How to find a cheap car hire deal in Okinawa
Whether you need a compact for cruising around town or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Okinawa. Pick from options averaging R 1,091 a day and get going for less.
The cheapest daily rental price in Okinawa is R 271.
Taking a longer break? Pick up a weekly rental from R 1,650 and explore more than just the top attractions.
If you want to time it right, book about two weeks ahead to drive away with the best price on a Okinawa car hire.
Browse the offers available with Rakuten, Relax car hire and Hello rent a car. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Whether you book with Rakuten or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Okinawa car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can score some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Okinawa.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore without worrying about how many miles you rack up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with average prices of R 648 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around R 714.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly R 816 a day.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Compact rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Okinawa.
Flying to Okinawa? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Okinawa, get going faster by picking up a car hire at Naha Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 5 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Okinawa
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Okinawa makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and advanced tech features, this Okinawa car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Okinawa takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Okinawa car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.
Level up your ride with handy extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Okinawa.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by supplier (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Japan may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Travelling with kids? Car seat requirements vary by location, and the right setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Okinawa car hire reservation.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) and a second photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
For first-time drivers in Japan, be aware that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in urban areas and 85kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
The Japanese yen (JPY) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's possible, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.
Japanese is the language spoken in most parts of the country.
Best hotels in Okinawa for drivers
Offering parking, Time Rich takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 5 kilometres from central Okinawa and also comes with internet access and air conditioning.
Want more inspiration? Browse through the full list of hotels in Okinawa. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Okinawa and your hotel. From Sayori Park to Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu and Historical Park, the city's packed with places worth visiting.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Okinawa
Naha has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Diving In Kerama Shotō National Park and Shuri Castle. This city is around 23 kilometres southwest of central Okinawa.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Naha include Hotel Aqua Citta Naha and Hotel Palm Royal Resort Kokusai Street.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Okinawa and then set out for Nago. Roughly 29 kilometres northeast of Okinawa, Ritz Carlton Kise Beach and Busena Marine Park are big attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Nago has some great accommodation options such as Hotel Yugaf Inn Okinawa and Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Book a room at EN Resort Kumejima EEF Beach Hotel or Watermark Hotel Okinawa Kume Island. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Unedomari has to offer. They also come with parking.
