Mapcode Complete Guide — Essential Navigation Tips for Okinawa Rental Cars

What Is a Mapcode?

A Mapcode is a location identification system developed by DENSO Corporation in 1997 that represents any location in Japan using just 6 to 12 digits. It is built into virtually all Japanese car navigation systems (car navi), allowing you to navigate to any destination by simply entering a numeric code — no need to type complicated Japanese addresses.

The basic structure of a Mapcode is as follows:

Mapcodes convert latitude and longitude into numeric codes using a proprietary algorithm. DENSO SOLUTION holds the patent, but anyone can use Mapcodes for free.

Why Are Mapcodes Essential in Okinawa?

When renting a car in Okinawa, Mapcodes are particularly important for the following reasons:

• Japanese address entry is difficult — Japanese car navigation systems require address input in hiragana or katakana. For foreign travelers, this is extremely inconvenient.
• Many locations have no clear address — Many of Okinawa's beautiful beaches, viewpoints, and hidden spots either have no precise address or are difficult to reach by address alone.
• Japanese-only navigation UI — Most rental car navigation systems only support the Japanese interface. But Mapcodes require only numeric input, eliminating the language barrier.
• Accurate parking lot navigation — Entering a tourist spot's address may guide you to the front entrance. A Mapcode directs you precisely to the parking lot entrance.
• Listed in guidebooks and websites — Japanese travel guidebooks, tourism websites, and rental car company materials almost always include Mapcodes.

You will especially appreciate Mapcodes after picking up your rental car at Naha Airport. Instead of struggling with Japanese addresses, you can simply punch in a few numbers and start driving immediately.

How to Enter Mapcodes in Car Navigation

Here is a detailed guide on entering Mapcodes by car manufacturer for common Japanese rental car navigation systems.

Basic Steps (Common to All Systems)

The Mapcode entry process is nearly identical across all car navigation brands:

1. Tap the "目的地" (Mokutekichi / Destination) button on the navigation screen
2. Select "マップコード" (Mapcode) or "マップコードで探す" (Search by Mapcode)
3. When the numeric keypad appears, enter the Mapcode digits in order
4. Enter the 2 digits after the "*" (asterisk) for higher precision
5. Tap "検索" (Kensaku / Search) or "決定" (Kettei / Confirm)
6. When the destination appears on the map, tap "案内開始" (Annai Kaishi / Start Navigation)

Toyota Navigation Systems

For Toyota factory navigation and Alpine systems commonly found in Toyota rental cars:

1. Tap "メニュー" (Menu) then "目的地" (Destination)
2. From the search method list, select "マップコード" (may be at the bottom of the list)
3. Enter the Mapcode without spaces on the number pad
4. Tap "検索" → confirm on map → "ここに行く" (Go here) or "案内開始"

Nissan Navigation Systems

For Nissan CARWINGS and Clarion systems:

1. Tap "目的地" → select the "その他" (Others) tab
2. Select "マップコード"
3. Enter numbers and tap "検索"
4. Confirm location → "目的地にする" (Set as destination) → "案内開始"

Honda Navigation Systems

For Honda Internavi and Gathers systems:

1. Tap "MENU" → "目的地" → "マップコード"
2. Enter numbers → "検索" → confirm map display
3. "ここへ行く" or "案内開始"

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

How to Find Mapcodes

Researching Mapcodes before your trip will save you valuable time at your destination. Here are various ways to find Mapcodes:

1. Mapcode Official Website

The official site operated by DENSO at "www.mapcode.com" lets you click on a map or enter an address to find the Mapcode for any location. The site is in Japanese, but clicking on the map is intuitive enough for anyone.

2. Mapion Online Map

Mapion (mapion.co.jp) is a major Japanese online map service. When you click any point on the map, the Mapcode is automatically displayed. You can input coordinates from Google Maps into Mapion to convert them to Mapcodes.

3. Converting from Google Maps

You cannot find Mapcodes directly on Google Maps, but you can convert them with these steps:

1. Search for your destination on Google Maps and note the latitude/longitude
2. Enter the coordinates into a Mapcode conversion site
3. Or use conversion tools such as "japanmapcode.com"

4. Travel Guidebooks and Tourism Websites

Most Okinawa travel guidebooks published in Japan (such as Rurubu and Mapple) include Mapcodes for each tourist spot. Okinawa tourism portals and rental car company websites also provide Mapcodes.

5. Rental Car Company Materials

Major Okinawa rental car companies (OTS, Times, Nippon, Orix) provide a leaflet with popular tourist spot Mapcodes when you pick up your vehicle. Make sure to grab this — it is extremely useful.

Complete Mapcode List for Popular Okinawa Spots

Below is a comprehensive list of Mapcodes for major tourist spots, beaches, and facilities across Okinawa's main island, organized by area. Save a screenshot or note down the Mapcodes for your planned destinations before your trip.

Northern Area (Nago, Motobu, Kunigami)

Central Area (Chatan, Yomitan, Onna, Ginowan)

Southern Area (Naha, Itoman, Nanjo)

Beaches

Road Stations (Michi no Eki)

Google Maps vs Mapcode Comparison

Many travelers now use Google Maps on their smartphones instead of the built-in car navigation. Here is a comparison of each approach:

Recommended approach: Use the car navigation with Mapcodes as your primary navigator, and keep Google Maps on your smartphone as a backup reference. This combination gives you the best of both worlds — especially for expressway IC guidance where car navi excels.

Smartphone Navigation App Guide

Using smartphone navigation apps alongside the built-in car navi makes your drive even smoother. Here are the recommended apps:

Google Maps

• Pros: Multi-language, real-time traffic, walking/transit directions available
• Cons: Sometimes routes through narrow streets; highway guidance weaker than car navi
• Tip: Download offline maps beforehand for data-free navigation

Apple Maps

• Pros: Built into iOS, intuitive UI, CarPlay integration
• Cons: Japan-specific data may be less comprehensive than Google Maps
• Tip: Recent updates have significantly improved Japanese road data

Yahoo! Car Navi

• Pros: Japan-specialized, free VICS traffic info, speed camera alerts, direct Mapcode input supported
• Cons: Japanese language only
• Tip: The best free app optimized for Japanese roads. If you want to use Mapcodes on a smartphone, this is the top choice

Rental Car Driving Tips — ETC, Expressway & Parking

Here are practical driving tips for Okinawa that go hand-in-hand with Mapcode navigation.

Parking Lot Mapcodes vs Entrance Mapcodes

For large tourist facilities, the facility Mapcode and the parking lot Mapcode may differ. When visiting by rental car, always use the parking lot Mapcode. Using the facility Mapcode might guide you to the building front, leaving you searching for the parking entrance.

For example, at Churaumi Aquarium:

• Aquarium Mapcode: 553 075 797 (aquarium building)
• North Gate Parking: 553 075 797*00 (P7 lot, closest to the aquarium)

ETC Cards and the Okinawa Expressway

The Okinawa Expressway connects Naha IC to Kyoda IC over approximately 57 km. An ETC card lets you pass through toll gates without stopping.

• ETC cards can be added as a rental car option (approx. 330 yen/day)
• Without ETC, pay at toll gates by cash or credit card
• Your car navi Mapcode route will guide you to the nearest IC (interchange) for your destination

Basic Okinawa Driving Rules

• Drive on the left: Japan uses left-side driving with right-hand steering
• Speed limits: Regular roads 40–60 km/h, expressway 80 km/h (no 100 km/h zones in Okinawa)
• Drink driving: Japan enforces a strict 0.03% BAC limit with severe penalties
• Right turns: Watch for Okinawa's unique right-turn waiting lanes
• Near military bases: Be extra cautious in areas with many Y-plate (US military) vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. How can I navigate to a place if I do not have the Mapcode?

A. You can use the car navi's phone number search (電話番号) or genre search (ジャンル). For restaurants and hotels, searching by phone number is very convenient. Alternatively, find the latitude/longitude on Google Maps and use a Mapcode conversion website.

Q. Do I need to enter the digits after the * in a Mapcode?

A. It is not mandatory. The 2 digits after * provide high-precision positioning to approximately 3 meters. Without them, the code navigates to within about 30 meters, which is sufficient in most cases. However, for finding a specific parking lot at a large facility, entering them is recommended.

Q. Can I travel around Okinawa using only Google Maps?

A. Yes, but we strongly recommend combining it with car navigation. Google Maps sometimes leads you down narrow alleys or unpaved roads, and its expressway IC guidance is less accurate than the built-in navi. In remote northern areas like Yanbaru where cell reception is weak, car navigation is far more reliable.

Q. Does every rental car navigation system support Mapcodes?

A. Nearly all navigation systems sold and installed in Japan support Mapcodes. However, very old models or some budget units may not. Confirm with the rental car staff when picking up your vehicle. Cars from major companies like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Mazda support Mapcodes virtually 100%.

Q. What is the best way to organize Mapcodes before my trip?

A. Take a screenshot of the Mapcode tables on this page, or write down Mapcodes in visit order in your notes app. Also make sure to pick up the Mapcode leaflet provided by your rental car company. Writing Mapcodes on paper and placing it in the passenger seat allows easy reference while driving.