13 Ways to Avoid Failure in Okinawa Car Rental

Hello, all of you who are planning a trip to Okinawa! Okinawa is a tourist destination with beautiful beaches, rich nature, and unique culture.

Renting a car is a very convenient way to enjoy the entire island. However, there are some precautions to take when driving in a new place for the first time.

To avoid ruining your trip, here are some tips for using a rental car in Okinawa.

1. compare prices on multiple sites

There are numerous car rental companies in Okinawa, but their rates vary widely depending on the company and the reservation site. Book a rental car at the best rate.

  1. Check the official websites of major car rental companies.
  2. Compare rates on travel booking sites ( such as Expedia) for the same car type and duration.
  3. Use the car rental search site ( Sky Rent-A-Car ) to compare prices from several suppliers at once.

Advantages of Early Reservations

  • Rates are often lower.
  • It is easy to secure the type of car you want.
  • Discount campaigns and early bird plans are available.

How to choose a car rental without making mistakes! Thorough explanation!

Car Rental
Be careful with cheap rental cars…
A rental car is essential to fully enjoy sightseeing in Okinawa. However, there are several points to consider when choosing a rental car company.

2. devise borrowing and returning times

Rental car rates are set on a 24-hour basis.

Therefore, you can save on fees by working out the time of borrowing and returning.

For example.

  • Borrow at 3:00 p.m. and return at 3:00 p.m. the next day.
  • Borrow at 10:00 a.m. and return at 10:00 a.m. the next day.

point

  • If you keep your usage time within 24 hours, there is no additional charge.
  • Setting the same borrowing and return times avoids unnecessary additional fees.
  • An earlier return time allows time for shopping and sightseeing at the airport.

3. confirm whether or not transportation is provided

Car rental companies in the vicinity of Naha Airport generally offer a pick-up service from the airport to their offices, but some smaller rental companies may not offer a pick-up service.

  • Confirm at the time of reservation whether or not transportation is provided.
  • If transportation is not available, consider means of using cabs or public transportation.

How to confirm pick-up and drop-off services

  • Check the reservation site for more information and FAQs.
  • Check the pick-up and drop-off information in the reservation confirmation e-mail.
  • Find out in advance the means of transportation (cab, bus, monorail) in case there is no pick-up service.

4. check the location of the Naha Airport branch

Even car rental companies that call themselves “Naha Airport Branch” may actually have their offices located far from the airport. This may result in a longer-than-expected travel time.

  • Verify the exact address of the sales office.
  • Find out in advance how long the shuttle bus will take.
  • Check reviews of car rental companies to get an idea of the actual time required.

5. don’t give up even if the car is full

Even if the offices near the airport are full, other offices in Naha City may have available cars. Using a sales office along the Yui Rail monorail makes for smooth transportation.

  • Search for sales offices along the monorail.
  • Check the monorail timetable and plan for smooth travel.
  • By calling directly, you may also get information on available cars that cannot be verified online.

Convenient sales office

  • There are many car rental agencies in the vicinity of Kencho-mae Station and Omoromachi Station on the Yui Rail.
  • Selecting a sales office with easy access to major tourist destinations will enhance the convenience of your trip.

6. confirm pick-up bus stop in advance

The rental car shuttle bus stops at Naha Airport are extensive and divided into several locations. It is important to check the pick-up bus stops in advance to ensure a smooth transition upon arrival.

  1. Check the car rental company’s website: Go to the website of each car rental company to check the location of the shuttle bus stop and the bus schedule.
  2. Check the information board at the airport: Use the information board in Naha Airport to confirm the location of the shuttle bus stop. Information is also available at the airport information center.

Advantages of Prior Confirmation

  • Save time: No need to waste time as you can board the shuttle bus without hesitation upon arrival at the airport.
  • Reduce stress: avoid getting lost in large airports or rushing around when you are in a hurry.
  • Save energy: Avoiding unnecessary walking can reduce fatigue on the first day of travel.

7. shorten the time by processing alone first

If you are traveling with more than one person, you can save a lot of time by sharing baggage pickup and car rental procedures.

Procedures

  1. Split baggage claim: One person picks up baggage and the other proceeds with the car rental process.
  2. Procedures person departs first: The person in charge of the procedures will board the shuttle bus first and complete the procedures at the rental car company.
  3. Airport Pickup: After completing the formalities, return to the airport in your rental car and pick up your companion.

advantage

  • Reduced waiting time: reduce waiting time by picking up baggage and completing car rental procedures at the same time.
  • Efficient transportation: You can start sightseeing immediately after completing the formalities, thus making the most of your schedule.

How to choose a car rental without making mistakes! Thorough explanation!

Car Rental
Be careful with cheap rental cars…
A rental car is essential to fully enjoy sightseeing in Okinawa. However, there are several points to consider when choosing a rental car company.

8. beware of traffic restrictions on Kokusai-dori

International Street” in the center of Naha City is subject to traffic restrictions depending on the time of day. Driving without knowing this may result in a traffic violation.

Regulatory details

  • During the morning rush hour: Westbound traffic will be closed to general traffic.
  • Evening rush hour: Eastbound traffic will be closed to general traffic.

Pre-confirmation Method

  • Google Street View: Check the street signs on and around Kokusai-dori Avenue in advance.
  • Naha City Traffic Regulation Information Site: Check the latest traffic regulation information.

Advantages of Regulatory Compliance

  • Safe driving: By following the regulations, you can avoid traffic accidents and problems.
  • Avoid fines: Avoid fines and penalties for violations.

9. gas station “double pricing”

Gas stations near the airport may have different prices for locals and tourists. It is important to check coupons and discounts in advance to keep travel costs down.

counter-measure

  1. Use coup ons: Use coupons offered by car rental agencies and tourist information centers.
  2. Check for discounts: Check gas station websites and apps for discounts in advance.
  3. Fuel at local prices: Avoid high tourist prices by using gas stations in Naha.

advantage

  • Travel Cost Savings: By reducing fueling costs, you can use the money for other travel expenses.
  • Use of local information: Using local gas stations also gives you the opportunity to get a feel for local people’s lives.

10. allow plenty of time for return

It is important to allow plenty of time to return your rental car. We recommend that you return your car 3 hours before the departure time of your flight, especially during times when traffic congestion is expected.

Reasons to have leeway

  1. Crowded return process: During the tourist season, there may be delays in the return process.
  2. Traffic jams and traffic conditions: Traffic jams and unforeseen traffic conditions may cause travel time to the airport to be longer than expected.
  3. Waiting time for refueling: It may take some time to refuel at a gas station.

Return Procedures

  1. Leave well in advance: return your rental car at least 3 hours before your flight departure time.
  2. Pre-confirmation of gas stations: Confirm the location of the gas station you will be stopping at before returning the vehicle to ensure a smooth refueling experience.
  3. Using the shuttle bus: After returning the rental car, take the shuttle bus to the airport. Please check the bus schedule in advance.

11. rent a car near the hotel.

Renting a car as soon as you arrive at Naha Airport is convenient, but for those who wish to avoid the crowds and stress of procedures upon arrival, we recommend renting a car near your hotel.

Especially if you are staying in the central or northern regions, you can start your trip smoothly by taking a limousine bus directly from the airport to your hotel and renting a car from there.

On the way back, you can also return the rental car near the hotel and take a limousine bus back to the airport.

How to choose a car rental without making mistakes! Thorough explanation!

Car Rental
Be careful with cheap rental cars…
A rental car is essential to fully enjoy sightseeing in Okinawa. However, there are several points to consider when choosing a rental car company.

12. be careful on Route 58 in Okinawa during evening rush hour

Route 58, a major road in Okinawa, is extremely busy during the evening rush hour (5:30 PM to 7:30 PM).

Especially on the section from Chatan to Naha, it can take up to two hours. Planning to arrive at your destination avoiding this time frame will reduce stress caused by traffic congestion.

13. beware of the rush home from Nago to Naha

Travel from Nago in the north to Naha in the south is also very crowded during the evening rush hour when people are rushing home.

If you are going from Nago to Naha, it is recommended that you leave early.

It is important to time your trip to avoid traffic jams, especially on the way back from tourist destinations.

summary

When using a rental car in Okinawa, it is important to be prepared and careful in advance. Comparing rates at multiple sites and working out the time of renting and returning the car can help keep costs down.

In addition, advance confirmation of the shuttle bus stop and understanding of the car rental procedures will help ensure smooth travel.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of traffic restrictions, double pricing at gas stations, and to allow plenty of time for return.

You can also enjoy a less stressful drive by avoiding Route 58 and the rush rush home from Nago to Naha. Please refer to these tips for a safe and comfortable trip to Okinawa.

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