A tuk-tuk, also known as a baby taxi or tricycle, is a three-wheeled taxi that serves as a common mode of transportation for ordinary people in Southeast and South Asia.
It's a vehicle that resembles a motorcycle with a covered bench seat attached to the luggage rack.

Tuk-tuks are not something you see very often in Japan, but apparently you can easily rent one and ride it in Okinawa.

In that case, Okinawa Lab's approach is to immediately try it out.

*Notice of relocation of Okinawa Tuk-Tuk Naha store*

Okinawa Tuk-Tuk Naha branch has already relocated to Okinawa City.
Please note that the following information is based on an interview conducted in January 2017.

<Table of Contents>
1. Basic knowledge about tuk-tuks in Okinawa
2. Tuk-Tuk GO - A Riding Experience -
2-1. Rental Procedures and Ride Instructions
2-2. Take a stroll around Kokusai Street
3. How to rent a tuk-tuk

1. Basic knowledge about tuk-tuks in Okinawa

Let's start with an introduction to the tuk-tuk.
This time, we'll be introducing vehicles based on those of Okinawa Tuk-Tuk Co., Ltd., which we had the opportunity to interview.
*These vehicles are specially manufactured to be legal for use on public roads in Japan.

Maximum passenger capacity	4 people (including the driver)
Displacement	659 cc
Top speed	100 (km/h)

 

 

As mentioned earlier, the shape is as described, but the driver's seat is motorcycle-style, and the cargo area serves as the seat.
The vehicle can accommodate four passengers, including the driver: one in the driver's seat and three on the rear bench seat.
*There are a small number of 7-seater models with two rows of bench seats.

A regular driver's license is required to drive. An automatic-only license is acceptable.

The driver's seat specifications are a hybrid of a motorcycle and a car.

The handlebars are motorcycle-style, with the throttle on the right-hand grip and the brake pedal at the right foot.
The turn signal is on the left side of the handlebars, and gear changes are done with the shift lever.
The width is about the same as a kei car (mini car).
If you can drive a car, driving a tuk-tuk shouldn't be too difficult.

The only drawback is that you have to straddle the gear lever to sit in the driver's seat, so wearing a skirt might not be recommended.

Also, the lack of a car navigation system is a bit worrying.
Since you can set your smartphone in a position where it's visible from the driver's seat, many people apparently use the map function on their smartphones.
So, just to be safe, make sure your smartphone is fully charged.

The bench seat in the back is completely covered in vinyl, and artificial turf is laid on the floor.
In the summer, you can play on the beach and then ride it barefoot.

The music is perfect for enhancing the travel experience.
It's equipped with high-performance speakers, so you can connect it to your smartphone and listen to your favorite music while driving.

Tuk-tuks are unique in that they have features like rain shields and misting systems to cool you down in bad weather, as well as illuminations that cover the entire body of the vehicle.

2. Tuk-Tuk GO - A Riding Experience -

2-1. Rental Procedures and Ride Instructions

Upon arriving at the shop, a tuk-tuk immediately greeted us.
The tuk-tuk parked in the shop appears to be for sale.
The counter where you complete procedures is located behind the tuk-tuk.

The rental process is almost identical to renting a regular car, including filling out necessary documents, presenting your driver's license, payment, and receiving instructions on important points.

Recommended itineraries are filed and placed on the counter, so please feel free to refer to them.
If you have large luggage like a suitcase, you can leave it at the store.

You will be given a clear case containing all the necessary documents, including the tuk-tuk keys, the nearest gas station, and contact information in case of an accident.

I grabbed my clear case and set off.

Let's start with a simple lecture!

The main parts related to driving, such as the handlebars, gear lever, turn signals, and brakes, are the same as those you're used to seeing on a motorcycle or car.
There's no need to feel overwhelmed by the idea that you have to memorize a lot of things.

Although the car was stopped, the steering wheel was quite heavy, and the brakes were also rather sluggish!
Make sure you get the hang of it before you hit the public roads.

After checking the button locations, setting up my smartphone, selecting music, and making all the necessary adjustments, I was ready to go!

2-2. Take a stroll around Kokusai Street

This time, we'll be running along Kokusai Street from the area around Makishi Station towards the Okinawa Prefectural Government Office.

It was a rather hot day (a high of 26°C in December) when I rode the tuk-tuk, so the breeze felt great once the tuk-tuk started moving!
It's not so bad that you can't sit without holding on to something, but you do feel the vibrations quite directly.

Kokusai Street is a familiar place that I've walked back and forth on many times, but perhaps because I'm seeing it from a different perspective in a tuk-tuk, it feels like I've come to a different city.
The stares from oncoming drivers are piercing. You get used to it and it becomes funny.

We took turns driving and even filmed a video! (Please note that there is sound!)

Whether it's because your line of sight is lower than from a car, or simply because there are no walls, the cityscape feels much closer.

I drove straight down Kokusai Street and reached the area in front of the prefectural office. I turned the steering wheel and headed home along the Kumoji River.
Finally, I filled up the gas tank and returned the car safely.

By the time we arrived at the restaurant, my mouth was completely dry from laughing so much. A bottled drink might be a must! (laughs)
Also, if you have long hair, it's a good idea to bring a hair tie to keep it in place.

This time I drove along Kokusai Street, but there was a lot of traffic and traffic lights, so it wasn't exactly a "smooth drive," which was a bit disappointing.
When and where you run is extremely important!

Next time, I'd like to run through a place with a nice view, feeling the wind in my hair.

3. How to rent a tuk-tuk

In Okinawa Main Island, you can rent a tuk-tuk in Okinawa City and Chatan City in central Okinawa.
It seems they also have stores in Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island!

Tuk-tuk rental car Okinawa
1-3-12 Higashi, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture 904-2154
Opening time: 9:00 - 18:00
Closed: New Year's holidays (December 30th - January 3rd)
TEL: 098-989-3915

Tuk-tuk Rent-a-Car Chatan Branch
1-1-4 Kitamae, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0117, Japan (Inside Joy Co., Ltd.)
Opening time: 9:00 - 20:00
Closed: None
TEL: 098-960-0056

Rental Plan Price List (4-seater)

1 hours	¥3,480	2 hours	¥6,800	3 hours	¥9,800	4 hours	¥12,800
5 hours	¥15,300	6 hours	¥17,800	7 hours	¥19,800	8 hours	¥21,800
9 hours	¥23,800	10 hours	¥25,800	11 hours	¥27,800	1 night 2 days	¥39,800

Liability waiver and gasoline fees are separate. Liability waiver is optional and costs ¥2,300 per driver per day.
Drivers are prohibited from driving barefoot, wearing flip-flops, sandals, heels, or thick-soled shoes.

Online reservations are possible until 18:00 PM the day before rental.
If there are cars available, you can rent one even on the same day, so if you're in a hurry, try calling to check.

As mentioned earlier, the city felt different than usual, but above all, the tuk-tuk was an attraction in itself, and it was also very photogenic, making it perfect for creating unforgettable memories.

The drivers in the oncoming lane were giving me quite a few stares, which was embarrassing at first, but I remembered that what happens on a trip stays on a trip, and in the end it became a good memory.

Unfortunately, they can't be driven on highways, and they vibrate more than regular cars, so they're not suitable for long-distance travel. However, a day trip in a tuk-tuk is a truly memorable experience!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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