Complete Guide to Car Rentals in Iriomote Island | Recommended Companies by Port, Booking Methods, and Important Points

"Do I need a rental car on Iriomote Island?" "Should I rent one at Uehara Port or Ohara Port?"
For those planning their first trip to Iriomote Island, these questions may come to mind.
In this article, I, a resident of Iriomote Island, will organize rental car companies by port and provide a complete guide including average prices, booking methods, and important points to keep in mind that are unique to the island.

<Table of Contents>
・Basic information about renting a car on Iriomote Island: rental locations and drop-off options.
・List of rental car companies on Iriomote Island
┗Around Uehara Port
┗Around Ohara Port
・Do you need a rental car on Iriomote Island?
・Iriomote Island car rental related information

Show all table of contents

Basic information about renting a car on Iriomote Island: rental locations and drop-off options.

Before booking a rental car, it's important to know that Iriomote Island has two ports, Uehara Port and Ohara Port, and rental car companies are concentrated around these ports. Since the two ports are about an hour apart by car, choosing a rental car company based on your arrival port is key to a smooth trip. Also, one-way rentals between the two ports are generally not possible (only Yamaneko Rent-a-Car offers this service).

List of rental car companies on Iriomote Island

Around Uehara Port

● Minato Rent-a-Car

Address: Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-85-6368

Business hours: 8:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

For those who also want to rent scooters or bicycles.
This rental car company, operated by Iriomote Port Transportation Co., Ltd., is located near Uehara Port and has an attached gas station. They offer not only compact cars but also scooters and bicycles, allowing you to choose the vehicle that best suits your travel style. They also provide pick-up and drop-off services to accommodations around Uehara Port. Reservations can be made by phone.
●Palm Tree Rent-a-Car

HP: https://moriya-resorts.com/rental-car/

Address: 681-82 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-85-6122

Business hours: 9:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

For those who want to rent a new facility and have a pleasant experience.
This car rental service is attached to the Moriya Iriomote Hotel and just opened in February 2025. Although it's operated by the hotel, you can also book a rental car only. Vehicles must be returned with a full tank of gas. Reservations can be made by phone or at the hotel front desk.

● Yamaneko Rent-a-Car Uehara Branch

HP: https://iriomote.com/rent-a-car/

Address: 337-1 Unarizaki, Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-85-6111

Business hours: 8:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

For those who want to drop off the vehicle at Uehara → Ohara (or vice versa)
This is the only rental car company on the island with offices in both Uehara and Ohara. They also offer one-way rentals (1,500 yen). Free child and booster seats are available, and they offer free shuttle service to the nearest port, making it ideal for families. Another great feature is that you don't need to return the car with a full tank. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

● BRIDGE Rent-a-Car

HP: https://iriomote-island.jp/ja/rental-car/

Address: 10-68 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-87-0446

Business hours: 8:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

For those who want to depart immediately upon arrival and want to avoid complicated procedures.
The most distinctive feature is the unmanned rental service at the Uehara Port parking lot. You can make a reservation online, and when you arrive at the port, you can get in the car and start driving. There's no need to refuel when returning the car, making it incredibly convenient. This service, available exclusively at Uehara Port, is ideal for people who have visited Iriomote Island many times and are familiar with the roads, or for those who want to make the most of their limited time on a day trip.
●Hoshizuna Rent-a-Car Uehara Branch

HP: https://www.hosizunarenta.com/

Address: 339-7 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 090-2681-0701

Business hours: 8:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

Suitable for those who need a larger vehicle for group travel.
We offer a wide range of vehicles, from kei cars to 8-seater wagons. We deliver directly to Uehara Port and surrounding accommodations, so there's no need to visit our shop. We also offer delivery to Shirahama Port, convenient for those based in the isolated Funauki area. However, please note that delivery and return to Ohara Port (eastern area) are not covered. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Around Ohara Port

● ORIX Rent-a-Car Iriomote Island Ohara Branch

HP: https://car.orix.co.jp/shops/?shops_pk=863

Address: 201-204 Minamikaze, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-85-5888

Business hours: 8:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

For those who value the peace of mind and comprehensive coverage offered by large companies.
This is a major nationwide chain with excellent access, just a 3-minute walk from Ohara Port. Because of its proximity to the port, they generally do not offer shuttle services. Their comprehensive insurance and compensation system ensures peace of mind for those who don't usually drive or are renting a car for the first time. Reservations can be made online. Incidentally, the traffic light directly in front of the store is the southernmost traffic light in Japan.
●Iriomote Rent-a-Car Ohara Branch

HP: https://www.iriomote-rentcar.jp/

Address: 36-11 Minamikazeminaka, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-85-5950

Business hours: 8:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

For those who want to rent something quickly for just half a day or want to keep costs down.
A 6-hour rental of a kei car for 4,000 yen is among the cheapest on the island. It's perfect for day trips or half-day drives. Child seats and booster seats are available for free rental, and free pick-up and drop-off service is provided to Ohara Port and nearby accommodations. The owner is a quiet but friendly islander. Reservations can be made via the website, email, or phone.
●Miifaiyu Okinawa Rent-a-Car, Iriomote Island Ohara Branch

HP: http://iriomote-rentacar-mfy.com/

Address: 201-50 Minamikazeminaka, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 080-9247-8062

Business hours: 8:00AM ~ 18:00 PM

For those considering long-term stays or workcations.
This rental shop primarily deals in kei cars (mini cars) and is just a 2-minute ride from Ohara Port via a free shuttle bus. A unique feature is their monthly rental plan, making it popular with those staying long-term on Iriomote Island for workcations or relocation experiences. The owner is a car professional who also sells used cars to island residents and enjoys a high level of trust within the community. Reservations can be made online or by phone.
●Hibiscus Rent-a-Car

HP: https://hibiscus.rent/

Address: 201-125 Minamikazeminaka, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-87-8137

Business hours: 8:30AM ~ 18:30 PM

For those who suddenly need a rental car on the same day.
Located about a 5-minute walk from Ohara Port, this facility offers free shuttle service. A great feature is that they accept same-day reservations by phone (limited number of vehicles). You'll be greeted by a cheerful and friendly staff member. You can also rent essential marine leisure equipment, which is a nice bonus as it reduces the amount of luggage you need to bring. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Do you need a rental car on Iriomote Island?

In conclusion, if you want to visit multiple tourist spots, renting a car is essential.
The only public transportation on Iriomote Island is the route bus operated by Iriomote Island Transportation Co., Ltd. There are four round trips per day between Shirahama and Toyohara.
If you're only visiting one place, taking the bus is perfectly feasible, but if you miss one, you might have to wait two to three hours for the next one.
There are no taxis that can be hail on the street; the only option is a sightseeing taxi that requires a reservation, and its only base is Ohara Port.
The distance from Uehara Port to Ohara Port is about an hour by car, and the area is quite large, so having a rental car that allows you to move around freely will greatly enhance your travel experience.

Iriomote Island car rental related information

How much is a cheap rental car? Rental car prices

The average rental car rates on Iriomote Island vary depending on the vehicle type and are roughly as follows:
● Kei car (mini car): 5,000 to 7,000 yen per day
●Compact car (e.g., Honda Fit): 7,000 to 10,000 yen per day
● Wagon/Family car: 10,000-12,000 yen per day

During peak seasons (Golden Week and summer vacation), prices tend to be about 1,000 to 2,000 yen higher than usual.
Gasoline prices are high on Iriomote Island (over 200 yen per liter), so you might want to consider a plan that includes gasoline costs (from companies like Yamaneko Rent-a-Car or BRIDGE Rent-a-Car).
For short-term rentals, Iriomote Rent-a-Car's compact car is the cheapest option at 4,000 yen for 6 hours.

Book your rental car in advance whenever possible, and there are only three gas stations on the island!

Because the number of rental cars on Iriomote Island is limited, it's not uncommon for all cars to be rented out on the day of your rental. It's best to book as early as possible, especially during peak seasons such as Golden Week, summer holidays, and New Year's, so you should make your reservation at least a month in advance.

Furthermore, there are only a few gas stations on the island: two in the Uehara area and one in the Ohara area. They are generally closed on Sundays (the two in the Uehara area are closed on alternating days). Be sure to check with each station regarding refueling procedures upon return.

Drive at an island speed that is considerate of wildlife.

Iriomote Island has its own unique transportation system. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please keep the following points in mind.
●The speed limit is 40 km/h. Within settlements, it's 30 km/h. Driving at a leisurely pace is the island's rhythm.
● Be careful of Iriomote wildcats and other wildlife suddenly appearing. Animals are especially active from evening to early morning, so drive slowly.

For example, if you run over a frog or a snake, a wildcat will come out to eat it. This increases the amount of time wildcats spend on the road, raising the probability of an accident.
To prevent tragic accidents, please drive with ample time and a calm mind while on the island.

Iriomote Island is very large, but with a rental car, you can freely explore everything from popular spots to hidden gems. To avoid the disappointment of arriving on Iriomote Island only to find you can't rent a car, be sure to book in advance.

Dad on a remote island

A guide and captain who has lived on Iriomote Island for eight years and loves its nature. In his private life, he is a father of two.
This guide provides easy-to-understand explanations of the island's ecosystem and stunning scenic spots. Grab your camera and embark on a family adventure around the island on your next day off.
Our motto is "Easy to understand for beginners, yet in-depth," and we aim to convey the atmosphere of the local area.