Why rent a sports car in Okinawa
Renting a sports car in Okinawa has long been one of the most popular rental options on the island, and the reason is simple: the rates are a real bargain! Picture yourself cruising a convertible along the coastal highway, and you would be forgiven for thinking you were shooting a sports car road movie. The choice of sports cars for rent in Okinawa is huge too, from classic Japanese legends to luxurious European supercars, so it all comes down to the kind of experience you want on this Okinawa self-drive trip. This article pulls together everything you need to know about renting a sports car in Okinawa, all in one place!
There is no need to worry about renting a sports car just because you are driving in Okinawa,
because the following things help local drivers know to give you a little extra space!
- Foreign driver magnet
外国の方が運転しています (“a foreign visitor is driving”): because Okinawa and Hokkaido see so many overseas self-drive visitors, these stickers were introduced to remind other drivers in Japan to be alert and courteous. They also let drivers from Taiwan get used to traffic customs that differ from those at home with more peace of mind, so nobody ends up in an accident caused by someone in a hurry.
- Rental car license plate information
License plates in Okinawa always have a hiragana character before the numbers. If it is わ or れ, the car is a rental.
Both of these clues tell locals in Okinawa that the person behind the wheel is a visitor or a renter, so they tend to give you more room! Feeling a lot more relaxed now that you know?
(That said, being a foreign visitor does not mean you can ignore the rules, so stay on top of everything you should be doing. It will make your Okinawa sports car drive much safer.)
Renting a car in Okinawa for the first time? Read this: the benefits, our recommendations and everything to watch out for when you self-drive!
Documents you need to rent a sports car in Okinawa
1. A valid driver’s license
As long as the renter’s license is still valid in their home country, they can legally rent a car in Okinawa.
2. An International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Japanese translation of your license
Japan does not accept International Driving Permits issued by every country; for certain countries it only accepts an official Japanese translation of the home license.
For visitors from Taiwan, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany and Monaco, Japan only accepts the Japanese translation of your driver’s license — an International Driving Permit will not be accepted!
(Readers in Taiwan who do not have one yet can apply at any Motor Vehicles Office; the fee is NT$100.)
3. Your passport
Under Japanese rules, as long as you hold these three valid documents you may drive for up to one year from the date you enter Japan.
For more details, see this article: the essential Okinawa self-drive guide: documents to prepare, traffic rules and what to know about insurance
Okinawa sports car rental companies
Some car rental companies in Okinawa rent out regular cars and sports cars side by side, while others specialize in sports cars only. Below is a comparison of a few of them so you can quickly see how they differ.
| gogoout | Grace Okinawa | Premium Rent A Car | WestCoast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport pickup | (depends on the shop) | ○ | ○ | |
| Chinese-language support | ○ (online support in Chinese) | ○ | ○ | |
| GPS | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| ETC | (depends on the shop | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Opening hours | (depends on the shop) 8:00~20:00 | 8:00~19:00 | 9:00~20:00 | 9:00~20:00 |
| Compensation scheme | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
gogoout now has early-bird sports car rental deals too. Take a look and grab your exclusive promo code — book early and save even more!
Popular sports cars to rent in Okinawa
There are countless sports car models out there, so here is a look at some of the cars available at each shop. If you have no idea which one to pick, then beyond price, the insurance the shop offers and the number of seats, it really comes down to the most important thing of all: the looks!
(Note: a sports car always has far less luggage space than a regular passenger car!)
Sports cars come as convertibles or hardtops, and the reason we recommend a convertible is simple. First, the air in Okinawa is fresh, so you will not be breathing in exhaust fumes with the top down. Second, because… this is what a vacation is all about!
You can feel the sea breeze from every angle, park at the beach and enjoy the view right from your seat, and you will certainly turn a few heads along the way. Is that not an experience worth having? (You are abroad already, so do something a little different!)
1.Mazda MX-5 (roadster)
Certified by Guinness World Records as the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in the world
When you think of a small Japanese sports car, the MX-5 is bound to come to mind. With its 50:50 weight distribution delivering Mazda’s Jinba Ittai (“horse and rider as one”) driving philosophy, it is one of the all-time greats!
2.DAIHATSU Copen
The only lightweight mini sports car left on the Japanese market
Powered by a modest 660cc engine, the Copen was developed around the idea of “an open-top sports car everyone can enjoy,” and it is one of only two sports car models among Japan’s kei cars! If you want a relaxed, easygoing drive, this car sums up the carefree spirit of the kei car.
3.MINI Convertible
A charming, cute little European sports car
Everyone knows this badge, but convertible versions are genuinely rare in Taiwan. If you want the shape of a European car without the pressure of driving something too intense, the small and cute MINI grants both wishes at once!
4.Porsche Boxter
Among Porsche’s sports cars, the 718 — best known in its two-door convertible form — is the entry point to the brand. If you want to feel the Porsche magic but worry the 911’s power would be too much to handle, the Boxster is your best bet!
5.Honda S660
The perfect blend of kei car and pure passion
Now out of production, the S660 is arguably the most captivating kei sports car of all: light yet thrilling, with endless driving fun on offer. What is a small Japanese sports car? This is the answer.
6.Ferrari California
When you want every eye on you, a completely different Okinawa self-drive experience, and budget is no object? Then pick this one.
Price comparison of recommended sports cars in Okinawa
| Shop | Model | Price / day | Mileage | Seats | Insurance cost |
| gogoout | Mazda MX-5 （roadster) | $4250 | Unlimited | 2 | Collision damage waiver (CDW): ¥1650/day NOC coverage: ¥550/day (Note 2) |
| gogoout | DAIHATSU Copen | $3980 | Unlimited | 2 | Collision damage waiver (CDW): ¥1650/day NOC coverage: ¥550/day |
| gogoout | TOYOTA AE86 | $3980 | No limit | 2 | CDW + NOC compensation: ¥1500/day |
| WestCoast | MINI Convertible | ¥14,300~17,600 ≈ NT$3,200~4,000 (low/high season) | No limit | 4 | CDW: ¥2200/day NOC compensation: ¥1100/day (an all-inclusive plan is also available at a discounted rate) |
| gogoout | Porsche Boxter | NT$5,000 (low/high season) | No limit | 2 | NOC + CDW are already included in the rental fee |
| Grace Okinawa | Honda S660 | ¥22,000 ≈ NT$5,000 (Note 1) | No limit | 4 | CDW: included in the rental fee NOC compensation: ¥1650/day |
| Premium Rent A Car | Ferrari California | ¥100,000 ≈ $22,800 | 2 | CDW: ¥5000/day |
Note 2: Insurance amounts and plans may be adjusted each year; the details offered on site always apply.
A guide to insurance when renting a sports car in Okinawa
The compensation system for sports car rentals in Okinawa is essentially what we call insurance coverage in Taiwan.
In Japan, every vehicle on the road must carry basic compulsory insurance, along with a certain level of coverage (for personal injury, property damage and damage to the vehicle). Most of the payout is covered by the insurance company, but there is still a portion the customer has to pay, and that amount is the “deductible.”
Within this deductible system, there are two types of waiver programs:
1. Collision damage waiver (CDW)
On top of the basic insurance mentioned above, this waives the deductible you would otherwise have to pay for that incident.
2. NOC compensation (non-operation charge)
(Non-Operation Charge): a business-interruption fee, the same as the loss-of-use charge commonly seen in Taiwan. Some rental companies offer this option, which waives the non-operation charge for that incident.
These two coverages are separate, so having a CDW doesn’t necessarily mean the non-operation charge is waived!
That’s why we sincerely recommend adding both when you rent a sports car in Okinawa, to greatly reduce your losses if something unfortunate happens.
FAQs about renting a sports car in Okinawa
1. What age do you have to be to rent a sports car?
Many sports car rental companies in Okinawa won’t rent to drivers under 24, or to those who have held a license for less than two years.
So before you book, double-check that you meet that rental company’s requirements!
2. How are tolls calculated?
Tolls in Okinawa are paid in one of two lane types: the cash-paying “general” lane and the “ETC“-only lane. When traffic is heavy, the general lane can back up a little, so ETC is the more convenient choice.
(Note that you still need to keep under 20 km/h in the ETC lane, or the sensor may not pick up your card!)
3. What should I do if I have an accident?
If an accident does happen, your first step is to contact the rental company so the staff can help you handle it. At the same time, call the police and get an accident report, which you’ll need in order to file an insurance claim.
4. Which type of fuel should I choose?
Okinawa also has both full-service and self-service pumps.
| Fuel type | Nozzle color | Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline (95) | Red | レギコラー | Regular |
| Premium gasoline (98) | Yellow | ハイオク | Premium |
| Diesel | Green | 軽油 | Diesel |
Self-service refueling, step by step:
1. Choose the fuel, amount and payment method:
After selecting the fuel, follow the on-screen instructions to set how much you want (by liters or by amount),
or simply choose “満” (full tank) to fill it up. You can pay by credit card, at the self-service payment machine next to the pump, or at the staffed payment counter.
2. Refuel:
Open the fuel door, insert the nozzle and squeeze to start pumping. When you’re done, put the nozzle back, close the fuel cap tightly, and collect your receipt and change.
Things to know before renting a sports car in Okinawa
1. Traffic rules
- Right-hand drive
Japan uses right-hand-drive cars, the opposite of Taiwan, so the steering controls and the road rules are reversed too. It’s completely normal to switch on the wipers instead of the turn signal at first, so don’t panic. Just slow down, watch the road and follow the rules! - Watch your turns
Remember this: wide turns to the right, tight turns to the left. At forks and intersections, check to your right first and then to your left so you don’t run into oncoming traffic. - Drive steadily and don’t speed; never drink and drive, and keep your seat belt fastened the whole time.
It goes without saying: anything you wouldn’t do in Taiwan, you shouldn’t do in Japan either. - No casual curbside parking
Japan cracks down hard on stopping or parking where you shouldn’t, so don’t count on getting away with it. Bad habits from Taiwan are strictly enforced and penalized in Japan! When you need to park, the safest bet is to find a nearby parking lot. - Pedestrians first
Japan puts a very strong emphasis on people-first traffic, which is a big difference from Taiwan. Always yield when you see a pedestrian, or you’ll be the one getting a ticket!
2. Traffic signals
- Traffic lights
The top row is the usual red-yellow-green signal, while the bottom row shows arrows for going straight and turning left or right.
Example: if the light is red but the bottom row shows a right-turn arrow, you may still turn right on red. - Common road signs
Image source: レンタカードットコム (Rentacar.com)
3. Setting up the navigation system
Navigation systems in Japan use a unique Mapcode system. When your phone’s data connection isn’t cooperating, look up your destination’s mapcode on Mapion, then type that number straight into the navigation system to reach your destination easily and accurately.
👇For a more detailed Mapcode tutorial, see this article👇
Must-read Okinawa self-drive guide: documents to prepare, traffic rules and insurance tips
4. Driver marking stickers
These stickers go on the front or back of the car. They aren’t just information for locals — foreign travelers should understand them too. The idea is the same as the foreign driver on board sticker introduced earlier: the sticker lets locals quickly recognize the situation and give way accordingly. You can also ask your rental shop whether they provide them for travelers!
Here are the ones you’ll see most often:
| 初心運転者標識 (new driver mark) | 高齢運転者標識 (elderly driver mark) |
Indicates a novice driver with less than one year of driving experience |
Indicates that the driver is an older adult |
| 聴覚障害者標識 (hearing-impaired driver mark) | 身体障害者標識 (physically disabled driver mark) |
Indicates that the driver has a hearing impairment |
Indicates that the driver has a physical disability |
Under Japanese law, you are required to give way to vehicles displaying these marks, so both travelers renting a car in Japan and local residents need to watch out for them — otherwise you could be fined!
Self-drive trips in a rented sports car in Okinawa
Now that we’ve covered all that and your car is booked, do you still have no itinerary?
Here are a few special routes to drive your rented sports car!
1. Okinawa scenic drive routes
- Around Okinawa
Google Maps estimates a full loop of the island at about 10 hours and roughly 415 kilometers.
If your rental comes with unlimited mileage and you can set aside a whole day to drive it end to end, it’s a milestone well worth ticking off!
- Okinawa beaches
Summer means heading to the beach — you’ve come to an island and rented a car, so how could you not cruise to the coast!
2. Okinawa sightseeing routes
Of course, you can also take the sports car and cruise easily from one attraction to the next — no problem at all.
Here are some popular spots to help you plan!
- Churaumi Aquarium:
Image source: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Located in northern Okinawa, it’s famous as the largest aquarium in Asia, home to nearly 30,000 marine creatures, including giant whale sharks and manta rays — a complete showcase of Okinawa’s underwater world.
Tickets: adults ¥2180 / students ¥710–¥1440 / children under 6 free - Kouri Island:
Home to the famous “Heart Rock,” which is why it’s also known as the “Island of Love.”
Cross Okinawa’s second-longest bridge over the sea and an even bluer ocean view opens up before you. Local legend also says the world’s first humans descended here, marking the beginning of humankind! - American Village:
Many places in Japan have American touches, and Okinawa has blended them with the local tropical vibe, turning a whole shopping district into an attraction that feels like a little village.
Besides shopping and picking up cosmetics and drugstore goods, you’ll find plenty of great food here, plus the Ferris wheel that’s Okinawa’s top sunset-viewing spot — spending a whole afternoon here is no trouble at all! - Manzamo:
Famous for the “elephant trunk cliff” carved out by the sea, this spot shows up in plenty of magazine photos. Drive over, feel the sea breeze and take in nature’s handiwork. - Naha Kokusai Dori:
How could a trip to Japan not include some serious shopping? Kokusai Dori is the liveliest shopping street in all of Okinawa, with cosmetics, food and souvenirs all in one place! You could skip the nature spots, but once you’ve set foot in Japan, missing the shopping street would be a real shame! - ASHIBINAA Outlet:
Outlets in Japan are always full of finds you can’t get back home. ASHIBINAA, in southern Okinawa, is perfect for travelers on a self-drive trip — set aside some time to browse and shop, and be sure to pick up coupons at the information desk for extra savings!
Read more articles about car rental in Japan:
👉[Japan car rental] 2026 rental guide and price comparison — explore Japan freely!
👉[Must-read Okinawa self-drive guide] Documents, traffic rules and insurance tips all in one place!
👉[Tokyo car rental] Recommendations, rental company comparison and things to know — a full guide to driving in Tokyo!
👉[Osaka car rental] Recommendations, self-drive tips and insurance basics — everything made easy in one article!
👉[Kyoto car rental] Driving tips and recommended rentals for a worry-free trip!
👉[Hokkaido car rental] The latest guide with 9 things to know before you hit the road!
Read more articles about sports car rentals:
👉[Taichung sports car rental] Recommended models, price comparison and complete self-drive route planning!
👉[Taipei sports car rental] Price comparison and recommended models — your complete sports car cruising guide!
Not sure which sports car to rent in Okinawa?
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This article was translated by AI from the original Chinese version.
