Rent a Car in Okinawa

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Helpful information about Okinawa

Transit and transportation
Okinawa boasts a diverse landscape, with the main island divided into southern, central, and northern regions as well as alluring remote islands like Kerama, Miyako, and Yaeyama. While buses and monorails serve as public transportation on Okinawa’s main island, cars remain the primary mode of transportation. There are many places of interest that can be visited on a road trip, and using a rental car can make your sightseeing journey seamless. However, congestion is often experienced in urban regions like Naha and areas surrounding the airport. Plan extra travel time when driving on weekdays, as traffic restrictions are in effect during mornings and evenings.
About the airport
Naha Airport, located on Okinawa’s main island, serves as both the entry point to Okinawa and a central hub for each of the outlying islands. A car journey from the airport to downtown Naha typically takes around 10 minutes. Car rental services are available at and near the airport, but pre-booking a vehicle through Rakuten Travel will ensure a more streamlined reception and pick-up process upon your arrival.
Sightseeing and activities
The southern region of the main island is home to Naha City, where landmarks like Naha Airport and Kokusai-dori Street can be found. Shuri Castle, where visitors can delve into the history and culture of the ancient Ryukyu Dynasty, is also located in the southern region, about 30 minutes by car from the airport. On the other hand, in the central region, the east coast boasts the breathtaking Kaichu Road. This scenic on-the-water road allows you to drive across the emerald-green sea. The end point, Ikei Island, is around an hour and 20 minutes from the airport. The west coast boasts popular sites such as Cape Zanpa, renowned for its dynamic landscapes, and Mihama American Village.
Venture toward the northern region to the awe-inspiring Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, famous for its huge tank with whale sharks; it’s roughly a two-hour drive from the airport. Just a short distance away lies the World Natural Heritage Yanbaru Forest, offering visitors the opportunity to trek and kayak through untouched mangrove forests. The journey from the airport to Cape Hedo, the northernmost point on the main island, takes around two and a half or three hours and offers an abundance of natural beauty.
Local events
Traditional festivities take place across Okinawa from June to September. Immerse yourself in Okinawan culture through events like the Okinawa Hari (a dragon boat race) and the Eisa Festival, known for its dynamic sanshin (three-stringed instrument) and taiko drumming performances.