Grace Okinawa Car Rental Review
Freedom to Explore Japan’s Island Paradise

Okinawa is unlike anywhere else in Japan. With turquoise seas, coral reefs, and a culture that blends Japanese, Chinese, and Ryukyu Kingdom influences, it’s a destination that invites slow discovery. But there’s one secret to truly enjoying Okinawa: you need a car. Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, public transportation here is limited, and many of the island’s best treasures — quiet beaches, cliffside viewpoints, and mountain villages — can only be reached by road.

That’s where Grace Okinawa comes in. During my recent trip, I rented a car through them, and the experience was so seamless that I want to share every detail. From the friendly check-in at their shop to long scenic drives across the island, Grace Okinawa made exploring easy, comfortable, and stress-free.

Booking & Pickup Experience

Grace Okinawa’s shop is conveniently located near Naha Airport, the gateway to Okinawa. Once I landed, a shuttle service picked me up and took me directly to the rental office — a thoughtful touch that eliminated the hassle of arranging a taxi or finding the location on my own.

Booking in advance was simple: their English-friendly website clearly outlined car categories (compact, hybrid, SUV, luxury models), insurance packages, and extras like child seats or ETC cards (essential for toll roads in Japan).

At the counter, the staff were professional and warm, walking me through the contract, insurance coverage, and the car features. Required documents were straightforward:

• Passport

• International Driving Permit (IDP, 1949 convention)

• Home-country driving license

• Credit card for deposit

The entire pickup process took less than 20 minutes, and soon I was standing next to my rental car — spotless, modern, and ready for adventure.

The Car Itself

I rented a Mini Cooper, a stylish choice that perfectly matched the Okinawa vibe. Compact yet powerful, it was ideal for coastal drives and navigating both city streets and scenic routes. The car came spotless and well-maintained, with modern features like navigation and an ETC card for toll roads. Driving such a chic car around the island made the journey not only convenient but also incredibly fun

Driving in Okinawa

Driving in Okinawa is a joy in itself. The island roads are well-paved, signage is clear (with English translations), and traffic is generally relaxed compared to mainland Japan.

Things I noticed:

• Speed limits are lower than in many countries (often 40–60 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways), so patience is key.

• Parking is easy: tourist sites usually have dedicated lots, and in Naha City, there are plenty of coin-parking spaces.

• Scenic routes like the Kaichu-doro bridge to Henza Island and coastal drives around Cape Manzamo are unforgettable.

Having my own car meant I could stop at hidden beaches, roadside cafes, and cultural spots that tour buses would never reach.

My Journey with Grace Okinawa

More information about my journey in Okinawa

Here’s a glimpse of how my trip unfolded thanks to the rental:

• Cape Manzamo — a dramatic cliffside overlooking the East China Sea, where the elephant trunk-shaped rock is one of Okinawa’s most famous views.

• Ryukyu Mura & Shurijo Castle — diving into the unique Ryukyu heritage that sets Okinawa apart from mainland Japan.

• Local Cafés — with the car, I could stop at seaside cafés and try Okinawa’s famous beni-imo (purple sweet potato desserts).

• Beach Hopping — from Zanpa Beach to hidden stretches of sand, I never had to worry about bus schedules.

With every stop, I was grateful for the independence. Grace Okinawa didn’t just provide a car — they provided the freedom to explore at my own pace.

Why Choose Grace Okinawa?

Several things made this rental company stand out for me:

• Convenience: Shuttle pickup from the airport and quick paperwork.

• English support: Staff explained everything clearly, perfect for international travelers.

• Transparency: Pricing included insurance options upfront, no hidden fees.

• Quality vehicles: Clean, modern cars with navigation and ETC ready.

• Trust: I always felt supported — their customer service was prompt and reassuring.

Tips for Renting a Car in Okinawa

If you’re planning to rent, here are some tips from my experience:

• Book in advance, especially during summer and holiday seasons.

• Always bring your International Driving Permit (1949), as other versions won’t be accepted.

• Opt for an ETC card, which saves time and sometimes money on toll roads.

• Choose a compact SUV if you’re traveling outside the city — the extra space is worth it.

• Don’t forget to refuel before returning the car (Grace Okinawa provides nearby gas station details).

Final Thoughts

Renting a car is the only way to unlock the full beauty of Okinawa, and my experience with Grace Okinawa was excellent from start to finish. Unlike large international rental companies, Grace Okinawa feels boutique and personal, yet delivers professional standards that inspire confidence.

With a clean, reliable car and service that genuinely supports travelers, I was able to create my own adventure — from cultural sites to hidden beaches.

For anyone planning a trip to Okinawa, I cannot recommend enough: rent a car, and let Grace Okinawa be your trusted partner.

📍 More information: Grace Okinawa Official Website