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JALの”期間限定”割引クーポン
3月16日(日)23:59まで！
最大33,000円割引に！
(数量限定お早めに！)
- お土産を買う前にチェック！「沖縄でしか買えないお土産」特集！
- おすすめ【人気リゾートホテル特集】旅行前にこちらをチェック！
- 「ここは行っとけ！」おすすめ沖縄観光スポット45選！名所から穴場まで！
The blue ocean and relaxed island time are the charms of Okinawa. When it comes time to plan a trip to Okinawa, many people may wonder, “How will I get around? Many people may be wondering, “How will I get around?
In fact, public transportation in Okinawa is more limited than on the mainland, and there are many unexpected cautions for first-time travelers, such as congestion and bus lane restrictions.
From rental cars, Yui Rail, buses, sightseeing cabs, ferries and airplanes to remote islands, and unique buffalo carts, there is a wide variety of transportation options unique to Okinawa.
By using them well, the travel time itself will turn into a memorable part of your trip. This article provides a summary of the characteristics and points to note about each.
We hope you find these tips useful to further enhance your trip to Okinawa.
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
- 1 1. tour the island freely by rental car
- 2 2. points to note when driving in Okinawa (measures against traffic congestion and regulations)
- 3 3. use of Yui Rail & free pass
- 4 4. local travel by bus or highway bus
- 5 5. use of airport limousine buses & sightseeing buses
- 6 6. travel to outlying islands (ferry, high-speed boat, plane)
- 7 7. easy original tour by sightseeing cab
- 8 8. tour around town by bicycle & electric kickboard
- 9 9. tips for enjoying the walking tour area
- 10 10. unique mobile experiences unique to Okinawa
- 11 11. use different means of transportation depending on your itinerary
- 12 12. attention to seasonal and weather conditions unique to okinawa
- 13 13. moving around is part of the journey! Recommendations for comfortable planning
- 14 summary
- 15 Climate and Clothing by Month
- 16 If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
- 17 special feature article
1. tour the island freely by rental car
- High degree of freedom!
Since public transportation is scarce on the main island of Okinawa, renting a car is very convenient. It is such a popular means of transportation that more than 60% of tourists use it. The freedom to go anywhere you want at any time is a big attraction of a rental car. - Book early.
Car models fill up early during the high summer season. Once you have decided on your travel dates, use price comparison sites to make reservations in advance. Although there is an information desk for car rental companies in the arrival lobby, you may not be able to rent a car without a reservation during peak season. - Backstage tips to avoid traffic congestion around the airport
Another effective method is to pick up a rental car at a sales office near the station after traveling to the city by Yui Rail or cab, instead of renting at the airport. This is also a good way to avoid congestion around the airport and shorten the time you have to wait for pick-up and drop-off.
13 Ways to Avoid Failure in Rope Car Rentals
2. points to note when driving in Okinawa (measures against traffic congestion and regulations)
- Traffic congestion during rush hour
Okinawa is a car-based society, so some areas are as crowded as the Tokyo metropolitan area in the morning (7:00-9:00) and evening (around 17:30-19:30). Be especially careful on National Routes 58 and 330. Try to avoid traveling during these times or consider a detour route. - Bus Lane Restrictions
Bus lane restrictions are in place in Naha City on weekday mornings and evenings, and beginners may inadvertently violate them. Please check the signs carefully and drive safely. - Sudden squall countermeasures
Sudden rainfall unique to Okinawa makes the road surface slippery. Please drive with caution and concentrate on driving. On the last day, it is recommended that you allow at least 3 hours for your trip, considering traffic jams and airport transfers.
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
3. use of Yui Rail & free pass
- Yui Rail, Okinawa’s only railroad
Monorail connects Naha Airport Station to Tedako-Urasai Station, 17 km long. It is not easily affected by road congestion and is a time-readable means of transportation. IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.) can also be used. - Free tickets are available at
One-day tickets (800 yen for adults) that can be used for 24 hours and 2-day tickets (1,400 yen for adults) that can be used for 48 hours are available. Tickets are counted from the time of purchase, so even if you purchase a ticket in the afternoon, you can ride as much as you want until the same time the next day. - Discounts along the line are also gladly offered.
Show the Free Pass and you may receive discounts at facilities around Shurijo Castle and Kokusai-dori Street. Recommended for those who want to efficiently visit tourist spots in Naha City.
4. local travel by bus or highway bus
- Get in touch with local life
Bus routes cover Naha city and major sightseeing spots. The cost is reasonable, and with an unlimited-ride pass, you can save even more money. - Unlimited Ride Pass Example
- Okinawa Route Bus Circular Pass: 1-3 days, about 2,500-5,000 yen
- 1,000 yen for a one-day pass for the Yui Rail and bus (Gurutto Naha Bus Mono Pass), etc.
- Give yourself plenty of time .
Traffic jams and connections can easily cause delays, so plan well in advance. Buses to remote islands and suburbs are especially infrequent, so it is essential to check the timetable. - Prepare IC cards and coins
Since IC cards issued outside the prefecture such as Suica and PASMO may not be accepted on some routes, it is recommended to have coins and OKICA cards ready.
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
5. use of airport limousine buses & sightseeing buses
- For direct hotel connections, take the Limousine Bus
A direct route from Naha Airport to major resort hotels is now in operation. You can leave your large luggage in the limousine and travel without having to make troublesome transfers. Fares are mainly in the 1,000 to 2,000 yen range. - Airport Shuttle
More frequent and less expensive than limousines. It is based at Naha Airport and Naha Bus Terminal, and travels to sightseeing spots and multiple hotels. However, since the shuttle stops at each stop, the time required is slightly longer. - Regular sightseeing bus tours
A one-day tour with a professional guide that allows you to visit tourist attractions efficiently. Since you do not have to drive, you can listen to scenic commentary or take a nap during the trip. Although free time is limited, they are useful for short stays.
6. travel to outlying islands (ferry, high-speed boat, plane)
- Boats are convenient for the short-distance Kerama Islands
It takes about 30-90 minutes from Tomari Port in Naha to Tokashiki Island and Zamami Island by ferry or high-speed boat. Fares are reasonable at around 2,000 yen round trip. During peak season, the boats may be full, so be sure to make reservations early. - Miyako and Ishigaki Islands are mostly served by air
It takes about 1 hour from Naha Airport. If time is a priority, air travel is the safest choice. - Be aware of weather risks.
Typhoons and stormy weather can cancel flights, so be sure to manage risks by reserving extra days for sightseeing on remote islands and staying overnight on the main island on the last day. Check the bus and rental car situation after arriving at the islands in advance!
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
7. easy original tour by sightseeing cab
- Ideal for groups and senior trips.
With a charter, the driver can also act as a guide. 4-seat small cabs cost around 4,000 yen per hour, or around 20,000 yen for a 5-hour charter. - If you have a large group, Jumbo Hire
is about 6,000 yen per hour for a 9-passenger car. If you have a large group, it is surprisingly reasonable if you split the fare. Another big advantage is that you can leave your luggage in the car and go sightseeing without it. - A variety of model courses are available.
Courses can be customized according to your wishes, such as visiting historical sites in the south and scenic spots in the north. Recommended for those who are not confident drivers or those who want to tour efficiently in a limited time.
8. tour around town by bicycle & electric kickboard
- Bicycle rental in central Naha City
There are many rental stores and shared bicycle ports around Kokusai-dori, and you can rent a bike for as little as 100 yen for 15 minutes, making it easy to get around town without getting stuck in traffic. - Electric kickboards are also popular.
Sharing services such as “Lime” have been introduced, and procedures can be easily completed via smartphone. Although most vehicles require a driver’s license, an increasing number of specified small vehicles with a maximum speed of 20 km/h or less do not require a license. - Don’t forget to take heat and safety precautions.
Strong sunlight, sudden squalls, and nighttime driving safety precautions are necessary. Be well prepared to enjoy the ride by wearing a helmet and staying hydrated.
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
9. tips for enjoying the walking tour area
- Kokusai-dori” & surrounding arcades in Naha City
Souvenir stores and restaurants line the 1.6 km-long street, and if you enter the arcade market, you will find a wide variety of local foods and delicacies. The 2nd floor cafeteria of the First Makishi Public Market is also a good place to taste fresh food. - Walking around Shuri Castle Park
The Shuri area, with its many cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, is best explored on foot. The atmosphere of the Ryukyu Dynasty remains strong, and if you participate in a “Machi-mai” (guided stroll), you will deepen your knowledge of history and culture. - Walking around the villages of the remote islands
The charm of this tour is the simple scenery that can be encountered only on foot, such as the rows of red-tiled houses on Taketomi Island and the rows of Fukugi trees on Iejima. Wear shoes that are comfortable for your feet and take precautions against heat stroke.
A thorough explanation of Kokusai-dori Street! Attractions of must-visit spots in Okinawa
10. unique mobile experiences unique to Okinawa
- Buffalo cart (Cow cart)
is very popular in the villages of Taketomi Island and Yubu Island near Iriomote Island. The 25-minute tour, in which a buffalo slowly pulls the cart and you are immersed in the peaceful scenery, is a memorable experience that will last a lifetime. The buffalo cart to Yubu Island crossing the shallows is a particularly precious experience. - Segway , horse-drawn carriage, rickshaw, etc.
Segway experience tours are offered at resort facilities and theme parks, and anyone 16 years of age or older can easily ride a Segway with an instructor. Horse-drawn carriages and sightseeing rickshaws are sometimes featured at local events, making the ride itself a sightseeing attraction. - Transportation = Attraction
These special rides will turn a simple travel time into a memorable one. Consider them to spice up your trip.
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
11. use different means of transportation depending on your itinerary
- Combining multiple modes of transportation
Okinawa offers a wide variety of ways to get around, including rental cars, buses, monorails, cabs, boats, and bicycles. The most important point to make your trip comfortable is to choose flexibly according to your destination and purpose. - Change it day by day in your itinerary.
On the first day, mainly take the Yui Rail or walk in the center of Naha. The next day, rent a car and drive around the suburbs, then take a boat or plane to the islands. - Airport Limousine Bus + Car Rental
You can avoid travel fatigue and congestion by making arrangements such as taking the bus directly to your hotel on your arrival day, resting, and renting a car the next day.
12. attention to seasonal and weather conditions unique to okinawa
- Summer heat wave & typhoon season
July to September is hot and humid with intense ultraviolet rays. Be sure to wear a hat, parasol, and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water and salt. Be aware that there is a risk of ferry and airplane cancellations during typhoons. - Winter squalls and shortened facility hours
Even in winter, a sudden shower may occur, so it is a good idea to carry a folding umbrella. Check in advance as opening hours and bus service may be shortened outside of the tourist season. - Congestion during Lunar Bon Festival and New Year’s Eve and New Year
During Lunar calendar events and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Eve, there may be an increase in the number of local vehicles and a shortage of cabs, making travel time consuming in some cases. Check local information and make sure you have enough time in your schedule.
13. moving around is part of the journey! Recommendations for comfortable planning
- From “transportation = burden” to “transportation = fun”
Okinawa offers a wide variety of transportation options, so instead of settling on just one, feel free to combine them according to weather, destination, and the situation of your companions. - Free Pass and IC Card Utilization
Yui Rail, buses, boats, etc. each have their own discount tickets and passes. If you use the Yui Rail more than once, there is no reason not to take advantage of them. - Enjoy the Okinawan feeling even while traveling.
Enjoy talking with the driver on the bus or cab, admiring the scenery from the window, or having a special experience on a Segway or buffalo cart… Even the mere travel time will be an irreplaceable memory of your trip.
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
summary
Rather than settling on a single mode of transportation for your trip to Okinawa, it is important to combine them flexibly according to your itinerary, destination, and weather conditions.
On the first day, enjoy Naha city by Yui Rail or on foot, and on the following day, rent a car and go to the suburbs.
If you plan your trip in such a way, your entire trip will be richer and more fulfilling.
You should also be aware of unique circumstances in Okinawa, such as typhoon season and restrictions on public transportation. A little preparation, such as making reservations in advance, checking timetables, and using transportation passes, can minimize problems during travel.
Traveling is not a hassle, but an opportunity to deepen the appeal of your trip. We encourage you to use the various transportation options wisely and enjoy Okinawa’s nature and culture to your heart’s content.
Climate and Clothing by Month
Okinawa Travel Guide! A thorough guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
