Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Route At a Glance: Okinawa Main Island & Ishigaki Scenic Drives
| Route | Distance & Drive Time | Expressway Tolls | Key Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naha → Chatan → Cape Zanpa → Cape Manzamo → Nago | ~85 km · 2h 15m (Coastal Route 58) | ¥0 on Route 58 (or ¥1,040 full Okinawa Expressway Naha→Kyoda IC) | Mihama American Village, Yomitan pottery village (Yomitan), Cape Manzamo cliffs |
| Nago → Motobu (Churaumi Aquarium) → Sesoko & Kouri Island Bridges | ~55 km · 1h 25m | ¥0 (Both Sesoko Bridge & 1,960 m Kouri Bridge are toll-free!) | Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Nakijin Castle Ruins (Nakijin), Bise Fukugi Tree Lane, Heart Rock on Kouri Island |
| Southern Okinawa Loop: Naha → Sefa-Utaki (Nanjo) → Itoman | ~65 km · 1h 50m | ¥0–¥350 | Niraikanai Bridge viewpoint, UNESCO sacred grove Sefa-Utaki, Peace Memorial Park, Itoman Fish Market |
| Ishigaki Island Full-Island Loop | ~120 km · 3h 00m | ¥0 (No toll roads on Ishigaki or Miyakojima) | Kabira Bay emerald lagoon, Tamatorizaki Observatory, Hirakubo Lighthouse, Yonehara Palm Grove |
Car Rental vs. Resort Buses & Sightseeing Tours in Okinawa
| 4-Day Okinawa Transport Option | 1 Solo Traveler | 2 Travelers (Couple) | 4 Travelers (Family / Group) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yanbaru Express Bus + Hop-On Bus Tours + Taxis | ~¥18,000 | ~¥36,000 total | ~¥64,000 total |
| 4-Day Okinawa Compact Car Rental + Expressway Tolls + Fuel Car ¥22,000 + Tolls ¥2,080 + Fuel ¥4,200 |
¥28,280 | ¥28,280 total (¥14,140/person) | ¥32,280 total (¥8,070/person!) |
Insider Tip: Skip Naha Airport Shuttle Lines by Picking Up in Naha City
- The Naha Airport Yui Rail Trick: At peak arrival times, waiting for the rental-car shuttle bus at Naha Airport and queuing at the airport depot can take 60–90 minutes. Instead, ride the Yui Rail monorail 12–18 minutes from Naha Airport to Omoromachi Station (DFS T Galleria) or Asahibashi Station on Day 1, explore Naha on foot, and pick up your car in town with zero line on Day 2!
Frequently asked questions
How much are expressway tolls in Okinawa?
The Okinawa Expressway is the only toll road in Okinawa Prefecture, running 57.3 km from Naha IC to Kyoda IC in Nago. Driving the entire length costs just ¥1,040 for a standard car (or ¥850 for a kei car), and all island bridges (Kouri Bridge, Sesoko Bridge, Irabu Bridge in Miyakojima) are completely toll-free.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for Okinawa and Ishigaki?
Yes, Okinawa Prefecture enforces the exact same Japanese Road Traffic Act rules as mainland Japan: you must bring a physical 1949 Geneva Convention IDP (or a JAF translation if your license is from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan) along with your physical home driver's license.
Should I rent a car on Miyakojima and Ishigaki?
Yes! Both Ishigaki and Miyakojima have minimal public bus service outside the main port towns, zero toll roads, free parking at beaches and lighthouses, and dramatic over-water bridges (such as Miyakojima's 3,540-meter Irabu Bridge). Book your island rental car 1–2 months ahead for peak summer dates.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: