Prologue: A
New Adventure in the Paradise Called Okinawa
Emerald green seas, pure white sandy beaches, endless blue skies.
Okinawa possesses charm like a foreign country while still being Japan.
Did you know that you can have an unprecedented special experience on
this beautiful island?
It’s the “kart experience” – racing around the island as your
favorite character while feeling Okinawa’s breeze with your whole body.
This Japan-exclusive service is not just transportation but a
one-of-a-kind activity that lets you taste Okinawa’s nature, culture,
and people’s warmth with all five senses.
Wind passing through sugarcane fields, the scent of the tide,
villages where sanshin melodies can be heard, and warm “mensore”
greetings. All of these will make your Okinawa experience special.
Special Experience
Only Possible in Okinawa
Moments of Becoming
One with Island Nature
The reason kart experiences in Okinawa are special lies first in the
overwhelming natural beauty this island possesses. Crystal-clear seas
never seen on the mainland, deep subtropical greenery, and year-round
warm climate. The ideal driving environment that can only be realized
when these conditions come together exists here.
The scenery from the kart’s low viewpoint teaches you Okinawa’s
charms unnoticed in regular tourism. The vividness of hibiscus blooming
roadside, beauty of fukugi tree windbreaks, and rare creatures like
Yanbaru rails and Kerama deer occasionally showing themselves. It feels
like driving through nature’s theme park.
Mental Space Created by
Okinawa Time
Do you know the phrase “Uchina time”? It expresses Okinawa’s unique
leisurely flow of time. On this island, mental richness and human
connections are valued more than efficiency or speed.
Kart experiences also cherish this Okinawa time. Local grandmothers
asking “Where are you from?” at traffic lights, children playing
roadside waving their hands. Such casual exchanges color travel
memories. There’s no need to hurry. Feel the island breeze, enjoy
scenery, cherish encounters. That’s the Okinawan way of enjoyment.
Okinawa’s Charms
Through Selected Courses
Southern
War Sites and Scenic Views Course (90 minutes) – Dialogue Between
History and Nature
Departing from Naha city, first heading to the southern area that
became fierce battlegrounds during the Okinawa War. While touring
Himeyuri Tower and Peace Memorial Park, you can feel the preciousness of
peace anew. Though this land has heavy history, it’s now wrapped in
beautiful nature, giving healing to visitors.
Then, proceeding east along the coastline, the view suddenly opens
up. The view from Chinen Cape Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean is
truly spectacular. On clear days, you can clearly see Kudaka Island, the
island of gods. During photo time here, everyone will be overwhelmed by
beauty beyond words.
Miibaru Beach visited next is a hidden spot not well known to
tourists. The pure white sandy beach and crystal-clear sea are like a
private beach. Driving while feeling sea breezes makes you forget all
daily stress.
Central
American Village Course (60 minutes) – Experience Cultural Fusion
Okinawa’s central area has unique culture deeply influenced by U.S.
military bases. Chatan’s American Village is its symbolic existence.
Colorful buildings, English signs, and American-sized hamburger shops.
You feel like you’re in a California coastal town.
At Sunset Beach, as the name suggests, you can enjoy beautiful
sunsets. The sky and sea dyed orange, and yourselves driving through it.
Definitely Instagram-worthy moments. While watching local surfers riding
waves, you can feel Okinawa’s beach culture firsthand.
The course concludes at “Roadside Station Kadena” with views of
Kadena Base. The power of the huge runway and military aircraft taking
off and landing from the observation deck is overwhelming. It’s a
significant spot that makes you think about Okinawa’s complex history
and present.
Northern
Yanbaru Nature Course (120 minutes) – Into Nature’s Embrace
The forest area called “Yanbaru” spreading in northern Okinawa
Island. This area registered as a World Natural Heritage site is truly a
treasure trove of life. About an hour north from Naha, a primeval forest
world completely different from urban areas spreads out.
Passing through Nago City to Motobu Town. Here is Okinawa Churaumi
Aquarium, famous for giant whale sharks swimming leisurely. The aquarium
surroundings are excellent viewpoints overlooking Ie Island. The
distinctive mountain shape called Tacchu is unforgettable once seen.
Going further north, Kouri Bridge leading to Kouri Island comes into
view. The moment crossing this 1,960m bridge feels like flying over the
sea. The cobalt blue sea spreading on both sides of the bridge has
breathtaking beauty.
In Yanbaru forest, encounters with rare flora and fauna await. With
luck, you might spot natural monuments like Yanbaru rails or Noguchi
woodpeckers. Driving while listening to nature’s sounds is the ultimate
healing experience that makes you forget urban hustle.
Moving Moments Shared by
Participants
Special Memories
Made by Three Generations
“I brought my mother who reached her 60th birthday, participating
with three family generations,” says Tokyo resident Yamada-san (40).
“Mother was anxious at first, but decided to participate hearing we
could drive at a leisurely pace enjoying scenery. As a result, mother
enjoyed it most. Seeing mother tear up at Chinen Cape saying ‘I’m glad
to be alive,’ we cried too. It became the best trip feeling Okinawa’s
beauty and family bonds.”
Unforgettable Adventure on
Honeymoon
“We wanted to experience Okinawa beyond just beach resorts,” say the
Sato couple who visited on honeymoon. “Crossing Kouri Island bridge, we
both cheered at the beauty. On the way, a local grandfather was playing
sanshin and performed ‘Tinsagu nu Hana’ for us. It was indescribable
emotion. This experience became memories fitting for our new life’s
start.”
Finding a New Self on Solo
Travel
Tanaka-san (28) who visited solo from Osaka says, “Tired from work, I
went to Okinawa wanting to reflect on myself. The kart experience was
that trip’s highlight. Being alone, I could concentrate on wind sounds,
wave sounds, nature’s voice. Driving through Yanbaru forest, tears
wouldn’t stop for some reason. Wrapped in nature, I felt I returned to
my true self.”
Consideration for Safety
and Comfort
Equipment Suited to
Okinawa’s Climate
Though Okinawa is warm year-round, the sun is accordingly intense.
Therefore, UV protection is essential. The operating company provides
free sunscreen cream and also rents long-sleeved rash guards and
sunglasses.
Also, fully equipped with raincoats to handle sudden squalls
(showers). On days with strong seasonal winds called “kachibee” unique
to Okinawa, they appropriately judge course changes or operation
suspension prioritizing safety.
Guides Who Know Island
Road Conditions
Okinawa’s roads have different characteristics from the mainland. For
example, during sugarcane harvest season, many large agricultural
vehicles pass through. Also, encounters with U.S. military vehicles and
sections with many tour buses can be confusing without knowing local
conditions.
Therefore, all guides are professionals thoroughly familiar with
Okinawa’s road conditions. Beyond safe route selection, they explain the
land’s history and culture in detail. Trivia like “That red-tile house
is Ryukyu Dynasty era architecture…” also enriches the journey.
Pricing and Service Details
Transparent and
Reliable Pricing System
Basic Pricing (As of 2024) – Southern War Sites and
Scenic Views Course (90 minutes): ¥9,500 – Central American Village
Course (60 minutes): ¥7,500 – Northern Yanbaru Nature Course (120
minutes): ¥13,000
Prices include kart rental, gasoline, insurance, guide fee, costume
rental, helmet, and sun protection goods.
Value Plans and Options
Family Plan: 15% OFF for 2 adults + 2 children
Long-stay Discount: 10% OFF for 3-day advance booking,
15% OFF for 1-week advance Off-season Special: 20% OFF
all courses in June and September Resident Discount:
Always 15% OFF for Okinawa residents
Popular Optional Services – Tour with sanshin
performance: Plus ¥5,000 – Snorkeling set: Plus ¥8,000 (includes beach
free time) – Ryukyu costume rental: Plus ¥3,000 – Professional
photographer: Plus ¥10,000
Seasonal Enjoyment and
Highlights
Spring
(March-May) – Paradise Colored by Flowers
Okinawa’s spring arrives earlier than the mainland. From late January
to February, Japan’s earliest cherry blossoms (kanhizakura) bloom. The
deep pink flowers create beautiful contrast with blue skies, perfect for
photos.
In March, azaleas bloom everywhere. Especially during Higashi Village
Azalea Festival, you can enjoy spectacular scenery with entire mountains
dyed red and pink. Also, this season has stable weather, neither too hot
nor cold, optimal for kart experiences.
Summer
(June-August) – Dialogue with Blue Seas
Okinawa’s summer is truly ocean season. Plans combining marine
activities in highly transparent seas are popular. Early morning or
evening tours let you enjoy beautiful coastlines while avoiding strong
daytime sun.
As special summer events, “Night Kart Tours” are conducted. The
fantastical experience touring illuminated tourist spots under starry
skies shows completely different Okinawan charms from daytime.
Autumn
(September-November) – Season of Abundance
After typhoon season passes, stable weather returns from October.
This period has many traditional Okinawan events. Tours while
experiencing culture continuing from Ryukyu Dynasty times like Shuri
Castle Festival and Naha Great Tug-of-War lead to deeper Okinawa
understanding.
Also, it’s when sugarcane harvest begins, and waves of sugarcane
spreading across fields are uniquely Okinawan scenery.
Winter
(December-February) – Charm as Winter Refuge
When the mainland shivers in cold, Okinawa has comfortable weather
averaging around 20°C. Tours combining humpback whale watching only
visible this season are also popular.
Also, during Lunar New Year, traditional events occur everywhere,
allowing you to experience the essence of Ryukyu culture like lion
dances and eisa.
Flow from Reservation to
Experience
Easy Booking with Peace of
Mind
Reservations are possible through the official website, phone, or
local tourist information centers. Early booking is recommended for
especially popular evening tours and weekends. Cancellations are free up
to 2 days before, so no need to worry about weather.
On the day, arrive 15 minutes early at the designated meeting point.
Free shuttle service is available from major Naha hotels (reservation
required).
Detailed Flow on Experience
Day
- Reception and Preparation (30 minutes)
- License verification and paperwork
- Costume selection (including Okinawa-limited designs!)
- Sun protection and safety equipment fitting
- Instruction and Practice (20 minutes)
- Kart operation explanation
- Okinawa traffic rules confirmation
- Practice driving on premises
- Actual Tour (60-120 minutes)
- Safe departure with guide leading
- Photo time at each spot
- Interaction with locals
- After Completion (20 minutes)
- Changing and equipment return
- Photo data receipt
- Next-time discount coupon distribution
Summary: What
Okinawa Kart Experience Gives You
The kart experience in Okinawa will become special time remaining in
your heart beyond mere activity. Beautiful nature, rich culture, warm
people. The luxury of experiencing all these while feeling the wind
cannot be tasted anywhere else.
Blue seas, white beaches, lush forests. And the exhilaration of
running freely through them. Moments of forgetting daily life and
enjoying with childlike wonder. These should make your Okinawa trip and
an important page of your life special.
In Okinawa where the spirit of “ichariba chode” (once we meet, we are
brothers) lives, new encounters and discoveries await you.
Come, become Okinawa’s wind and race around this beautiful island.
Surely, emotion and healing beyond expectations will embrace you.
Mensore, to Okinawa. And to a special adventure.
