For foreign travelers | First Okinawa rental car drive guide – License, traffic rules, reservations, accident response

The Essentials: License, Rental Terms, Left-Side Driving, Time Buffers, and Emergency Steps

If it’s your first time driving in Okinawa, there are five things you should keep in mind first.

1. License: Check the issuing country, issuing institution, and form of the license, not your nationality.
2. Contract: Register all drivers and check deductible amount and NOC separately
3. Traffic rules: Drive on the left, no right or left turns at red lights, give priority to pedestrians
4. Itinerary: Leave space for airport procedures, traffic jams, breaks, refueling, and return.
5. Emergency response: Even if the accident seems small, call both 110 and the rental car company.

It is dangerous to assume that “I have an International Driving Permit, so I’m fine” or “I have insurance so I don’t have to pay out of pocket.” If the format of the documents and coverage do not meet the conditions, not only will you not be able to rent a car, but you may also not be able to receive compensation in the event of an accident.

If you prepare in five stages: before departure, at the time of reservation, at the time of rental, while driving, and after an accident/return, you can reduce the number of omissions.

Do You Need a Rental Car in Okinawa?

The convenience of renting a car depends not on the number of people, but on the destination and how you spend your trip.

A Rental Car Is a Good Fit If You…

• I want to visit not only Naha but also Ginowan, Chatan, Onna Village, Nago, Motobu, Nakijin, and Yanbaru.
• Traveling with children, the elderly, and luggage for multiple people
• Use private accommodation, condominiums, restaurants in the suburbs, etc.
• I want to change my schedule depending on the weather and my child’s physical condition.
• We want to leave early in the morning and visit tourist spots at our own pace without trying to squeeze in too much.

Okinawa’s official tourist information also mentions rental cars as a way to travel around the country according to your schedule (Source: VISIT OKINAWA JAPAN “Rental Vehicles in Okinawa” ).

You May Not Need a Car for the Entire Trip If You…

• The center of your stay will be Naha, and you can get around by Yui Rail, foot, or taxi.
• I am planning a meal that involves drinking alcohol near Kokusai Dori.
• Strong anxiety about driving on the left
• Late arriving flight or early departing flight
• Unable to secure a parking lot at the accommodation or destination

For example, instead of renting a car in Naha on the day you arrive, you can rent it only on the day you go to central or northern areas. By returning the vehicle the day before your final day, you can reduce the time spent refueling, returning, and picking up and dropping off the vehicle on the day you return home. The combination of public transportation in Naha and rental cars in the central and northern regions is also a great plan for a trip to Okinawa.

First Priority: Confirm That Your License Is Valid in Japan

You cannot drive a car in Japan just by having a foreign license. There are three main ways for short-term travelers to drive in Japan:

Eligibility is determined not by nationality, but by where the license was issued, which authority issued it, and the document format. If you have dual nationality or live overseas, do not rely on your passport alone; check the actual license documents you will carry. Rental companies may also require additional identity and booking documents. (Source: Official source)

Is Your International Driving Permit Issued Under the 1949 Geneva Convention?

The only valid driver’s license in Japan is an International Driving Permit issued by a competent authority of a country or region that is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention in the format specified in the convention. Even if the issuing country is a party to the convention, if the actual document issued is in the 1968 Vienna Convention format, you will not be able to drive in Japan (Source: Metropolitan Police Department “International Driving Permits” ).

You cannot drive with the digital version displayed on your smartphone; you need the original paper copy. Check not the name of the card or service, but whether the document was issued in the 1949 Geneva Convention format by the competent authority of the contracting country/territory. Also check the original issuing agency, date of issue, and stamp indicating the type of vehicle you can drive (Source: National Police Agency “International Driving Permit Q&A” ).

Licenses That Can Be Used With an Approved Japanese Translation

Driver’s licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan can be used to drive in Japan as long as the original valid license is accompanied by a Japanese translation from a legally recognized issuer.

Translations created by general translation companies or individuals are not sufficient. The current guidance from the National Police Agency requires a translation prepared by the foreign administrative agency that issued the license, the country’s embassy or consulate in Japan, or a corporation designated by the National Public Safety Commission. JAF also accepts applications for translation as a designated corporation, but the application method, fees, required days, application region, etc. may change. Please check the official information as early as possible, not just before you travel (Source: JAF “Japanese translation of foreign driver’s license” ).

Taiwanese travelers check the “Original Taiwanese driver’s license + specified Japanese translation” system. On the other hand, you cannot drive in Japan with just a license issued in mainland China, even with a standard Japanese translation. Privately sold “international licenses” are also invalid unless they are issued by a competent organization under the treaty. Please check the National Police Agency’s latest list and rental car company’s acceptance conditions before departure (Source: National Police Agency “For those with a foreign driver’s license”).

The Driving Period Is Not Always One Year From Entry

As a general rule, you can drive with an International Driving Permit or a foreign driver’s license for one year from the date of landing in Japan or the period of validity of the license, whichever is shorter. The validity period of the International Driving Permit itself is one year from the date of issue.

There is special treatment when counting the date of landing, such as when a person recorded in Japan’s Basic Resident Register re-enters the country after leaving the country for a short period of time. International students, residents, and repeat visitors should not assume that they are the same as short-term tourists; instead, please check with the driving license center of the prefectural police (Source: National Police Agency “For Holders of Foreign Driver’s Licenses” ).

Pre-Departure License Checklist

• □ I confirmed that the International Driving Permit is in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
• □ Confirmed whether the issuing organization is a legitimate organization
• □ The original paper copy is available, and the issue date and expiry date include the travel period.
• □ There is a stamp etc. for the type of car you plan to drive.
• □ I checked the expiration date of the original driver’s license from my home country.
• □ I have my passport ready.
• □ In the case of the translated text route, the translation creator is recognized by law.
• □ I gave the image and name of the document to the rental car company and confirmed the rental conditions.
• □ All passengers accompanying you must have valid documents.

Arriving at the airport with a new valid International Driving Permit cannot be expected as part of your normal travel plans. In principle, you should prepare your license in the country/region of departure.

12 Things to Check When Booking a Rental Car

If you choose a car based solely on the low price, you may run into problems such as not being able to fit your luggage, not having enough compensation, or not being able to return it in time. On the reservation screen, please check the following items in order.

1. Pick-up/return store: Is it an office that is not located within the airport but is accessed by shuttle vehicle?
2. Business hours: Handling of late arrivals and early morning returns
3. Required documents: License, translation, passport, payment card conditions
4. Driver registration: How many substitute drivers can be registered and when?
5. Size of the car: Not only the number of people, but also whether it can fit large suitcases and strollers.
6. Child seat: Can I reserve the type that suits my age and physique?
7. Insurance/Compensation: Limit amount for injury to persons, property, vehicle, passenger, or personal injury
8. Deductible amount and NOC: Are deductible compensation and NOC exemption included respectively?
9. Road service: Range of tow truck, tires, keys, batteries, etc.
10. ETC: Availability of on-board equipment, availability of ETC card rental, payment method
11. Return conditions: Return with full tank, designated refueling station, return after hours, extension fee
12. Conditions during typhoons: How to change or cancel in case of flight cancellation, suspension of business, or road closure

Don’t just rely on the languages supported by your car navigation system; it’s a good idea to be able to use your smartphone’s maps as well. However, the driver must not operate the screen while driving. Ask a passenger to operate it, or set it up in a place where you can park and park safely.

Choose by Passenger and Luggage Capacity, Not Seat Count Alone

Even if a car has a capacity of seven people, it may not be possible to fit seven people’s large suitcases. Before making a reservation, please provide the following information to the company.

• Number of adults and children
• Number of large/carry-on size suitcases
• Large luggage such as strollers, wheelchairs, golf bags, etc.
• Number of child seats
• Vehicle size that drivers are accustomed to

There are also narrow roads in Okinawa’s residential areas and old urban areas. A car that is too large may be convenient for carrying luggage, but it increases the burden of parking and leaving. Rather than simply choosing a larger car for days when you have a lot of luggage, try to balance it with your driving experience.

Insurance, Deductibles, and NOC Are Separate

Compulsory automobile liability is a basic compensation system for personal injury, and is not a system that compensates for the other party’s car or property, borrowed car, or NOC (Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, “Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance/Mutual Aid” ).

You can’t make a decision just by looking at the words “Insurance included” and “Full coverage.” Compensation may not apply to accidents that are not reported to the police or rental car company, driving by an unregistered person, drinking alcohol, extending the rental period without permission, breach of contract, etc. The handling of tires/wheels, keys, incorrect refueling, flooding, and towing fees also differs depending on the company (Source: National Rental Car Association “Consultation about Rental Cars” ).

All drivers must be registered

Even if your companion only drives a little bit, register him or her as a contractual driver. Even if you feel tired and want to take over, do not hand the wheel to an unregistered driver. We will present license documents for all drivers at the time of rental, and confirm the fees and conditions for additional drivers.

From Naha Airport Arrival to Driving Away

Renting and returning rental cars is prohibited within the Naha Airport premises and airport parking lots. From the designated pick-up stop, move to the office outside the airport, receive a reception, provide an explanation, check the vehicle, and then select the operator you want to depart from (Source: Okinawa Tourist Information Website “Rental car rentals are prohibited at Naha Airport” ).

During times when arriving flights overlap or during summer vacation, it may take time to receive your luggage, wait for the shuttle, and complete procedures at the office. Please do not make restaurant reservations immediately upon arrival or make final entry times for facilities in the northern area. (Source: Official source)

Safe order on arrival date

1. Upon arrival, collect your checked baggage
2. Check the reservation company’s reception location and pick-up stop
3. Prepare documents for all drivers, not just the reservation representative
4. At the office, receive explanations about contracts, compensation, returns, and contact information in case of an accident.
5. Check vehicle operation and existing scratches
6. Set first destination while stationary
7. Confirm out loud that you must drive on the left, and start from a road with plenty of room.

Driving on the left for the first time in heavy rain, at night, right after a long-haul flight can be taxing. If you arrive late, consider staying overnight in Naha and renting it during daylight hours.

Inspect the Car Before You Leave

Before Your Trip, check the outside and inside of the vehicle with our staff. Please record any existing scratches, dents, chipped glass, scratches on wheels, stains on seats, etc. on the check sheet, and if possible, also include photos or videos with dates. The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan also recommends that you check with the rental car company to confirm the presence and location of any scratches before renting out the car, and to take photos of the damage. (Source: Official source)

We will also check the following on the actual vehicle.

• Location of turn signals, wipers, lights, and hazard lights
• Operating the handbrake or parking brake
• How to open the fuel filler port and designated fuel
• Basic operations of car navigation and rear camera
• Presence or absence of ETC on-board device and card
• Child seat fixation status
• Location of triangular stop display boards, flare tubes, etc.
• Telephone number for accidents and breakdowns
• Return store address and entrance

Depending on the car model, the turn signal and wiper lever positions may be different from those in your home country. If you operate each vehicle once before departure, you will be less likely to panic at intersections.

Japanese Traffic Rules Every First-Time Visitor Should Know

Drive on the Left and Wear Seat Belts in Every Seat

In Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road. People who are used to driving on the right should be careful when turning right or left, or immediately after exiting a parking lot onto the road, as it is easy to cross into the opposite lane on roads with little traffic.

Seat belts must be worn not only in the driver’s and passenger’s seats, but also in all seats, including the rear seats. Infants under the age of 6 generally require a child seat. If the adult belt does not suit your body size even if you are over 6 years old, please choose an appropriate assistive device (Source: JAF “Traffic Rules in Japan” ).

No Right or Left Turn on Red

In Japan, as a general rule, you cannot go straight, turn right, or turn left at a red light. Even if you are able to turn right or left at red lights in your home country, please do not bring this habit to Japan.

The basics of signals are:

A green light does not mean you must proceed. If the intersection is congested, pedestrians are crossing, or the right turn is blocked, prioritize safety by not entering (Source: National Police Agency “Traffic Safety Rules” ).

“STOP” stops the wheels completely.

At locations where a red inverted triangle sign says “Stop” or “STOP,” completely stop your wheels just before the stop line and check both sides for safety. If there is no stop line, stop just before the intersection. A rolling stop that only slightly reduces speed is not enough.

In residential areas, intersecting roads may be difficult to see due to buildings and fences. Be aware of the “two-step confirmation” process, where you stop at the stop line and then slowly advance to a position where you can confirm safety.

Pedestrians Have Priority at Crosswalks

When approaching a crosswalk, slow down to a speed that allows you to stop in front of the crosswalk, unless it is obvious that there are no pedestrians. If someone is crossing or trying to cross, stop immediately before the crosswalk and yield to them (Source: National Police Agency “Pedestrians Have Priority at Crosswalks” ).

Pedestrians may emerge from behind cars at the entrances and exits of tourist spots, schools, supermarkets, and hotels. Even if you are rushed by the car behind you, do not give way to pedestrians.

Leave Enough Space When Passing a Bicycle

From April 1, 2026, when passing on the right side of a bicycle in a car, you will be required to maintain sufficient lateral distance. If you cannot maintain sufficient distance, you must reduce your speed to a safe distance between you and the bicycle. Don’t try to overtake oncoming vehicles on narrow roads; wait until you can maintain a safe distance from them (Source: National Police Agency “FAQ on Safe Bicycle Use” ).

Stop at Railroad Crossings Unless Signals Direct Otherwise

As a general rule, at railroad crossings, you should stop temporarily just before the stop line and check both sides using windows and sounds. However, if there is a traffic light at a railroad crossing, you can follow the signal and pass through. You cannot enter when the alarm is sounding or the barrier is down or starting to go down (Source: National Police Agency “Instructions on Traffic Methods” ).

Don’t drive if you drink. The next morning is no exception.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol. A hangover from the night before is no exception. Instead of judging the numbers yourself and thinking, “It’s okay because it’s only a small amount,” on days when other people are drinking, leave your car behind and walk, take public transportation, take a taxi, or use a designated-driver service.

Providing alcohol to a driver, providing a vehicle, or requesting a drunk driver to ride as a passenger may also be subject to punishment. Before the meal, everyone in your group should decide who will drive without drinking today. (Source: Official source)

Do not use your smartphone while driving

Do not talk on your mobile phone or stare at the screen while driving. It is also dangerous to keep looking at the car navigation screen. If you need to change your destination, enter a safe place where parking is permitted, such as a convenience store or a parking lot, before doing so (Source: National Police Agency “Stop! Using Smartphones/Mobile Phones While Driving”).

Follow Posted Speed Limits and Road Markings

It adheres to the maximum speed indicated by road signs and road markings, and reduces the speed further even if it is within the speed limit, depending on rain, strong winds, nighttime, visibility, and traffic congestion.

The legal speed reduction on community roads will come into effect on September 1, 2026. After enforcement, the legal speed on target residential roads that do not have designated speeds such as signs or the like is 30km/h. Roads with central lines/vehicle lanes, general roads with physically separated directions for both directions, and expressways are not eligible, and not all general roads have a speed of 30km/h. Please check the signs and the latest information from the National Police Agency. (Source: Official source)

Where Drivers Most Often Slip Back Into Right-Side Habits

Turn right near the center of the intersection

When making a right turn, check for oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, and proceed slowly just inside the center of the intersection. Stay in the left lane even after turning. If you are used to driving on the right side, it is effective to confirm with your fellow passengers, “Left, left” so that you do not unconsciously veer to the right after making a right turn.

Stay Left When Turning and Check for Cyclists and Motorbikes

When turning left, check your mirrors and your eyes for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles to the left of your vehicle. Slow down and follow the left side to avoid veering too far to the right at the end of the bend (Source: JAF “Traffic Rules in Japan” ).

Take Extra Care When Leaving Parking Lots and on Empty Roads

On large roads, it is easy to follow the car in front of you and drive on the left, but at the exit of a parking lot, on a road early in the morning, or in a narrow residential area, there is no car to guide you. It will be easier to avoid mistakes if you say the following briefly out loud each time you set off:

• When you get to the road, turn left
• The driver’s seat is on the center line side of the road.
• Left side after right turn, left side after left turn
• If you get lost, don’t proceed, stop at a safe place

Road Conditions Unique to Okinawa

Route 58 and Other Main Roads Can Be Busy at Peak Times

National Route 58, which connects Naha, Urasoe, Ginowan, and Chatan, and the main roads in the central and southern regions are prone to congestion during commuting hours and the tourist season. The time required on the map app may be longer after departure, so instead of counting backwards from the reservation time, please depart early to include rest and parking time (Source: Okinawa Tourist Information Website “How to Rent a Car and Road Conditions” ).

It is not recommended to memorize the time required for “from Naha to Chatan” or “from Onna Village to the airport” using fixed values. It changes depending on the day of the week, time, accidents, construction, and weather. Especially on the day of return, refueling, return procedures, and transportation from the office to the airport are also necessary.

Check the bus lane signs and regulation times.

Some roads in central and southern Okinawa main island have bus-only/priority regulations on weekday mornings and evenings. The bus-only lanes on National Route 58 and the bus-only road regulations on Kokusai Street in Naha City are not the same. Please check the day and time of the lane markings, road signs, and auxiliary signs (Source: Okinawa Prefectural Police “Bus Lane Regulations” ).

Don’t just use the timetables and target lanes from old travel blogs; instead, check the latest information from the Okinawa Prefectural Police just before your trip. If you don’t know what the regulations are, don’t force your way into that lane and choose a safe alternative route.

Some Roads Use Time-Dependent Centerline Changes

On some roads in the central and southern parts of Okinawa’s main island, “Central Line Shift” is being implemented to change the position of the center line according to traffic volume. The number of lanes to drive in and the boundaries between oncoming lanes change depending on the time of day, so do not rely solely on the car in front of you, but instead follow the current center line indicated by overhead signs, road markings, and luminous studs (Source: Okinawa Prefectural Police “Central Line Transition Section”).

Slow Down on Wet Roads

Okinawa’s official tourist information warns people to be careful as the roads in Okinawa become slippery during rainy weather (Source: VISIT OKINAWA JAPAN “Rental Vehicles in Okinawa” ). Avoid sudden braking, sudden steering, and sudden acceleration, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

In Okinawa, you may experience localized heavy rain called Katabui. Visibility may suddenly worsen even on a sunny day, so be sure to check the operation of the wipers and lights when renting the vehicle. Avoid entering deep puddles or flooded roads, and if it rains too heavily, wait in a safe place where you can park (Source: Okinawa Meteorological Observatory “Katabui” ).

When a typhoon approaches, don’t think that you can get there if you drive carefully.

During a typhoon, strong winds, flying objects, flooding, high waves, landslides, and bridge and highway closures can occur. Please refrain from going out unless necessary and follow the instructions of your accommodation, rental car company, airline, and road administrator. The Okinawa Meteorological Observatory publishes typhoon locations, courses, warnings and advisories, etc. (Source: Okinawa Meteorological Observatory “Typhoon Information” ).

When a typhoon is forecast, check the following as soon as possible.

• Can you extend your stay or do you need to move to a safer location?
• Will rental car offices be closed or change business hours?
• Can I change the return store?
• Is it possible to extend the loan period to accommodate flight changes?
• Is the parking location underground, along the coast, or in a low-lying area?
• Are roads, highways, or bridges closed?

For disaster information on general roads, check the latest information from road administrators, such as Disaster-related information from the Okinawa General Secretariat, and for road closures and congestion on the Okinawa Expressway, iHighway Okinawa. Do not go to the coast, cape, or bridge to watch the typhoon. It’s not always safe inside a car.

Wildlife Also Uses the Roads in Yanbaru

Yanbaru, located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, is a habitat for rare wildlife. The Ministry of the Environment is calling for roadkill prevention on prefectural roads 2 and 70. Always use caution, even during the day, and reduce your speed, especially in the early morning, evening, and night. If you see an animal on the road or on the side of the road, keep a sufficient distance and stop (Source: Ministry of the Environment) Kyushu Regional Environmental Office “Towards preventing roadkill” , Okinawa Prefecture “For those visiting world natural heritage sites” ).

Even if you find an animal, avoid following it, approaching it, feeding it, or stopping suddenly on the road to photograph it. If you find an animal that has been collided with, injured or killed, please stop in a safe place, contact the Yanbaru Wildlife Conservation Center (0980-50-1025, 090-6862-9170 after hours), and do not touch it with your bare hands (Source: Ministry of the Environment “Access to Yanbaru National Park” ). In the northern part of the country, it’s not just about getting to a tourist spot, but also remembering that the road itself is an environment for living things.

In Northern Okinawa, Plan to Arrive Before Dark

In the north, there are curves, narrow sections, and places where visibility is difficult at night. It is safer to arrive at your accommodation in daylight and have dinner and shopping near your accommodation than to drive on a new road at night. Save maps, accommodation addresses, and emergency contacts offline in case you are unable to communicate depending on your location or carrier.

After heavy rain or typhoons, fallen trees, falling rocks, and traffic restrictions may remain. Don’t assume that a road is passable just by looking at a map app; check the information from local governments and road administrators. If you cannot avoid driving at night, use high beams appropriately depending on the traffic situation, and switch to low beams when there are oncoming or preceding vehicles (Source: Okinawa Prefectural Police “Reiwa 8 Traffic Safety Poster” ).

Using the Okinawa Expressway and ETC

When traveling from the Naha area to the central-northern area, using the Okinawa Expressway will reduce the number of intersections and traffic lights on public roads. However, conditions may change depending on traffic, weather, and construction.

An ETC Reader and an ETC Card Are Separate

To use ETC, you need both your car’s on-board ETC device and a valid ETC card. Even if it says “vehicle with ETC”, it does not necessarily mean that a card will be attached automatically. Find out if the car rental company will lend you a card, if a reservation is required, and how to pay the fee. NEXCO West Japan also advises rental car users in Okinawa to check with each company whether they lend ETC cards (Source: NEXCO West Japan “Guide to ETC Usage in Okinawa” ).

If you are not using ETC, do not enter the “ETC-only” lane, but instead follow the local instructions and choose a lane that is available for general use. At public toll gates, you can use cash or major international brand credit cards, but debit cards, prepaid cards, electronic money, transit ICs, and QR code payments are not accepted. Fares and payment methods may change, so it’s best to check before traveling and have cash on hand (Source: NEXCO West Japan “How to pay tolls” ).

Never Reverse If the ETC Barrier Does Not Open

If the ETC gate bar does not open, stop in front of the bar and never back up or move to the next lane. Do not get out of the car, do not walk within the lane, open the window, and follow the instructions from the intercom or the staff (Source: NEXCO West Japan “If the ETC opening/closing bar does not open” ).

Refuel Before Entering the Expressway and Take Breaks Early

Check the fuel level before entering the expressway, and refuel on the road if necessary. The official facility information as of August 7, 2026 does not list gasoline refueling facilities in the four service areas and parking areas on the Okinawa Expressway. Facilities may change, so be sure to double check before your trip and refuel before heading to the entrance (Source: NEXCO West Japan Service Area Nakagusuku PA uplink・Nakagusuku PA downlink・Igei SA upbound・Igei SA downbound). Please obey traffic signs and electronic displays, and reduce your speed even further in rain or strong winds.

Even if you pass the exit, do not back up or make a U-turn. Proceed to the next exit and reroute at a safe location.

Parking Checks That Prevent Trouble

Even if there is space on the side of the road, it does not necessarily mean that you can park there. While sightseeing, please use the official parking lot and check the days and times for “No Parking” and “No Parking” and auxiliary signs.

Parking is prohibited within 5m of an intersection or road bend, within 5m of a crosswalk in front of or in front of it, or within 10m of a railroad crossing in front of or in front of it. There are also restrictions at bus stops, tunnels, steep slopes, and near the top of hills. Detailed conditions can be found in the National Police Agency’s instructions (Source: National Police Agency “Instructions on Traffic Methods” ).

How to Use Coin Parking

There are several types of coin parking: gate type where you take a parking ticket at the entrance, type where the lock plate in the car compartment goes up, type where the number is read with a camera, etc. Check the sign for the following:

• Basic fee and billing unit
• Whether there is a maximum charge and the applicable times and days of the week
• Will the maximum charge be applied repeatedly?
• Is it necessary to enter the cabin number?
• Acceptable cash, card, and electronic payments
• Restrictions on vehicle height, vehicle width, and weight
• Closing time and available delivery time

Don’t make a decision based only on “maximum charge”, but check conditions such as daytime only, nighttime only, 24 hours after parking, and same-day only. In case the payment machine is only in Japanese, it is a good idea to leave a photo of the parking lot name and cabin number.

Please avoid leaving your car in the store’s parking lot and going to another tourist spot, and avoid parking on private land or monthly parking lots without permission.

Parking Lots Require Just as Much Attention

In the parking lots of hotels, convenience stores, and tourist facilities, pedestrians, children, carts, and backing cars can easily enter blind spots. Please drive slowly in the area and visually check your surroundings before backing up. If possible, ask a passenger to guide you from a safe position, and stop once the guide is out of sight. Okinawa’s official tourist information also warns that many rental car accidents occur in parking lots (Source: VISIT OKINAWA JAPAN “Rental Vehicles in Okinawa” ).

Confirm the Details Behind “Parking Available”

Before booking your accommodation, please inquire about the following:

• Free or paid?
• Is it reservation-based or first-come-first-served?
• Number of machines available
• Restrictions on vehicle height, vehicle width, and overall length
• Can I come and go freely at night or during my stay?
• Is it necessary to register the vehicle number at check-in?
• Is there a nearby parking lot that can be used when it is full?

If you are renting two or more cars for multiple families, you will need to confirm whether you can rent one car per reservation.

Refueling and Returning the Car Without a Last-Minute Rush

Don’t guess the fuel type

The main automobile fuels in Japan include regular gasoline, high-octane gasoline, and diesel oil. A kei car does not use diesel simply because kei means “light.” Check the designated fuel on the rental agreement, the fuel filler sign, and the information inside the car, and if you are unsure, please ask the rental car company or gas station staff.

If you think you may have put in the wrong fuel, do not start the engine and contact the rental car company. Do not continue driving based on your own judgment. Please check with the company at the time of reservation whether incorrect fueling will be covered by compensation or roadside assistance. (Source: Official source)

Using a Self-Service Gas Station

1. Park the vehicle so that the fuel filler port is on the side of the fuel tank.
2. Turn off the engine and do not use open flames
3. Select payment method and designated fuel
4. Touch the static electricity removal sheet
5. Refuel with the designated nozzle
6. Close the cap securely
7. Keep the receipt to prove that you returned the tank full.

If you are not confident in operating the fuel, choose a full-service fuel station where the staff will refuel you, or call an attendant even if you are self-service. Please give priority to the instructions at the time of rental regarding the designated fuel and how to return the vehicle with a full tank.

Plan the Return Around Your Flight Departure Time

Returning requires a final refueling, traffic jam to the office, vehicle confirmation, payment, confirmation of lost items, and transportation to the airport. Please allow extra time during summer holidays, long holidays, on main roads in the morning and evening, and during bad weather.

Please check the following items before returning.

• I refueled according to the specified conditions and kept the receipt.
• I removed the ETC card.
• I checked my smartphone, charger, wallet, and passport.
• We checked the trunk, under the seat, door pockets, and around the child seat.
• Easily organize trash and sand
• If there are any new scratches or defects, please report them to the company before returning the product.
• Did you return the item to the wrong store?

If an Accident Happens, Call 110 Even When the Damage Looks Minor

If you lightly touch a wall, curb, or parked car, or if there is a single accident where no one is injured, do not leave on your own. In the case of a rental car accident, reporting to the police and contacting the rental car company may be a condition for compensation.

6 Steps to Take After an Accident

1. Stop immediately: Stop in a safe place to avoid secondary accidents and turn off the engine.
2. Rescue the injured: If anyone is injured, call 119. Do not move a seriously injured person unnecessarily unless there is danger.
3. Call the police at 110: Report the location and circumstances of the accident even if no one is injured.
4. Contact the rental car company: Contact the accident dedicated counter on the rental ticket from the spot
5. Do not settle on the spot: Wait for instructions from the company and insurance company without promising responsibility percentage or cash payment
6. Record after securing safety: Record vehicle, damage, road, sign, and other party information

The National Police Agency advises drivers to stop in the event of an accident, help the injured, prevent danger on the road, and report to the police (Source: National Police Agency “Instructions on Traffic Methods” ).

When dialing 110, you will be asked if it is an accident or incident, where it occurred, when it happened, the circumstances of injuries and damage, and the name and contact information of the caller. If you do not know your current location, please provide the name of a nearby intersection, store name, road number, and location information from a map app.

If You Need Language Support

The Japan National Tourism Organization’s “Japan Visitor Hotline” is available 24 hours a day in English, Chinese, and Korean for travelers visiting Japan, and also provides guidance in the event of an accident or emergency. The phone number is 050-3816-2787. However, if your life is in danger, please call 119 first, and to report an accident, please use 110 (Source: Japan National Tourism Organization “Japan Visitor Hotline” ).

For peace of mind, save the following in Japanese and your own language on your smartphone.

• Police: 110
• Ambulance/Fire: 119
• Road abnormalities such as potholes, fallen objects, and collapsed road shoulders: #9910
• Rental car company accident/breakdown counter
• Accommodation phone number and address
• Travel insurance company emergency contact

#9910 is not a substitute for reporting an accident. Dial 110 for traffic accidents, 119 for injuries and fires, and #9910 for reports of road abnormalities such as potholes, fallen objects, and collapsed road shoulders. (Source: Official source)

Breakdowns, Flat Tires, and Stops on the Expressway

If you notice something unusual on a public road, do not force your vehicle to continue driving, but stop in a safe place where it will not interfere with other traffic. Please use hazard lights to alert you to the presence of a stopped vehicle, contact the rental car company, and receive instructions for roadside assistance or a replacement vehicle.

Remaining in the car can be dangerous on the expressway, as vehicles following you approach at high speed.

1. If possible, pull over to the shoulder or side of the road.
2. Notify following vehicles with hazard lights, flares, triangle stop signs, etc.
3. The driver and all passengers evacuate to a safe location off the road, such as outside the guardrail.
4. don’t go back to the car
5. Accidents and breakdowns should be reported by dialing 110 or the emergency telephone. Use #9910 to report road abnormalities.
6. Contact rental car company

Don’t start changing or repairing tires on the road; make safety your top priority. The National Police Agency also advises that after taking safety measures for following vehicles, immediately evacuate outside the guardrail, etc., and call 110 or an emergency telephone to report (Source: National Police Agency “Expressways” ).

How to Plan a Less Tiring Okinawa Drive

Limit Each Day to 2 or 3 Main Stops

It takes longer to travel to the main island of Okinawa than it looks on the map. If you include parking at tourist spots, walking, eating, and resting, the driving time on the map app is not enough. Especially on northern days, you can have some leeway if you limit your trip to two major destinations.

Take Regular Breaks Before You Feel Drowsy

Driving on the left, which you are not used to, requires more concentration than usual. Even if the distance is short, take regular breaks and switch places with a registered driver. Once you feel sleepy, it’s too late, so schedule time for drinks, the bathroom, and light stretching first.

Avoid Long Drives on Arrival and Departure Days

On the day of your arrival, you will be tired from the flight and have to go through the rental process, and on the day of your return, you will have to return the car and transfer to the airport. It is best to leave long-distance travel to the north during your trip, and stay overnight in an area where it is easy to get back to the airport the night before you return.

Choose a Base That Reduces Daily Driving

Please also refer to Okinawa Main Island 3 nights and 4 days model course for specific instructions on how to set up a 3 nights and 4 days.

7 Accommodation Checks for a Rental-Car Trip

On a road trip, it’s not only important to take photos of the room, but also the path from when you stop the car until you take a rest.

1. Parking lot fees, reservations, number of spaces, vehicle size
2. Ample space to organize your luggage before the return date
3. Number of bedrooms where families and groups can rest separately
4. Washing machines that can wash wet clothes and how to dry them
5. Refrigerator/kitchen where you can prepare drinks and breakfast
6. Eating and shopping environment accessible on foot or short distance at night
7. Stairs, elevators, and ease of loading luggage

Especially in the summer, the number of things you need to carry such as swimming supplies, clothes, drinks, and children increases. For information on choosing a summer accommodation and what to bring, see Okinawa Summer Vacation/Busy Season Accommodation Checklist.

Complete Checklist: Before Departure Through Return

Before Your Trip

• □ Checked the latest information from the National Police Agency regarding valid license routes in Japan.
• □ Have the original driver’s license, International Driving Permit or designated translation, and passport ready.
• □ Verified documents and expiration dates for all drivers
• □ Confirmed the difference between travel insurance and rental car insurance
• □ Saved emergency contacts so they can be viewed offline

When Booking

• □ Choose a car model that suits the number of people and luggage
• □ Confirmed the conditions for registering all drivers.
• □ I reserved a child seat.
• □ Confirmed the deductible amount, deductible compensation, NOC, and NOC exemption separately.
• □ Checked the presence of the ETC on-board device and ETC card.
• □ Confirmed airport transfer, business hours, delays, typhoons, and return conditions.
• □ I checked the parking lots at the inn and tourist spots.

At Pick-Up

• □ Recorded scratches, dents, glass, wheels, and interior of the vehicle
• □ Checked the locations of turn signals, wipers, lights, and hazards.
• □ I confirmed the designated fuel and fuel filler port.
• □ Child seat is secured.
• □ Saved accident/breakdown counter and return store
• □ Destination set while stationary

Before Driving Each Day

• □ The driver is not under the influence of alcohol or has strong drowsiness.
• □ Checked the official page for weather, typhoons, general road regulations, and Okinawa Expressway closures and traffic congestion.
• □ Checked the area around the fuel and tires.
• □ Everyone wore their seat belts.
• □ I secured the luggage so that it would not move due to sudden braking.
• □ I planned to return to the hotel before daylight.

Before Returning the Car

• □ Refueled as specified and kept the receipt.
• □ Recovered ETC card and personal belongings
• □ Reported any new scratches or defects without concealing them.
• □ Secured sufficient time for traffic congestion, vehicle confirmation, payment, and airport transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary: Safe Preparation Makes an Okinawa Drive More Enjoyable

A rental car trip to Okinawa offers coastal views, family travel, northern nature, and the freedom to change your schedule. The prerequisites for enjoying this freedom are a correct license, an understood contract, driving on the left, a generous itinerary, and proper communication in the event of an accident.

We will check license documents before departure, and at the time of booking we will check all drivers, insurance, NOC, car type, child seat, and ETC. In Okinawa, it’s important to factor in rain, typhoons, traffic jams, bus lanes, and Yanbaru’s wildlife into your itinerary so you don’t overdo it.

Even if you take a wrong turn, miss an exit, or are behind schedule, it doesn’t matter as long as you rebuild in a safe place. Prioritize everyone returning to their accommodations in good health rather than adding one more tourist destination. That is the surest way to make your first drive in Okinawa a fond memory.