Iriomote Island, with an area of ​​approximately 289 square kilometers, is the third largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, after the main island and Ishigaki Island. There are few tourist taxis and buses on the island, so renting a car is absolutely essential to fully enjoy sightseeing.

For first-time visitors to Iriomote Island, figuring out where and how to rent a car can be confusing. This article will guide you through the process of renting a car, from easy steps to driving tips, so you can feel at ease.

Driving around Iriomote Island, with its beautiful ocean and lush mangrove forests, is sure to create unforgettable memories.

<Table of Contents>
1. I want to know the overview and price range of rental cars on Iriomote Island!
2. List of rental car offices
2-1. Around Ohara Port
2-2. Around Uehara Port
3. What you should know about car rentals on Iriomote Island
4. Recommended spots on Iriomote Island that you can reach by rental car
5. Summary

1. I want to know the overview and price range of rental cars on Iriomote Island!

Rental car offices on Iriomote Island are concentrated around Ohara Port in the southeastern part of the island, or around Uehara Port in the northwestern part. There are slightly more rental offices around Ohara Port than around Uehara Port.

If you make a reservation in advance, a staff member will come to pick you up on the day of your rental, timed to coincide with the ship's arrival. Even if you choose a rental car company a little further away, this arrangement shouldn't be a problem.

The types of rental cars available vary depending on the branch, but most companies offer four types: kei cars (mini cars), 1000cc and up, 1500cc and up, and 2000cc and up.
For 24-hour rentals, the going rate is approximately 5000 yen for a kei car (mini car), 7000 to 10000 yen for a 1000cc to 1500cc car, and 12000 yen for a 2000cc or larger car.

In addition, there are separate charges for liability waiver and for drop-offs on Iriomote Island.
The typical insurance waiver fee for rental cars on Iriomote Island is around ¥1,500 per 24 hours, and the fee for one-way rentals is also around ¥1,500.

In addition to car rentals, some offices also offer motorcycle rentals. This is recommended for those who want to leisurely tour Iriomote Island. You can rent one for around 2000-3000 yen per day.

2. List of rental car offices on Iriomote Island

We have created a list of rental car companies, divided into Ohara Port and Uehara Port. Where a company has a website, a link is provided next to the company name.

2-1. Around Ohara Port

2-2. Around Uehara Port

3. What you should know about car rentals on Iriomote Island

The rental car situation on Iriomote Island is a bit unique, and you might run into problems if you assume it's the same as on the main island or Ishigaki Island.
Here, we'll introduce some important points to keep in mind when renting a car, in a Q&A format.

Q: Should I make a reservation for a rental car?
A: Yes, that's right. Despite the large number of tourists who travel around Iriomote Island by rental car, there are few rental cars available, and during peak seasons such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's, it's not uncommon for all of them to be fully booked.

Q: Which booking method is recommended?
A: Booking online is best. You can also book by phone, but rental car companies on Iriomote Island often don't answer the phone, so it's best to book online.
Most rental car companies accept reservations up to three months in advance of the rental date, so it's best to book as early as possible.

Q: Is it possible to transport a car from Ishigaki Island and go for a drive?
A: There are regular ferry services running almost daily from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island, so it is possible to transport a car. However, cargo ships take almost twice as long as regular high-speed ferries, and there are additional charges for transporting the car.
Currently, it seems that most people visiting Iriomote Island rent a car on the island.

Q: What are some things to be aware of when driving around Iriomote Island?
A: First of all, there are very few gas stations on Iriomote Island. Once you leave the Ohara Port or Uehara Port area, there can be tens of kilometers without a gas station. Always keep an eye on your fuel level so you don't run out of gas.

Also, since there are only two traffic lights on Iriomote Island, you can enjoy a pleasant drive, but please be careful not to speed. You risk hitting a rare animal that suddenly jumps out into the road.
Since 1978, more than 40 Iriomote wildcats have been involved in accidents. Please be sure to obey the 40 km/h speed limit.

4. Recommended spots on Iriomote Island that you can reach by rental car

Since you're going to rent a car anyway, why not go somewhere you wouldn't normally be able to go?

Minami Kazemita Beach

Haemida Beach is said to be the eastern end of the outer ring road. From here, you can see Hateruma Island on a clear day. The long beach stretching out to the west of Haemida Cape makes you want to walk forever. There are few people, so you can enjoy it like a private beach.

Funaura Undersea Road

Be sure to include the Funauura Underwater Road, located in the northern part of the island and serving as a bridge connecting the east and west, in your driving route. Looking towards the mountains from the bridge, you can see the Pinai-sara Falls. The nipa palm grove on the west side is designated as a Japanese natural monument and is well worth a visit.

Take a boat to Funauki

If you drive north from Uehara Port for about an hour, you'll see Shirahama Port. From here, board a boat and head for Funauki Port. Funauki, which can only be reached by boat, is home to the secluded Ida Beach. Its beauty will surely leave you speechless. Why not make it a destination while enjoying a scenic drive?

5. Summary

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