Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip to Okinawa and will be renting a car. This will be my first time driving in Japan and on the left side of the road, so I’m trying to choose the most stress free and manageable option.
Right now I am a bit on the fence. At the moment it is looking like a solo trip, but there is a higher chance that I may have one other person traveling with me. At most it would be two adults total.
The rental company offered the following main options. All are automatic and include basic insurance:
1) Suzuki Alto (660cc)
4 seater
Newer model, 2020
No navigation system
No Bluetooth
2) Daihatsu Wake (660cc)
4 seater
Very spacious interior for a kei car
Bluetooth available
No navigation system
3) Mitsubishi EK Wagon (660cc)
4 seater
Newer model, 2019
Navigation available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean
Bluetooth available
4) Nissan Cube (1500cc)
5 seater
2018 model
Navigation available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean
Bluetooth connectivity available
There are also a few other options available, such as a Honda kei car and a couple of older or more basic models, but the ones listed above are the main choices I’m considering.
The driving would mostly be normal island driving such as beaches, sightseeing, parking lots, and some highway driving. My main priority is a car that feels manageable and low stress, but that can also comfortably handle highways and hills when needed.
I plan to use Google Maps on my phone and am fine bringing or buying a phone mount if needed.
The rental company also offers optional full coverage insurance for about 2,000 JPY per day in addition to the basic insurance. I am used to having full coverage at home and am leaning toward opting in, but I’m not sure if it is truly necessary in Okinawa. The overall rental prices are still very manageable even with the added insurance.
I am also open to advice on whether renting a car is the best option overall, or if public transportation or hiring a driver would make more sense in Okinawa. Any insight or recommendations are appreciated.
My questions:
- Would a kei car like the Suzuki Alto, Wake, or EK Wagon be totally fine, or does the Nissan Cube make things noticeably easier?
- For someone new to left side driving, do navigation, Bluetooth, or a slightly larger vehicle reduce stress in a meaningful way?
- Is the optional full coverage insurance generally worth it for visitors driving in Okinawa?
- Any Okinawa specific driving tips I should know?
Thank you in advance. I really appreciate hearing real world experiences.
by Dry-Bit-6233