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Transportation Options in Okinawa
The public transportation in Okinawa consists of the Yui Rail (monorail), buses, and taxis. The monorail connects Naha Airport and Tedako-Uranishi Station in Urasoe City, running through the Naha central area and nearby Shuri Castle: a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors planning to tour Naha and nearby spots should ride the Yui Rail and buses.
Alternatively, there are buses traveling to the island's resort area, located in the middle, northern, and eastern parts of the island. However, the number of buses and routes is limited.
A rental car is the best option in these situations, with many tourists utilizing them during their trips. The following is a list of six car rental companies near the airport.
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Car Rentals at Naha Airport
An information counter is located on the first-floor arrival lobby of Naha Airport. Car rental companies do not have their own booths at the airport and offer a free bus ride to their sales offices.
At Naha Airport, bus stops for car rental companies are located across the road from the Domestic Terminal exit. Staff will come and pick up customers who have car rental reservations. This procedure may differ according to each company, so please check in advance.
For more information on rental cars in Japan, check out the MATCHA article below.
The following is a list of major car rental companies near Naha Airport, including a coupon and link to Klook, a website where customers can compare costs and book vehicles.
1. Nippon Rent-A-Car
Nippon Rent-A-Car is a long-established company with 560 offices throughout Japan.
The free shuttle bus from the airport heads straight to Naha Aiport Naminoue office. Customers can return vehicles rented at other Nippon Rent-A-Car sites to this office. Business hours are from 8:00 to 19:00.
Those using the bus service should go to bus stop 11-A. It is a 15-minute ride to the office via the Umisora Tunnel.
The company also offers various cars, from compact to large-size and luxury types. Vehicles with a multi-lingual navigation system are also available.
MATCHA is currently offering a 10% discount coupon for inetrnational visitors. This coupon is redeemable at Naha Airport, so please take advantage of this discount!
Click Here for 10％ Discount Coupon on Nippon Rent-A-Car
2. OTS Rent-A-Car
OTS Rent-A-Car is managed by Okinawa Tourist Service, an Okinawa-based travel agency. The car-rental bus goes to Toyosaki Main Office, about a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport. The Akamine Branch (Domestic Family Traveler) is also only a five-minute drive from the airport. Both business hours are from 8:00 to 19:00.
While both branches offer free shuttle bus services from Naha Airport, we recommend the Toyosaki Main Office. This location is perfect for sightseeing since it's near Okinawa Toyosaki, an outlet mall, and DMM Kariyushi Aquarium.
OTS is known for using new cars. The oldest vehicle is just three years after registration, so they are all easy to drive. The company also hosts unique campaigns, so please check the official website.
3. Times Car Rental
In addition to managing parking lots, Times Car Rental offers a car-sharing service. Only the Naha Aiport office offers a free bus service from the airport. The business hours are from 8:00 to 20:00.
The bus leaves from bus stop 11-B, which is about a three-minute ride. Vehicles must be returned 90 minutes before your flight departure, and customers can ride the bus back to the airport.
Although the company started as a subsidiary of Mazda Motor Corporation, they now offer various cars. Customers can return their vehicles at a different location for an additional charge.
Times Club (car rental) and Times Car (car-sharing service) offer membership discounts, including "Pitto Go," a service where members can collect and return cars by showing a card (Pitto Go guidance is only listed on the Japanese website).
Those who plan to drive around Japan repeatedly should consider becoming a member.
Book with Times Car Rental at Naha Airport on Klook
4. Toyota Rent a Car
Toyota Rent a Car is managed by Toyota Rental & Leasing, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. The Naha Aiport office and Naha Aiport Business office offer free bus services from the airport. Both offices are open from 8:00 to 20:00.
It is about a five-minute ride from bus stop 11-A.
Toyota Rent a Car is Japan's largest car rental company, with 1,200 sales offices nationwide and the highest number of vehicles. Since it is affiliated with Toyota—a major automotive manufacturer worldwide—customers can choose from various products, including high-class models.
Book with Toyota Rent a Car at Naha Airport on Klook
5. ORIX Rent-A-Car
ORIX Rent-A-Car is the second largest company in the Japanese car rental business. The Naha Aiport office and JAL Pack Premiere office offer free bus services from the airport.
Business hours for the Naha Aiport office is 9:00 to 19:00, and the JAL Pack Premiere office is open from 9:00 to 18:00.
The bus departs from bus stop 14.
This company is known for its diverse car types. Some people even rent trucks when moving to a new house.
Additionally, customers can collect various points, such as JAL/ANA frequent flyer mileage, when renting a vehicle.
Book with ORIX Rent-A-Car at Naha Airport on Klook
6. Nissan Rent a Car
Nissan Rent a Car is managed by Nissan Mobile Corporation, an internationally renowned automaker. Naha Airport 1st and 2nd offices offer free bus service from the airport. They are both open from 8:00 to 20:00 (*).
The bus will be waiting at bus stop 11-B.
Most of the vehicles at Naha Airport offices are equipped with a navigation and electronic toll collection (ETC) system. Customers with an ETC card can smoothly pass through toll roads. The majority of cars are Nissan products, including electric vehicles and sports cars.
The company also offers membership discounts, along with a full insurance policy. The 23 Bonus Club has no entrance or annual fee. Additionally, members can use a booster seat without any additional charges, so it is ideal for those traveling with small children (Membership information is only listed on the Japanese website).
Book with Nissan Rent a Car at Naha Airport on Klook
Okinawa Car Rental FAQs
Q1: Is it difficult to book a rental car in Okinawa?
A: Yes. There were many rental cars in Okinawa, but most companies reduced their number of vehicles due to COVID-19. It has become difficult booking a car in recent years.
This is especially true during the busy travel season, such as summer. If you are planning a trip during these periods, it would be wise to make an early reservation.
Buses and taxis are the second option if you cannot book a car. Check out the Okinawa Bus, which offers information in multiple languages.
Q2: What should I watch out for when driving in Okinawa?
A: For general information about driving rental cars in Japan, please read this MATCHA article.
Some of the roads and parking lots in Okinawa are tightly spaced, with heavy traffic in certain areas. Please drive with extra care.
Q3: Are there car rental offices outside Naha Airport?
A: Yes. While the car rental offices listed above are located throughout Okinawa Island, most of them are in Naha City. It would be wise to rent a car in Naha and travel to other areas.
Nippon Rent-A-Car has offices on the islands of Ishigaki and Miyako. The 10% discount ticket is also valid at these locations.
Okinawa: Traffic, Highlights, and Hotels
Naha Airport is connected to most Japanese airports, including nearby islands and neighboring Asian countries.
It is also accessible for overseas visitors with lounge and shower rooms, allowing them to relax before (or after) a long flight.
Okinawa Island is brimming with many attractions, such as beaches, culture, history, and delicious cuisine. It is an ideal place to tour on a rental car. The same can be said for Ishigaki and Miyako islands.
Use this article as a guide when renting a vehicle that fits your itinerary. It should add another dimension to your trip!
Please check the MATCHA articles below for further information about traffic conditions, attractions, and accommodations near Naha Airport.
Click Here for Accommodations Near Naha Airport on Booking.com
Click Here for Accommodations Near Naha Airport on Agoda
