1. Okinawa

There are several car rental company in Okinawa, and one of them got to be OTS. I chose it due to its ease of renting online, and cheaper compared to others. The overall experience is so good that I strongly suggest this car rental company.

There are two places that you can get your rental vehicle – Main Office near the Naha Airport, and DFS Branch (at Omoromachi Monorail Station).

If you are arriving at night, I advice to get the vehicle at DFS Branch like I did. Take note that you cannot choose your desired vehicle model at DFS Branch whether it is a 4 seater or 7 seater. OTS will randomly choose one for you.

Rental Guide

i. Browse the OTS rent a car website

Choose the place that you getting the car (in this case, I choose DFS). I got a surprise for the random 4 seater on that day.

ii. Choose 4/7 seaters and return place

I chose the airport area to return and get the shuttle bus to the airport. Some mentioned that returning at DFS also provides transport services for you to return to airport. I am unsure about it as I cannot find any details at OTS website. You might want to email them for enquiry as things may change.

Nissan note e-power (4 seater) rear spacing

The 4 seaters normally can hold just one luggage. Barely two small luggage. The 7 seaters can hold two (with the back seats put down). I dun recommend getting a 4-seater if you got two 24″ luggage, unless you will be bringing down one of the seats to put on luggage.

iii. Choose insurance

I recommend getting the premium plan (comprehensive insurance), and baby seat (better to get it if needed).

Premium plan is more than enough as you often purchase travel insurance from the place you set off.

(If you set off from HK and return to HK, QBE travel insurance maybe one of your considerations for your travel insurance plan (brochure can be found at the link). The gold plan covers up to HK$2million personal liability. You can also click here to find out if any discount may be offered not just QBE travel insurance, but also other travel insurance plan as well)

iv. Choosing ETC

Depending on your trip schedule whether if you use Express way / Highway often. I didn’t choose it as my trip was supposed to include driving on the sea side.

v. Create account / as a guest and fill in personal details

If your reservation involve more than one car and/or more than one driver, you will submit other drivers name on that day you are getting the vehicle(s).

vi. Receive reservation code

The code will be sent to your email. Payment will be settled on that day you are getting the vehicle(s).

Documents required on that day

1. Passport
2. International license / license with Japanese translation.

You can click here to check out the list of places with international license approval and which places require license with Japanese translation.

HK getting international license

If you are holding a Hong Kong driving license, it is very simply to apply international license with just a few clicks using the government apps – “iAM Smart”. Get the following documents ready before applying:

i. Images (with white background). Just selfie with your phone.
ii. Address proof
iii. HK$80 application fee (by credit card, fps etc)

Click here to find out how to download “iAM Smart”

Getting the car at DFS and vehicle inspection

The DFS branch is located at Omoromachi Station (おもろまち駅). Get a Taxi or train to there, the OTS staff counter is located at the left most corner upon entering the building.

English speaking / Chinese speaking is available.

When things are done, the staff will give you a piece of paper to follow the instructions to the car park (which is another building), walk over to the bridge to get the vehicle.

A staff is stationed at the car park, and ask you to inspect the vehicle, especially checking the vehicle body parts if there is any dent or broken parts. I advise you to check the tire as well. Tire performance affects your driving. If you are driving on a rainy day, and you need to go uphill, low performance tire may slip and fall back. (I saw a Toyota Alphred slipped at Kouri Island (古宇利), destroying its rear bumper).

Return vehicle

i. Fill in petrol nearby, remember to get receipt.
ii. Return the car with the file given to you.
The procedure is so smooth that, everything is done within like 5 minutes. The shuttle bus to airport is just right outside the office.

My random vehicle rented

OTS gave me a BRAND NEW Nissan note e-power hybrid (4 passenger seats), and Toyota Voxy (7 passenger seats) for my journey. Its first is my first.

No wonder some of my customers like to drive Nissan Note epower. Not only the vehicle gave a decent ride and comfort, but it also hardly consumes any fuel for my 310km journey. The vehicle ate about 2 – 3 level of the fuels shown. After driven for around 300km, it still have around 480km remaining to drive. Surprisingly fuel efficiency.

Driving in Okinawa is very easy and fun. Just that you need to be careful when driving in Naha area where some roads are narrow like one way but actually two ways.

As a Hong Kong driver, if you want to get yourself prepared before heading to Japan for driving, drive to places like Luen Wo Hui(聯和墟) and Luk Keng (鹿頸) at Fanling, Pat Heung at Yuen Long etc. Then you will feel driving in Okinawa is VERY easy.

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Tips on driving in Okinawa, Japan (coming soon)

Most detail self tour guide include hotel, places to visit, food and other recommendations
6 days 5 night in Okinawa. (coming soon)