Best Deals on Okinawa Car Rental Services – Find Cheap and Reliable Options for Your Trip!

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Okinawa Car Rental Benefits

Compared to public transportation, Okinawa car rental offers several features:

Features	Comparison with Public Transportation
Convenience	It is challenging to reach many attractions due to the limited development of public transportation. However, with car rental, you can travel anywhere at your own convenience.
Flexibility	Public transportation is limited by schedules and routes; car rental allows you to stop and admire the scenery, take photos, and adjust your itinerary based on weather or personal preferences.
Price	Public transportation costs can quickly add up, especially for long-distance buses or taxis. In contrast, car rental offers a cost-saving solution and allows for sharing expenses with travel companions.

Okinawa Car Rental Platform Comparison

	Gogoout	OTS	NISSAN
number of car rental venders	17 stores	2 stores	3 stores
Features	-Integration of local car rental companies in Okinawa with expanded vehicle inventory. -150+ vehicle models. -Regard consumer feedback as priorty. -Transparent pricing. -Mostly new rental vehicles. -Same-day reservation and pickup. -Online customer support.	-Promotional plans and regular perks -Offering various tourist attractions’ ticket sales -Dedicated lounge for customers on Kokusaidori Shopping Street	-The fourth most famous car rental company in Japan. -Transparent pricing and relatively affordable rates. -High level of customer loyalty.
CDW coverage	$7.9 ~$11.8 USD	$11.8 USD	$11.8 , $15.8, $19.7 USD( depending on car types)
NOC coverage	$3.9 ~$11.8 USD	Standard: $3.9 Deluxe: $7.9 Premium: $15.8	$3.9 USD

gogoout – Streamlined Okinawa Car Rental: Reserve in Three Steps

1. Open gogoout’s website and enter the location, date, and number of seats.
2. Compare the different types and prices, and click on ‘Book Now.’
3. Fill in your personal information, check the summary and store policy, then submit!

Okinawa Car Rental Documents

You need either a Japanese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit.

Age Requirement

At least 20 years old.

International Driving Permits (IDP): Before visiting Japan, make sure to obtain an international driving permit from your home country. Japan recognizes only permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, which indicates that IDP remains valid for one year from the date of issue, with a grace period of six months.

Japanese Translation of Foreign Driver’s License: In the case of Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland, and Taiwan, there is a separate agreement with Japan. Drivers from these countries need to apply for an official Japanese translation of their driver’s license. The translation can be obtained from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

Okinawa Car Rental Important Considerations

Insurance

Renting a car in Japan is a convenient and flexible way to travel. However, it’s important to have a good understanding of the relevant insurance policies to avoid unnecessary financial losses in case of unforeseen events. Here are three types of insurance you need to know:

1. Compulsory Insurance: Compulsory insurance is a standard rental car insurance required for all vehicles in Japan. It provides coverage for third-party liability, bodily injury, and property damage. This ensures your rights are protected in the event of an accident.
2. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): CDW is an optional insurance that allows you to waive the deductible amount. If you have CDW coverage, you won’t be responsible for paying the deductible in the event of an accident during the rental period. Some rental companies may already include this fee in the rental cost, so it’s important to confirm the insurance details when renting the car.
3. Non-Operation Charge (NOC) Coverage: When a rental vehicle is involved in an accident or becomes damaged, resulting in it being unusable for other customers, the rental company may charge a Non-Operation Charge. This fee is primarily used to cover vehicle repairs, cleaning, and the loss of income during the period when the vehicle cannot be rented out. If you purchase NOC coverage, the rental company will cover these expenses in the event of such incidents.

Traffic Rules, Lights, and Signs

Rules

Left-hand traffic and right-hand drive(LHT and RHD)
Turns Tips:
Right turn – wide
Left turn – sharp
Check right, then left at intersections to avoid collisions.

Ensure you buckle up your seatbelt; otherwise, a fine will be imposed.

Drunk driving is zero-tolerance in Japan.

Phone use while driving is illegal and may result in fines.

Child seats are mandatory for children under six. Check with the rental car company for availability and charges.

Traffic Signs

Traffic Light

In the top row, you’ll find the usual traffic lights, while the bottom row indicates signals for straight, left, and right turns.

Ex. If the top light is red, but the bottom light shows a right turn signal, it means you can still make a right turn on red.

ETC

ETC is the electronic toll collection system used on Japanese highways. Whether you have an ETC card or not, you can still drive on the highways, with only the payment method being different.

With an ETC card: If you have an ETC card, you can enjoy the convenience of fast passage on the expressway. When renting a car in Okinawa, you have the option to rent an ETC card from the rental car company (with a deposit or rental fee) or use your own ETC card (previously set up). It’s important to note that the ETC card can only be used at the toll booths on the expressways and the dedicated ETC entrances. For other locations such as parking lots or bridges, cash payment is still required.

Without an ETC card: You can obtain a ticket at the general entrance of the toll booth and pay the fee when exiting the expressway.

Okinawa Car Rental Tips to Make Your Trip Smoother

Driver’s Identity Stickers

The stickers are placed on the front or rear of the vehicle, providing essential information not just for local drivers but also for foreign travellers. They help drivers quickly understand and respond accordingly, while travellers can inquire about these stickers at rental car companies if they offer them!

Here are some common types：

Novice Driver	Senior Driver
People With Hearing Loss	People With Physical Disabilities

Parking

In Okinawa, you’ll find a variety of parking options, including indoor and multi-story car parks, as well as open-air small parking lots. When you park, you’ll receive a parking ticket. Upon exiting, simply drive to the gate, insert the ticket into the machine, and make the payment based on the displayed amount. It’s all automated, without the need for attendants.

You’ll find another type of parking with barrier lock. Once you park, the barrier automatically rises to lock the tires. To leave, just enter your parking number at the payment machine, make the payment, and the barrier will lower, allowing you to retrieve your car.

Pumping Gas

There are three types of gasoline to choose from

English	Octane Rating	Color Label	Japanese
Regular	89 or higher	Red	レギコラー
High-octane	96 or higher	Yellow	ハイオク
Diesel		Green	軽油

Car Pick-Up: Key Points to Keep in Mind

When picking up your rental car in Okinawa through an online reservation, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey:

1. Verify Insurance Coverage: Double-check with the rental counter staff to confirm that your required insurance is included in the rental agreement.
2. Review the Rental Agreement: Take the time to carefully review the rental details and pricing. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or make any necessary changes.
3. Inspect the Vehicle: Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the exterior, interior, and fuel tank. Take note of any scratches, stains, or damages, and be sure to document them with photos or videos. Notify the rental company, if you notice any issues.
4. Check the Tires: Pay attention to the tire tread depth and any signs of damage. If anything seems off, request a tire replacement.
5. Test Drive: Take a short test drive to ensure that the brakes, acceleration, and transmission are functioning properly. Ask the rental staff for any specific instructions or details about operating the vehicle, and also verify the fuel level before returning the car.
6. Record License Plate Information: Take a photo of the license plate for reference. This can be useful in case of theft or damage to the vehicle, allowing you to report the necessary information to the rental company.

Returning Your Rental Car: Important Guidelines

When returning a rental car, there are a few points to notice to avoid unnecessary trouble.

	Notes
Fuel Level	Check the fuel level to ensure it complies with the fuel policy chosen initially, to avoid additional charges.
Vehicle Damage	Make sure to inspect it for any damages in the presence of the rental company. If there are any concerns or disagreements, having the photos initially taken can serve as valuable evidence.
Cleanliness	Tidy up your personal belongings and check for any trash left behind. Failure to clean the car may be charged for cleaning fees.
Punctuality	It is essential to return the car within the specified time to avoid incurring late fees. If you are unable to return the car on time, contact the rental company in advance to inform them.

Dealing with Car Accidents

If you’re involved in a collision with another vehicle while driving in Okinawa, it’s important not to panic. Here are some simple steps to follow that can help you navigate the situation:

1. Safely park your vehicles and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. If it’s a severe accident, please immediately move away from the vehicles. If it’s a minor collision, please call the police first(call 110)!
3. Contact your rental car company right away to inform them about the accident and initiate the necessary insurance procedures.

Afterward, wait for the police to arrive and provide them with relevant information and a description of the incident. Following these three steps will help ensure that insurance claims and related matters are handled appropriately. Remember, in the event of any injuries or medical concerns, seek medical attention promptly.

FAQs

Is there a minimum age requirement to rent a car?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old to rent a car.

Can I use my international driving permit in Japan?

Yes, you can use an internationally recognized driving permit in Japan. Ensure it is based on the 1949 Geneva Convention.

Is there a fuel policy I should know about?

A lot of car rentals in Japan have a “full-to-full” fuel policy. Fill up the tank before returning the car to avoid extra charges.