Renting a car in Okinawa is one of the best ways to explore the island’s beaches, mountains, and villages at your own pace. However, there are specific rules, costs, and requirements travelers must be aware of before getting behind the wheel. This guide covers everything you need to know: license requirements, toll systems, seasonal pricing, child seat laws, parking, insurance, and more.

Driving Eligibility & License Requirements

International Driving Permit (IDP): Visitors from most countries (U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Korea, etc.) must have the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP (paper-based). Digital or credit card–style IDPs are not valid.

Special Cases (Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan, Slovenia, Estonia): Drivers from these countries may use their national licenses with an official Japanese translation (often by JAF).

Passport Stamp Requirement: Travelers must show a passport entry stamp proving recent arrival. (E-gate entries without stamps may cause issues.)

Age Requirement: Legal driving age is 18 years old. Visitors may drive up to one year from their entry into Japan, or until the IDP expires — whichever comes first.

Rental Desk Enforcement: Car rental companies strictly enforce IDP requirements. Without the correct documents, you cannot legally rent or drive.

Toll Roads & the ETC System

Okinawa has a main expressway (E58) that connects Naha to Nago, spanning about 57 km. Tolls apply for using this road, and payment options vary.

Toll Options:

Cash Payment:

-A full-length trip costs ¥1,020 for standard cars (¥840 for kei cars).

-Paying in cash can be up to 35% more expensive than ETC rates.

ETC (Electronic Toll Collection):

-Works via an onboard ETC card reader.

-Offers faster entry/exit and sometimes discounts (e.g., midnight, holiday).

-ETC card can be rented from car rental agencies.

-Flat-Rate ETC Cards (Example: OTS Rent-a-Car):

-¥3,000 for up to 120 hours (5 days).

-Unlimited use of Okinawa’s expressway within that period.

Child Seat Requirements

Legal Requirement: Children under 6 years old must be in an age-appropriate child safety seat.

Violation: Failure to comply results in a 1-point violation against the driver’s record.

Rental Options: Available at most agencies.

Approx. ¥1,100–¥1,650 per rental depending on type (baby, child, or booster).

Responsibility: Staff may assist with installation, but the driver is legally responsible for ensuring correct use.

Seasonal Rental Costs

Off-Peak (e.g., February): Around ¥4,500 per day (~$33).

Average/Shoulder Season: Around ¥7,500 per day (~$55).

Peak Season (e.g., August): Around ¥7,000–¥8,000 per day (~26% higher).

Compact Car Benchmark: Around ¥7,000/day.

Range for Different Classes: ¥5,000–¥15,000 depending on size, extras, and season.

Booking Tip: Best prices are found when booking 2–3 months in advance.

Parking in Okinawa

Urban & Tourist Areas

Naha City / Central Areas: ¥200–¥350 per hour.

Kokusai Street (Main Tourist Street):

Kaisu Lot: ¥100/hour weekdays, ¥200/hour weekends; cap ¥700 per 18h.

Apple Park: ¥200/hour; max ¥800 per 12h.

Other lots: typically ¥200–¥300 per hour, capped at ¥700–¥1,200 per 12–18h.

Airport Parking

Naha Airport Lot:

30 min: Free or ¥300.

24h: ¥1,600 (standard) / ¥2,200 (busy seasons).

Regional Differences

In northern Okinawa (Onna, Motobu, Nago), many attractions and beaches have free or very low-cost parking, unlike Naha.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Okinawa provides the freedom to explore hidden beaches, mountain trails, and villages not accessible by bus.

To ensure a smooth trip:

Bring the correct IDP or license translation.
Understand tolls and consider an ETC card for convenience.
Budget for child seats if traveling with kids under 6.
Expect higher rental rates during peak summer months.
Factor in parking costs in urban areas like Naha.

With the right preparation, driving in Okinawa can turn a good trip into an unforgettable adventure.

Car Rental in Okinawa: Tips, Costs & Driving Rules