Okinawa 3-Day, 2-Night Drive Course for Visitors from Korea

Landing at Naha Airport from Korea with a rental car for 2 nights and 3 days, but not sure where to go or in what order? Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island, American Village and Kokusai-dori all sound great. But if you pack in too much, the driving gets tiring and you lose the energy to enjoy the scenery.

This article is for travelers arriving at Naha Airport (international terminal) from Korea. It lays out a 2-night, 3-day drive: Day 1 in Naha, Day 2 in the north, and Day 3 down the west coast to the car return. You will find the key points on licenses, opening hours and parking at each stop, and the Japanese driving rules that differ from Korea, all from the driver’s point of view. The figures match what we have confirmed in our other blog articles.

The 2-Night, 3-Day Route at a Glance and What to Prepare

Sample Schedule

The route follows three ideas: park once in central Naha and walk, take the expressway to get north in one go, and plan the last day backward from your departure time. If you stay the first night in Naha and the second in Nago or Motobu in the north, the days connect without strain.

The times are guidelines that assume no traffic. How you spend Day 1 and Day 3 will depend on your arrival and departure flights. The last chapter explains how to rearrange the schedule, including Day 3.

You Need Three Documents: IDP, Korean License and Passport

A Korean license alone is not enough to drive a rental car in Japan. Bring all three originals: an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention format), your Korean driver’s license and your passport. Copies or photos on a smartphone are not accepted. If you plan to share the driving, every driver needs the full set.

You must get the IDP in Korea before you leave. It cannot be made after you arrive in Japan. For the application steps, required documents and fees, see our article Driving in Okinawa with a Korean License. UMUI Rent a Car’s own guidance is on the international driving permit page.

From the Airport to Your Car

The UMUI Rent a Car Naha Airport branch offers a free shuttle from the airport and is open 8:00-20:00 every day of the year. The booking site is available in Japanese, English, Korean and Traditional Chinese. After booking, complete the online check-in on your smartphone to shorten the paperwork at the counter.

If you are arriving on an international flight, enter your airline name and flight number in the check-in form. The official site does not state the shuttle pickup point or the ride time, so please confirm them in the message after booking or by phone (050-1783-5687). The branch closes at 20:00, so if your flight lands late, you can skip the car on the first day and pick it up on the morning of Day 2. For the full flow, see the first-timer Q&A for the Naha Airport branch.

Day 1: From Naha Airport to Kokusai-dori

Kokusai-dori

The first day is spent in Naha, which also helps you get used to the car. Kokusai-dori is a shopping street about 1.6 km long that starts near the prefectural office, with souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes. It is about 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport (local roads), so you can head straight there after picking up the car.

Do not try to park along the street itself. The basic approach is to park in a nearby pay car park and walk in. The official information page lists no capacity or fees, so check the signs on site. Also, every Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00, regular cars cannot enter the roughly 1.3 km section from the Kencho-kitaguchi intersection to the Saionbashi intersection (cancelled in rain). If you arrive on a Sunday, plan to approach from outside the restricted section.

Daiichi Makishi Public Market

This market, known as Naha’s kitchen, is within walking distance of Kokusai-dori. A popular way to enjoy it is to pick seafood or meat on the first floor, have it cooked, and eat it in the second-floor dining hall. It is open 8:00-22:00 (varies by shop), so you can also use it for dinner.

One thing to note: the market has no car park of its own. Walk from the car park you used near Kokusai-dori, or use the Yui Rail. It is closed on the fourth Sunday of every month (except December). Our Naha city parking guide explains how to think about parking for Kokusai-dori and the market in detail.

Driving on the First Day and Choosing a Hotel

The first day is for getting used to the car. Until you are comfortable with left-hand traffic and the right-hand steering wheel, plan to spend the first 30 minutes on quieter roads. In central Naha there are bus-only lanes that regular cars cannot use on weekday mornings (7:30-9:00) and evenings (17:30-19:00). Shopping on Kokusai-dori goes more smoothly if you avoid those hours.

A hotel in central Naha near Kokusai-dori is convenient. Hotel car parks and their fees differ from hotel to hotel, so check when you book. If you plan to drink at dinner, decide in advance not to drive that night.

Day 2 Morning: North by Expressway to Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa Expressway to Kyoda IC

Day 2 is your northern drive. The standard route is to join the Okinawa Expressway at Naha IC and head north to its end at Kyoda IC. From Naha Airport to Kyoda IC takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (without traffic). The toll for a standard car from Naha IC to Kyoda IC (about 57 km) is 1,040 yen with ETC or 1,610 yen in cash.

Japan’s ETC, similar to Korea’s Hi-Pass, requires both an in-car unit and an ETC card. If you do not have an ETC card that works in Japan, plan to pay in cash. Whether a car has an ETC unit varies by vehicle, so please check when booking if you want one. Our Okinawa Expressway guide covers the interchanges, tolls and rest stops such as Ige SA.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The highlight of the northern drive is Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Ocean Expo Park, Motobu. In the 7,500 m³ “Kuroshio Sea” tank, whale sharks and manta rays glide slowly right in front of you. According to the official FAQ, a visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours on average. If you add commentary, the dolphin show and a meal, allow about 3 hours.

The aquarium has no car park of its own; you use the Ocean Expo Park car parks. All of them are free. The closest ones to the aquarium are the P7 multi-level car park at the North Gate and P6, and P7 has a height limit of 2.3 m. If your GPS does not find “Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium”, search for “Kaiyohaku Park” instead. Our Churaumi Aquarium parking guide explains how to choose among the car parks.

Be careful on Wednesdays. Until March 31, 2027, Ocean Expo Park is trialing a “partial opening day” every Wednesday: the aquarium is open, but only car parks P5 to P7 and P9 can be used. If you visit on a Wednesday, head for P7 or P6.

The Dolphin Show and Bise Fukugi Tree Road

At Okichan Theater, right outside the aquarium, a free dolphin show runs five times a day at 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00, about 20 minutes each. Times can change, so check the notices on the day. With your admission ticket you can re-enter on the same day, so you can go back inside after a show or lunch.

About 5 minutes by car from the aquarium, Bise has a path lined with fukugi trees. Even on a sunny day it is cool under the trees, and a stroll takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. The village roads are where residents live, so park near the entrance and walk.

Day 2 Afternoon: Kouri Island and Your Hotel in the North

Kouri Bridge

In the afternoon, head for Kouri Bridge, which links Yagaji Island and Kouri Island. It is a free bridge about 2 km long, with clear shallow water spreading on both sides. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes by car from Churaumi Aquarium.

The thing to remember here is that stopping and parking are prohibited on the bridge. If you want photos, park in the free car park at the Kouri Bridge south viewing area, just before the bridge on the Yagaji Island side. On the bridge itself, don’t let the view distract you, and keep a safe distance from the car ahead.

Kouri Beach and Teinu Beach (Heart Rock)

Just after you cross the bridge, Kouri Beach spreads out on your left. You can look at the shallow sea with the bridge in the background, and there are eateries nearby where you can enjoy shaved ice and drinks. Kouri is a small island: even a full loop takes only about 10 minutes by car.

On the north side of the island, Teinu Beach has “Heart Rock,” where two rocks overlap to look like a heart. There is not much parking, and the path to the beach is uneven and takes a few minutes on foot, so walking shoes are better than sandals.

Kouri Ocean Tower and Your Second Night

From Kouri Ocean Tower on a hill on the island, you can see Kouri Bridge and the surrounding sea at a glance. It is open 10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30). Admission is 1,000 yen for adults (16 and over) and 500 yen for children (6 to 15); children under 6 are free. The car park holds about 200 cars.

For your second night, Nago city center or Motobu is convenient. Nago has many supermarkets, restaurants and gas stations, and Motobu is close to Churaumi Aquarium and Sesoko Island. Some roads in the north have few streetlights, so aim to reach your hotel while it is still light. Many restaurants on Kouri Island and in Nakijin close early, so decide where to eat dinner in advance. Our 2-day northern Okinawa drive article covers a route that includes other northern spots.

Day 3: Sesoko Beach, Cape Manzamo and Chatan to Finish

Sesoko Beach

On the last morning, cross Sesoko Bridge (762 m long), which links Motobu and Sesoko Island, to reach Sesoko Beach. Its very clear water is the main draw, and Ie Island is visible beyond the white sand. The swimming season runs roughly from mid-March to late November (planned), and lifeguards are on duty from 9:00 to 17:00. Even if you don’t swim, a walk along the water’s edge is enjoyable.

The car park is paid (1,000 yen per day for a standard car). If it is outside the swimming season, or your flight home is early, keep this stop short and move on.

Cape Manzamo

Head south along the west coast to Cape Manzamo in Onna Village. A Ryukyu limestone cliff about 20 m high juts out over the sea, and its tip looks like an elephant’s trunk. A grassy plateau spreads on top of the cliff, and the walking path takes only 20 to 30 minutes to loop. It is about 50 minutes by car from Motobu, and parking is free. It is also known for sunsets, but on a day when you have a flight, just stop by in daylight. Our Onna Village and Cape Manzamo sunset drive article explains how to enjoy the sunset.

When heading south from Cape Manzamo, joining the Okinawa Expressway at Yaka IC or Ishikawa IC lets you avoid congestion on Route 58. Enter the interchange you plan to use into your GPS before you set off.

Mihama American Village

Mihama American Village in Chatan is a complex with shopping, dining, amusements and hotels. It also has a cinema and a Ferris wheel, so you can use it on a rainy day as well. According to its official site, it takes about 35 minutes by car from Naha Airport, heading north on Route 58. Opening hours differ by shop, so if you have a particular shop in mind, check the store list on the official site.

For parking, the Chatan Town Mihama public car park is free (each gate has its own closing time), and the Chatan Fisharina public car parks 1 to 3 are free for 2 hours, with a daily maximum of 500 yen, open 24 hours. The Fisharina side charges after 2 hours, so if you plan to take your time with meals and shopping, factor in the fee when you choose. On event days such as fireworks nights, traffic restrictions may be put in place around the area. For more, see our Chatan and American Village drive article.

Chatan Park Sunset Beach

This beach right next to American Village faces west, as its name suggests. The 2026 swimming season runs from April 10 to November 30, with swimming hours of 9:00-18:00 in July and August and 9:00-17:00 in October and November. The beach office has toilets, showers and lockers. The car park is shared with Chatan Park; we could not confirm the number of spaces or the fees from official information, so please check the signs on site or ask the beach office (098-936-8273).

After sunset, Route 58 is crowded with cars heading home. From 17:30 to 19:00, regular cars cannot use the bus lane on Route 58, so there are fewer lanes to drive in and traffic builds up easily. Don’t try to fit in both beach time and the sunset; plan backward from your return time. We also cover other beaches in our article on beaches within an hour of Naha.

Japanese Driving Rules That Differ from Korea

Left-Hand Traffic, Right-Hand Drive and Lever Positions

Korea drives on the right, but Japan drives on the left, and the driver’s seat is on the right side of the car. When turning right, take care not to swing into the oncoming lane. Saying aloud “left lane” before you turn helps prevent driving on the wrong side. In Japanese cars the turn signal lever is generally on the right side of the steering wheel, the opposite of Korean cars. Many drivers switch on the wipers when they mean to signal, so try the levers on your rental car before you set off.

You Cannot Turn Right or Left on a Red Light

In Korea you may turn right on a red light after stopping at the stop line. Japan has no such rule. A red light in Japan means you cannot turn right or left; you may proceed only when a green arrow is lit. Be careful not to fall back on the Korean habit of stopping and then turning.

Stop Signs, Speed Limits and Bus Lanes

At the red inverted-triangle “止まれ” (Stop) sign, you must always stop. Speed limits are shown by signs or road markings; where there is none, a standard car is limited to 60 km/h on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on expressways (JAF). In central Naha and on parts of Route 58 there are bus lanes that regular cars cannot use in the morning and evening. Check the location and hours on the signs and road markings, and confirm the latest details with the Okinawa Prefectural Police Traffic Regulation Division (098-862-0110).

Drinking, Mobile Phones and Seat Belts

In Japan, drunk driving is punishable not only for the driver but also for the person who lent the car and for passengers. Using a mobile phone or staring at the car navigation screen while driving is also prohibited. Everyone in the car, driver and passengers alike, must wear a seat belt, and children under 6 must be in a child seat. Our article on driving rules in Japan covers the other rules and what to do in an accident or breakdown.

Return Planning and How to Rearrange the Schedule

Refueling and Returning the Car

Rental cars are returned with a full tank. Fill up at a gas station within 2 km of the return branch and show the receipt to the staff. If you refuel on the way back from Chatan to Naha, you won’t be rushed just before returning. Cars can be returned only at each branch, and after returning to the Naha Airport branch you ride the free shuttle to the airport. The shuttle interval and ride time are not stated on the official site, so set your return to the branch 2 to 3 hours before your flight departs to be safe.

Adjusting for Your Flight Times

If your flight home leaves in the evening or later, you can use Day 3 as written. The key is to get back to Naha before 17:30, when the bus lane restrictions on Route 58 begin. If your flight is in the morning or around noon, narrow Day 3 down to either Sesoko Beach or Cape Manzamo and head for Naha early. The Naha Airport branch opens at 8:00, so please consult the branch in advance about an early-morning flight. For what to do when a typhoon is approaching, see our typhoon response page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Isn’t it too much to cover both the north and the central area in 2 nights and 3 days?
A. This route puts Naha on Day 1, the north on Day 2 and the west coast on Day 3, so no single day’s drive gets too long. But Day 3 depends on your departure time, so if you are short on time, drop either Cape Manzamo or Chatan.

Q. Can I skip the rental car on the first day?
A. For sightseeing in Naha you can choose not to rent a car. In that case, use the Yui Rail and pick up the car on the morning of Day 2, which saves you the trouble of looking for parking. UMUI’s Omoromachi branch is a 3-minute walk from Omoromachi Station on the Yui Rail and is open 9:00-18:00.

Q. Can I drive with just one of the two, my Korean license or the IDP?
A. No. You cannot drive with only one of them. You must have all three: the IDP, your Korean license and your passport.

With a car, you can link Okinawa’s best-known sights at your own pace: Naha, Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island, Cape Manzamo and Chatan. Once your documents are in order and you know Japan’s driving rules, a 2-night, 3-day trip becomes much freer. UMUI Rent a Car guides you from Naha Airport to the branch by free shuttle. We hope you will use us for your trip from Korea.

* Information in this article, including opening hours, fees and swimming seasons, is current as of October 2026. It may change, so please check each facility’s official website before you go. Travel times assume no traffic. For the latest on regulations and traffic rules, please check the guidance of Japan’s National Police Agency, JAF and the Okinawa Prefectural Police.

Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0 / CC BY 2.5 / CC BY-SA 2.0 / CC BY-SA 3.0 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Public domain). Photographers are credited in each photo caption.