(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Okinawa Jidoshado, or the Okinawa Expressway, runs from south to north for 57.3 kilometers connecting Naha City and Nago City.
Although it is a simple route compared to mainland Japan’s complex expressway system, there are a couple of things to note when you drive on the highway.
Exits, entries a plenty
First, exits appear relatively frequently on the road. The average distance between the exits or interchanges on the Okinawa Expressway is 4.8 kilometers, according to the West Nippon Expressway Company (NEXCO-West).
Many drivers also use the highway for short-range commuting, NEXCO said. This means that you’ll see plenty of traffic entering and exiting.
Due to this, it is important to stay alert on the road. Changing lanes or yielding to cars merging in is a cause of great stress on the Jidoshado.
Even if I am driving in a passing lane, I still need to be cautious. In fact, I once encountered a reckless driver who tried to change lanes twice in quick succession after merging onto the expressway, almost colliding with my car on the passing lane.
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
(Photo by Shoji Kudaka)
Watch out for inexperienced drivers
Another important thing to note is that Okinawa is a popular tourist destination and the primary mode of transportation for tourists is car rentals. These drivers are likely not accustomed to Okinawa’s roads, so keep that in mind.
Traffic jams happen
Like on the mainland, traffic woes also pop up on Okinawa. Many times, cars will be jammed up at the cash-only toll gates on the Jidoshado. According to the NEXCO West, only 65% of cars in Okinawa have an ETC (Electric Toll Collection System) device installed as of 2020, compared to 92% on cars in the west part of mainland Japan. If you don’t have an ETC system, you may need to wait in line during busy seasons such as Golden Week and summer vacation.
Prepare for the way traffic moves, adjust your speed and be flexible to let drivers in or out to help ensure smooth driving on the expressway.
(Shoji Kudaka)
