Shimojishima Airport Car Rental: Miyakojima Guide
Planning a trip to Miyakojima in 2026? Renting a car at Shimojishima Airport is essential. Get booking tips, discount codes, and the best driving routes.
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Planning a trip to Miyakojima in 2026? Renting a car at Shimojishima Airport is essential. Get booking tips, discount codes, and the best driving routes.

Miyakojima Road Trip Guide
'Shimojishima Airport Car Rental'
Booking Tips, Hands-on Review & Scenic Routes
© Photo & Written by Hyeryu
Hey there, fellow adventurers! Welcome back to my travel diary 🌏
My husband and I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Miyakojima.
With its mesmerizing "Miyako Blue" waters and laid-back vibes,
it honestly felt like we had escaped to a tropical paradise far from mainland Japan!
After exploring every corner of the island,
I can confidently say that without a rental car,
we wouldn't have enjoyed even half of what this island has to offer.
So today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about renting a car in Miyakojima,
including booking hacks, my honest review, and the ultimate driving itinerary! 🩵
Table of Contents |
1. Why a Rental Car is Absolutely Essential |
2. How to Book & Key Checkpoints |
3. My Personal Rental Experience |
4. Recommended Scenic Driving Routes |
1. Why a Rental Car is Absolutely Essential

The biggest takeaway from our Miyakojima trip is that
public transit is practically non-existent and attractions are miles apart.
Relying on taxis will easily drain your wallet in a single day,
making travel incredibly difficult without your own wheels.
Most of the iconic beaches and hidden viewpoints
are simply unreachable unless you drive 🥹
Consider Miyakojima a destination where
renting a car is 100% mandatory!
2. How to Book & Key Checkpoints

@ Shimojishima Airport Location
Miyakojima is served by two airports.
If you are arriving on an international flight or a budget carrier,
you will most likely land at Shimojishima Airport (SHI)!
I compared rates across three major booking platforms
to find the best deal for our dates. I highly recommend checking all three
to grab the best rate for your specific travel window!
Trip.com | Rakuten Travel | Kayak |
Make sure to select Shimojishima Airport as your pickup location!
Prices fluctuate based on seasonal demand and exchange rates.
Click the links above to apply active promo codes!
📌 Trip.com Rental Car 10% Discount Code 📌
TRIPCAR26KR
When renting abroad, I always opt for
Full Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance for peace of mind.
It’s a small price to pay to avoid any vacation-ruining stress!
Miyakojima has a limited fleet of rental vehicles,
and cars book out incredibly fast during peak seasons.
Make sure to secure your vehicle well in advance
to lock in the best rates!
⚠️ Crucial Checklist Before You Drive
✔️ International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory
✔️ Remember: Drive on the left side of the road in Japan
✔️ Double-check your insurance coverage details
3. My Personal Rental Experience

As soon as we walked out of the terminal, the rental agency's
shuttle bus was already waiting to take us to the depot!



The check-in process at the office was incredibly fast.
The staff was professional, the car was spotless,
and we were on the road in no time!
Pro tip: To protect yourself from any pre-existing damage claims,
always take a quick walkaround video and photos of the car before driving off.
The car comes with a full tank of gas,
and you just need to return it full!

The second we pulled out of the lot,
our tropical adventure officially began!
Having a car gave us absolute freedom.
We could stop whenever we wanted, adjust our schedule on the fly,
and discover untouched, hidden spots along the coast. 🩵
Honestly, a rental car completely elevates the quality of your Miyakojima trip!
▶️ Compare Rental Car Deals on Trip.com
▶️ Compare Rental Car Deals on Rakuten Travel
▶️ Compare Rental Car Deals on Kayak
4. Recommended Scenic Driving Routes
My favorite part of driving in Miyakojima was
rolling down the windows, letting the warm ocean breeze in,
and pulling over spontaneously to snap photos of the stunning views!
Here are the top three spots you absolutely must include
on your Miyakojima road trip itinerary: 🩵


📍 Irabu Bridge
As soon as you grab your car, you'll cross this bridge
to reach the main island of Miyakojima.
Cruising across this 2.2-mile bridge feels like you are literally flying
over a vast sheet of turquoise glass. It’s pure therapy!

📍 Imgya Marine Garden
This is a natural seaside park with calm, shallow waters,
making it one of the premier snorkeling spots on the island.
Don't miss the short walk up to the observatory deck
for a stunning, panoramic view of the coastline!


📍 Ryugujo Observatory
This was hands-down my absolute favorite spot on the island.
Located on Kurima Island, it offers a breathtaking view of the Kurima Bridge
and showcases the most vibrant shades of "Miyako Blue" imaginable!
Having our own car made it possible to capture these memories
at our own pace, making this trip feel incredibly special. 🩵
In Miyakojima, the journey itself is the destination.
It’s a place where stunning ocean views, scenic drives, and slow travel
come together in perfect harmony.
If you are currently planning your trip,
don't hesitate for a second—
book your rental car right now!
✔️ Perfect for road trip enthusiasts
✔️ A must for beach and ocean lovers
✔️ Essential for a relaxing, slow-paced getaway
If this sounds like your dream vacation, happy driving!
Wishing you an amazing road trip in Miyakojima! 🩵
▶️ Compare Rental Car Deals on Trip.com
▶️ Compare Rental Car Deals on Rakuten Travel
▶️ Compare Rental Car Deals on Kayak
Click the links above to compare prices
and lock in the absolute best deal for your dates!
Direct flights from South Korea arrive at Shimojishima Airport. Therefore, you must select Shimojishima Airport as your pickup location when booking a rental car.
The code to get a 10% discount when booking a rental car on Trip.com is TRIPCAR26KR. The discount will be applied if you access through the booking link and enter the code.
The rental car is provided with a full tank of gas when you first pick it up. The condition is that you must also return the car with a full tank of gas.
The bridge you cross to get to the main island right after renting a car is the Irabu Bridge. With the ocean stretching out right next to the bridge, it makes for a great driving route.

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