Heading to Okinawa? How will you get around? We recommend a rental car!

An Okinawa trip is full of things to see.

Okinawa's main island is surprisingly large, with a trip around it covering about 400 km.

The main sightseeing spots are scattered across different areas, so you need to plan your trip with travel times in mind.

You want to travel around the island as efficiently as possible and enjoy every moment in Okinawa to the fullest!

Plan your transportation in advance to suit the purpose and itinerary of your trip.

This article highlights and introduces the features of transportation options for Okinawa travel.

First, get a sense of how long travel takes

Distances and travel times from Naha Airport by car, using the expressway

Places you can reach within 1 hour by car from Naha Airport extend roughly as far as Sefa Utaki in the south and Mihama American Village in the north.

For flexible travel, a rental car is the clear choice!

With a rental car, getting to any area of the island is easy.

As shown below, Okinawa's sightseeing areas are far apart, so a rental car is recommended if you want to visit various places efficiently.

Main Okinawa sightseeing spots by area

You can book a rental car with your tour

When booking a tour package through a travel agency, adding a rental car as an option is convenient because you do not need to arrange it yourself.

Booking at the same time as your tour package may give you a small discount on the rental car rate, so make the most of it.

Rental cars may be in short supply during the busy season, October through mid-December, so book early.

Compare rates and book with 107 low-cost rental car companies in Okinawa! Lowest prices from 2,300 yen

https://www.jalan.net/rentacar/search/470000

Main rental car companies

Nippon Rent-A-Car: 0800-500-0919

Toyota Rent a Car: 0800-7000-111

Okinawa Rent-a-Car: 098-859-2015

Choose a car to suit your group size and purpose

For a group trip, a van that seats many people is a good choice.

For a trip with 2 to 3 people, a compact kei car is also convenient and easy to maneuver.

If you want to drive along the coast with the wind in your hair, renting a convertible could be a good option.

Some companies also rent camper vans, so why not try one if you love the outdoors?

Cross Kouri Bridge and drive over the sea!

Kouri Bridge is an island bridge with a total length of 1960 m and is Okinawa's largest bridge.

You can drive straight out over the sea from Okinawa's main island, which is sure to feel wonderful.

While driving, you can see clear blue water and white sandy beaches on both sides from inside the car, enjoying Okinawa's beautiful scenery as you travel.

It is also nice to park at the foot of the bridge and walk along the beach.

You can experience the white sand and clear water even more closely.

Kaichu Road is also recommended for a drive

Kaichu Road, which connects the main island with Henza Island and stretches 4.7 km, is an excellent driving spot.

You want to enjoy beautiful scenery rather than simply get from place to place.

Kaichu Road connects 5 islands: Okinawa's main island, Hamahiga Island, Miyagi Island, Ikei Island and Henza Island, allowing you to drive through each island.

There are also various sightseeing spots along Kaichu Road.

First, stop at the Ayahashi-kan roadside station just after crossing the bridge from Okinawa's main island.

It has local product displays, a restaurant and a maritime culture museum.

At the restaurant Kaichu Chaya, you can eat soki soba made with mozuku noodles and taco rice.

Take a break on the open terrace overlooking the sea.

After a short rest, visit the sightseeing spots on each outlying island as well.

A quick visit takes about 1 hour, while a leisurely tour takes about half a day.

Main sightseeing spots on each island

If you use the expressway, why not stop at a roadside station?

You may get hungry during a long drive.

At such times, stop at a roadside station, eat something delicious and recharge!

They are also convenient places to buy souvenirs.

Kyoda Roadside Station Yanbaru Product Center

2 km from Kyoda Interchange. You can try specialty products from the Yanbaru area.

Recommended foods include mozuku tempura, tacos and purple sweet potato cheesecake.

For souvenirs, you can buy mozuku udon or Churamame, a snack made from seasoned broad beans.

Address: 17-1 Kyoda, Nago City

Hours: 8:30 to 19:00, open year-round

Onna no Eki Nakayukui Market

4 km from Ishikawa Interchange. Specialty products from Onna Village are available.

This direct-sales facility also sells vegetables, fruit and seafood.

Recommended foods include Yanbaru curry, Ebi-chan, shrimp wrapped in fish cake and fried, and fried tebichi pork trotters.

Souvenirs available include passion fruit tea and tomato soup curry.

Address: 1656-9 Nakadomari, Onna Village

Hours: 10:00 to 19:00, open year-round; check the website for occasional temporary closures

Things to watch for when driving in Okinawa

Frequent traffic jams

Cars are the main means of transportation for Okinawa residents, so roads are often congested even on ordinary days.

If you are taking part in an event or experience at a set time, allow extra time for travel.

Using the expressway is another option.

Watch for shifting centerlines!

In Okinawa, centerlines are shifted according to the time of day to ease traffic congestion.

Stay focused while driving so that you do not become distracted and find yourself driving the wrong way because the centerline moved.

There are also bus lanes, so take care.

Traffic restrictions are mainly implemented on Route 58 and Kokusai Street.

Roads become slippery in rain

Because Okinawa is surrounded by the sea, it is particularly exposed to sea breezes.

Salt from seawater also adheres to roads, which become slippery when it rains, so be careful.

Watch for animals in the Yanbaru area!

In a scene unique to Okinawa, rare wildlife such as the Okinawa rail sometimes crosses roads unexpectedly.

Look ahead carefully and drive with caution.

Driving during a typhoon is not recommended

Okinawa is a region with many typhoons.

If a typhoon coincides with your travel dates, respond flexibly by relaxing at your hotel or switching to indoor plans rather than pushing yourself.

Car sharing is another option

Car sharing is recommended for those mainly using public transportation but wanting a car for short trips.

You can use it for periods as short as about 30 minutes and rent whenever you want, 24 hours a day.

Some hotels offer car sharing services, so make convenient use of them.

For example, you could travel from Naha Airport to your hotel by shuttle bus or taxi, then use car sharing only when you want to go out from the hotel.

CITRAS Car Sharing has no joining fee or monthly charge; rates are calculated solely from the time and distance used.

Sharing stations are available not only in urban areas but also at some resort hotels.

CITRAS Car Sharing

CITRAS » When you need it, just as much...

When you need it, just as much as you need: CITRAS Car Sharing On a trip, on a business visit or in everyday life, have you ever wished you could borrow the car right in front of you for just a little while? This solves that problem...

TEL：0120-875-267

Yui Rail is convenient for travel between Naha Airport and the city center!

Public transportation is also well developed, so you can get around even if you do not have a driver's license or do not feel confident driving.

Okinawa has Yui Rail, a monorail that is convenient for getting around the center.

Trains run from Naha Airport to Tedako-Uranishi Station, covering a total distance of about 17 km.

On your first or last day, it is nice to explore the central part of the prefecture using Yui Rail, which offers convenient airport access.

For example, you can easily reach the popular Shurijo Castle Park by Yui Rail.

Get off at Shuri Station and walk about 15 minutes to reach it.

Services run every 10 minutes during the day and every 4 to 5 minutes between Naha Airport Station and Shuri Station during the morning rush, so you can travel with little time lost.

The first train is at 6:00 and the last at 23:30.

Yui Rail | Okinawa Urban Monorail

Main sightseeing spots accessible by Yui Rail

Here are sightseeing spots near Yui Rail, organized by station.

Reasonable fares: consider a 1-day unlimited pass to explore for less

Fares are reasonable at 230 to 370 yen, depending on your destination.

If you are visiting various places by Yui Rail, a 1-day unlimited pass, 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children for 1 day, offers much better value, so make use of it.

For 800 yen, a 1-day unlimited pass lets you get on and off freely at every station within 24 hours of purchase.

If you want to use Yui Rail for 2 days, a 2-day unlimited pass for 1,400 yen is also available.

Some sightseeing spots also offer discounts on admission when you show an unlimited pass, such as Shurijo Castle Park and Tamaudun.

IC cards are also accepted

Yui Rail accepts SUICA and various IC cards compatible with SUICA.

One Okinawan IC card you should know about is OKICA.

Using OKICA discounts the fare between neighboring stations to 150 yen.

It can be used not only for Yui Rail but also for local buses, taxis and shopping, so buying OKICA is another option if you want to explore various places.

Buying OKIICA

Prices range from 1,000 to 10,000 yen, including a 500-yen deposit.

Sold at Yui Rail ticket machines and station counters.

Main places to top up

Each station and onboard buses

Inside the 1F waiting room at Naha Bus Terminal, the Palette Kumoji entrance hall and bank ATMs at some banks

Enjoy Okinawa comfortably! Okinawa IC card OKICA

You can also leave transportation to taxis!

Driving or using public transportation in unfamiliar places can be more tiring than expected.

It would be a shame to come on a trip only to be too tired from traveling to enjoy it fully.

If you want to reduce the effort involved in getting around, taxis are recommended.

Okinawa taxis are reasonably priced and easy to hail

Taxis on Okinawa's main island have reasonable rates, with a starting fare of 560 yen and increments of 70 yen.

There are many taxis cruising the streets, making them easy to hail.

Taxis are also always waiting just outside Naha Airport, so make convenient use of them.

Approximate fares and travel times from central Naha

Main taxi companies

Okinawa Hire and Taxi Association: 098-855-1344

Tsukishiro Kotsu: 098-889-6387

Sanwa Kotsu Group: 0120-100-084

Sightseeing taxis can also provide a guide

Flexible plans

Typically, the taxi company provides recommended sightseeing itineraries in advance, and you add your own requests to them.

You can confidently leave everything from transportation to trip planning to them.

Advantages unique to sightseeing taxis

Taxi drivers know Okinawa's sightseeing spots very well, so you can hear various stories while riding.

Depending on the taxi company, they may also take you to recommended spots.

For example, they may introduce restaurants frequented by locals.

It sounds like a way to enjoy a deeper travel experience.

Okinawa Sightseeing Taxi.net | Private sightseeing taxis

Shuttle taxis directly from the airport to your hotel are also convenient

Some travelers want to relax at their hotel on the first day of the trip.

In that case, we recommend taking a shuttle taxi directly from the airport to your hotel.

However, advance reservations are required, so contact the taxi company before departure.

Prices are fixed in advance according to your hotel, so you can ride without worrying about the meter.

Fares from Naha Airport to hotels: Okinawa Sightseeing Taxi Deigo-kai

Okinawa Sightseeing Taxi Deigo-kai

TEL：090-3793-8180

For leisurely views of Okinawa, bus travel is recommended

Traveling by bus takes longer than by car or train, but it is also recommended for those who want to enjoy Okinawa's cityscapes and scenery.

For example, you can easily reach popular Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium by bus, using the No. 117 express bus, Okinawa Airport Shuttle or Yanbaru Express Bus.

Advantages of traveling by bus

Even people who cannot drive can visit various spots.

You can enjoy alcoholic drinks while traveling.

Finding parking in unfamiliar places is difficult, but you do not need to worry about it.

You can get close to your destination without looking up the route yourself.

Local buses have a flat fare and are reasonably priced

Local buses have a flat fare of 260 yen, making them more affordable than trains or rental cars.

If time is not a concern, consider traveling by local bus as well.

Local buses | Sightseeing, charters and bus tours in Okinawa Okinawa Bus Ltd.

For local buses, you can also save by buying a touring pass.

There are 2 types of touring pass: unlimited local bus rides, and unlimited local bus and Yui Rail rides.

They are recommended for those planning mainly to travel by bus and train.

Touring pass prices

Tour by Okinawa local buses

1-day pass: adults 2,900 yen / children 1,450 yen

3-day pass: adults 5,800 yen / children 2,900 yen

Tour by Okinawa local buses and Yui Rail

1-day pass: adults 3,500 yen / children 1,750 yen

3-day pass: adults 6,400 yen / children 3,200 yen

Where to buy

Naha Bus Terminal 1F, Airport Limousine Bus Center and others

Official Okinawa Local Bus Touring Pass – An unlimited local bus journey to enjoy leisurely time as you please.

Regular sightseeing buses let you visit famous spots efficiently

If it is your first Okinawa trip and you are unsure how to explore, we recommend using an itinerary offered by a regular sightseeing bus tour.

Once you have booked the bus, all you need to do is get on.

You can travel in a relaxed frame of mind while taking in the scenery leisurely through the bus windows.

Group discounts may also apply to admission fees at each facility.

That lets you sightsee for less.

One thing to note is that convenient, good-value regular sightseeing buses are popular, so same-day bookings are likely to be difficult.

They often fill up early, so book soon after your travel dates are decided.

Make convenient use of limousine buses connecting the airport directly to hotels

If you want to head straight to your hotel and relax after arriving at Naha Airport, an airport limousine bus is recommended.

For same-day travel, tickets can be purchased in the 1F airport arrivals lobby or at the Airport Limousine Bus Information Center in Naha Bus Terminal.

They can also be purchased at each hotel until 30 minutes before departure.

Note that cash payment onboard is not available. If you want to reserve in advance, you can book through Hassha Alright Net from 3 months ahead.

Payment is by credit card or convenience store payment.

The boarding point at Naha Airport is stop No. 12, across the pedestrian crossing in front of the domestic terminal.

Seats are unreserved, and passengers board on a first-come, first-served basis.

Airport limousine buses | Sightseeing, charters and bus tours in Okinawa Okinawa Bus Ltd.

TEL：098-869-3301

Use ferries or high-speed boats to visit nearby outlying islands

Okinawa has about 160 outlying islands, including Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island.

The outlying islands are full of nature. They are also recommended if you want to experience Okinawa's sea and greenery with your whole body.

The appeal of traveling by boat

The greatest appeal of traveling by ferry or high-speed boat is the scenery viewed from the water.

You can see the clear blue sea up close from the boat.

It is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

3 recommended outlying islands

Here are 3 carefully selected outlying islands you can reach by boat or car.

Sesoko Island

A small island about 8 km around. At Sesoko Beach, enjoy white sand and clear blue water.

You can also try activities such as parasailing, snorkeling and buggy rides.

Sesoko Beach | A natural beach with some of the clearest water on the main island | Sesoko Island, northern Okinawa

Ie Island

Enjoy slightly unusual, mysterious terrain at Mount Gusuku, Nyatiya Cave, Wajee and Lily Field Park.

You can also see many beautiful hibiscus flowers at the Ie Island Hibiscus Garden.

Hibiscus is synonymous with Okinawa!

Ie Island Spectacular views, beaches and food! A route for enjoying all of Ie Island | Okinawa travel information website Okinawa Story

Minna Island

A resort island surrounded by coral reefs.

It is a compact island just 4 km around, but its beautiful emerald-green sea and white sandy beaches are moving sights.

Its distinctive crescent-like shape has also earned it the nickname Croissant Island.

After playing to your heart's content with marine activities such as banana boats and jet skis, fill up with a barbecue.

Official Minna Beach - Start here for marine recreation on Minna Island!

You can actually get to Churaumi Aquarium by boat, too!

A slightly less familiar way to reach Churaumi Aquarium is by high-speed boat.

Take a high-speed boat from the north side of Naha Tomari Wharf to Toguchi Port in Motobu Town, then take a taxi from Toguchi Port.

The fare is 1,000 yen one way, plus about 1,200 yen for a taxi. Travel time is about 2 hours.

Daiichi Marine Service | Naha Tomari Wharf, Okinawa

A high-speed boat linking Naha and Kume Island is planned for the future

Although it is currently only a proposal, plans appear to be moving forward to launch a high-speed boat service between Naha and Kume Island.

If it happens, travel will take 1 hour, compared with the current 3 hours. That would be a major time saving, so we hope it becomes a reality!

Rental bicycles are also recommended for enjoying island and city atmospheres

Pedaling a bicycle yourself may be a little demanding, but it is recommended as a way to experience Okinawa's scenery and atmosphere up close.

A bicycle can easily enter narrow roads that a large bus cannot use.

Okinawa also has shared bicycles at various locations, such as HELLO CYCLING, and you can rent electric bicycles.

Bicycle sharing in Okinawa Prefecture | HELLO CYCLING

Another option is to travel mainly by car or train and combine that with cycling for parts of your route.

There are cycling tours, too!

In the Nakijin and Nago area, tours take you cycling with a guide to visit lesser-known spots.

They adjust the route to participants' preferences and fitness, so beginners can easily give cycling a try.

Okinawa could be a lovely place for your cycling debut!

These are operated by Noregio Cycle, a bicycle rental service with delivery.

Noregio Cycle

Extra option 1: recently popular kick scooters could work, too

Recently, more people have been using electric kick scooters around town.

One reason for their popularity is that they make getting around easier than walking or cycling.

They can also be ridden on public roads, and their maneuverability makes them useful for traveling along narrow streets.

They may be a recommended transportation option for people who are active and enjoy moving their bodies.

Official Rimo Okinawa official website | Experience a next-generation vehicle!

Things to note when using kick scooters

A moped license is required. People under 16 cannot use them.

Always travel on the left side of the road.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory.

If a breakdown or theft occurs during use, always contact the rental provider or police.

Extra option 2: explore sustainably with a Mihama Shuttle Cart?

What is a Mihama Shuttle Cart?

If you visit Chatan Town, be sure to try a Mihama Shuttle Cart.

A shuttle cart is a small self-driving vehicle.

It circulates around American Village, making it ideal for short trips.

You can feel the sea breeze as you travel in its open cabin without windows.

It seats up to 5 people, so riding together with your whole group is enjoyable.

Shuttle carts are also sustainable vehicles that have drawn attention in recent years.

They emit little CO2 and are an environmentally considerate form of transportation.

They are not yet widespread in Japan, so this could be a good opportunity to try one.

Fares and other details

Adults, age 13 and above: 500 yen; children, ages 6 to 12: 250 yen; young children, age 5 and below: free

Operating hours: daily, 13:00 to 19:00

Service interval: every 30 minutes

Capacity: up to 5 people

Mihama Shuttle Cart | Chatamobi

Conclusion: choose your transportation according to your priorities

We have introduced various transportation options for Okinawa travel, but which should you choose? For anyone wondering, here is a brief overview of the features of each option to help you decide.

What do you think?

Okinawa is packed with things to see, so everyone will have a different itinerary.

Find the best transportation to suit the purpose of your trip.

We hope your Okinawa trip is enjoyable and memorable!