What is Kume Island? Sightseeing spots and hotels in Kumejima with a guide map!

The best places to visit in Kume Island! Thorough explanation of spots on Kume Island

Okinawa Prefecture is made up of a number of outlying islands, many of which are dispersed over a wide area, from its location next to Kagoshima Prefecture to the waters near Taiwan.

Therefore, even though we speak of Okinawa Prefecture in a single word, each island actually has a different charm, so you cannot get a complete picture of the prefecture by visiting just one island.

The most famous island is the main island of Okinawa, which is home to the prefectural capital, Naha City, as well as various tourist attractions.

Some of you may have heard of Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island, and Iriomote Island, or have actually visited these islands.

All of the above four islands are characterized by their large area, and large islands tend to contain many attractions.

Do you know which island in Okinawa Prefecture has the second largest area after the above four islands?

The island boasting the fifth largest area in the prefecture is Kume Island, which we will introduce here.

Kume Island is also a highly popular tourist destination in Okinawa Prefecture, with many people visiting the island for sightseeing throughout the year.

The tropical climate unique to Okinawa Prefecture is a characteristic of Kumejima, and the average temperature never drops below 20°C in summer and even in winter on the mainland.

This makes it possible to enjoy swimming in the sea for a long time, and as for marine activities such as snorkeling and SUP, the main attraction is that you can participate in these activities throughout the year.

The tourist environment is also well developed, and even if this is your first time participating in an activity, you will be able to participate with careful guidance and support.

The island's size also makes it a major attraction, with numerous natural and tourist resources found on the island, as well as historical sites that tell the story of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Numerous beautiful beaches are scattered throughout the area, and you can choose your favorite location, from busy tourist-focused beaches to secluded beaches with a private beach atmosphere.

Since the route to Kumejima is basically via Naha, there are many people who enjoy sightseeing on Kumejima together with sightseeing on the main island of Okinawa.

If you are planning a trip to Okinawa Prefecture, why not consider a visit to Kume Island as an option?

This article will introduce the various attractions of Kume Island for those who are considering a trip within Japan.

 

How long is Kume Island around?

When you go sightseeing to an unfamiliar place, especially to a remote island, the first thing you may be concerned about is the scale of the place.

Kume Island is considered to have a circumference of approximately 48 km, and the main feature of the island is a road that circles the island along its outer perimeter.

This perimeter road greatly enhances the convenience of Kume Island, and with a rental car, it is possible to get around the island in less than an hour.

You can rent a car on the island, or you can rent a car in Naha City and take the ferry with the car to the island for a flexible trip.

The numerous stores and points of interest scattered along the island's circular road will also contribute to the ease of sightseeing.

Another characteristic of Kume Island is that it is an ideal environment for cycling.

The scale of Kume Island is such that it is a good distance for an experienced bicycle rider to make a circuit of the island, and a large-scale cycling competition is held every year.

The sea breeze and the pleasant tropical climate will surely give you a great feeling as you pedal your bicycle mindlessly forward.

 

5 recommended beaches on Kume Island

There are several popular beaches on Kume Island, attracting many people with their beauty and unique scenery.

We have selected five of the most highly recommended beaches in the following list, so let's check them out in order.

 

beach on the far side of the ocean

Hate-no-hama, a small island near Kume Island, has been called the most beautiful of all beaches.

The main attraction is that you can go there by joining a tour and enjoy it together with various activities and experiences such as cruising and snorkeling.

▼Click here for recommended Hatate no Hama tours.▼

▼Learn more about Hate-no-hama▼

▼Learn more about the Hatoe no Hama Landing Tour ▼

 

EEF Beach

Ihu Beach is a well-known beach as a base for sightseeing in Kumejima, and its environment makes it an easy spot to enjoy various activities on the sandy beach.

In addition to its beauty, the beach is also attractive because of the many accommodations and restaurants clustered around it, making it the face of Kumejima.

▼Learn more about EEF Beach▼

 

thinly sliced beach (e.g. dried on a dish after washing)

Shinri Beach is located on the west side of Kume Island, and its calm waves and rich ecosystem make it a popular place to enjoy tropical beach activities.

Its location on the west side of the beach also makes it an attractive place to watch the sunset, making it a beach to visit during the sunset hours.

▼Learn more about Shinri Beach▼

 

Arra Beach

If you want to visit a beach with the atmosphere of a private beach in Kumejima, we recommend Arara Beach.

Arra Beach is located at the back of Gima Village between Kaneshiro Village and Ihu Beach, and is a natural beach where visitors can enjoy a tranquil atmosphere instead of having to travel long distances.

▼Learn more about Arrah Beach▼

 

Okutake Island

Okujima (Oujima) is one of the best spots for sightseeing in Kumejima, and to our surprise, it is possible to get there on foot from Kumejima via the New Oku Bridge.

In addition to enjoying hot springs, a museum, and the famous tempura, the beach is also renowned for its beauty, making it a must-visit destination for any visitor to Kumejima.

 

10 Sightseeing Spots on Kume Island

Kume Island is dotted with many popular tourist spots, and it is easy to get lost as to where to prioritize your visit.

Therefore, in this article, we have picked out 10 spots that are particularly well-reputed, so check them out carefully and use them as a reference for your trip.

 

tatami stone

Located on Okutake Island and designated as a natural monument by Okinawa Prefecture, Tatamiseki, also known as "turtle shell rock," is a mysterious place where several rocks resembling the shell of a Tatamiseki turtle are arranged in a row.

It is said that these strange rocks were formed by magma that solidified 12 million years ago, and are a sight to behold, showing the bravery and ruggedness of nature unique to Kumejima.

▼Learn more about Tatami stone▼

 

Teida Bridge, Tsumugi Bridge

Kume Island is also popular for its environment suitable for cycling, and the Teida and Tsumugi bridges in the northern part of Kume Island are considered to be two of the best places for such cycling courses.

The two bridges curve around from the high point to the beach, and as you bike down, you will encounter a great location for alternating views of the beach and trees.

 

Chula Fukki in Masha

The Churafukugi of Maisa is a tree designated as a natural monument by Okinawa Prefecture, and the road is lined with pulsating lines of fukugi, or lucky trees, which are also said to be plants that bring good fortune.

The Fukugi is estimated to be about 200 years old, so one can look at the beautiful and unique Fukugi and think about the history of Kumejima.

 

HIYATA BANTA

Hiyajyo Banta is one of the most scenic spots on Kume Island, a 200-meter-high cliff along a road in the northeastern part of the island.

From the observatory on top of the cliff, you can see Hate no Hama, Awakuni Island, Watanaki Island, and the Kerama Islands from the observatory when the weather is fine, and you will have a pleasant time while being blown by the sea breeze.

 

heliolite

The Sun Seat is said to have been a place where a man named Do-no-hya used to observe the sunrise during the reign of King Sang-shin, about 500 years ago.

It is said that Donohiya used to tell the seasons by observing the sunrise from the summer solstice to the winter solstice by this stone, and it is a place where one can ponder the history and culture of Kume Island.

 

Tropical Fish House

The tropical fish house is not an actual house, but the name of a natural beach where an environment is formed for many tropical fish to gather.

Visitors to this spot will be able to see numerous tropical fish and experience the beauty of Kumejima's ocean from the bottom of their hearts.

 

Ruins of Uejo Castle

Castles (gusuku) built in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom are one of the main tourist attractions in Okinawa, and one of the most famous on Kume Island is the ruins of Uejo Castle, located on top of a mountain called Mount Uejo.

The spot offers remnants of a bygone era through its Ryukyu limestone stone walls and other elements, as well as a view from a high elevation, making it a spot that can be enjoyed from a variety of perspectives.

▼Learn more about the ruins of Uejo Castle

 

Akamine Pineapple Orchard

Kume Island is a land characterized by the production of many delicious pineapples by taking advantage of its tropical climate with warm days throughout the year.

One of the most popular pineapple spots is Akamine Pineapple Orchard, where you are guaranteed to taste excellent pineapples and pineapple juice while admiring the pineapple fields.

 

Gushigawa Castle Ruins

Gushigawa Castle is the ruins of a castle built along a cliff, and the surrounding area is covered by high walls, with large stone walls continuing along the cliff edge, giving the spot a heroic atmosphere.

You will also recall the interesting historical fact that the castle grounds have a hole connected to the sea called Hifchimy, which was once used as an unloading route and an escape route from the place.

▼Learn more about Gushigawa Castle Ruins▼

 

Mifgar.

Located on the Yamato Tomari shore, Mihugar is a scenic spot unique to its seaside location, where you can view the oddly shaped rocks created by the sea wind and erosion by the tide.

In fact, it is believed that women worshipping the rock at Mihugar are blessed with the gift of a child, and the spot is visited by many people who wish to have a child.

▼Learn more about Miehger▼

 

5 Cafes and Restaurants in Kumejima

In order to fully enjoy your sightseeing trip to Kume Island, it is important to know where you can get a meal.

We have selected five of the most popular places from among so many that it is impossible to choose just one, so please take a look at them for your trip.

 

leisure market

Yuntaku Ichiba is a direct sales place for agricultural products from Kumejima, and although it has the atmosphere of a so-called "product hall," its main attraction is that it also offers a wide variety of eating and drinking areas.

With seating inside and outside, the restaurant offers a full menu of tempting dishes such as Kumejima soba, and the authentic flavor that belies its easygoing atmosphere attracts both tourists and locals alike.

 

BACKSHORE RANCH

Backshore means behind the coast, and as the name implies, this restaurant is an attractive place to enjoy excellent Italian cuisine while looking out over the coast.

Another secret of its popularity is its easy accessibility, being located along a road that circles the outer circumference of Kume Island.

Be sure to taste the pizzas and pastas that make the most of Kumejima's fresh seafood.

 

YUNAMI FACTORY

With its theme of actively using ingredients from Kumejima, YUNAMI FACTORY has gained popularity for the variety of fresh, locally produced and consumed dishes it offers.

The garlic shrimp served in the distinctive yellow containers are so good that you will be surprised and enjoy the mood as if you were in Hawaii!

 

Kumejima Maru Cafe

Kumejima Maru Cafe is a restaurant that offers a variety of light meals, fashionable drinks, and sweets using deep sea water and the island's local vegetables and herbs.

The wide range of menu items, from meals such as tortillas, hot dogs, and taco rice to parfaits, pancakes, and brightly colored drinks, will be enjoyed by all ages and genders with ease.

 

Yukui-Dokoro Shojima

Yukui-Dokoro Shojima is served by a chef trained at a ryotei restaurant in Kyoto, and its tiger prawn soba noodles, made with ingredients from Kumejima, won the grand prix at a world competition held in Singapore.

Although it may seem intimidating to hear that the restaurant has won awards around the world, it is a lunch-oriented restaurant with a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a variety of authentic cuisine at a reasonable price!

 

Izakaya in Kumejima

Okinawa Prefecture, including Kumejima Island, is known for its heavy drinking habits, and local alcoholic beverages such as Awamori and Orion beer, and the meals that go with them, are one of the major attractions of tourism.

We will introduce three izakaya (Japanese style pubs) that you should definitely visit to fully enjoy your trip to Kume Island!

 

Seafood Izakaya Umibouzu

Located near Ihu Beach, one of the main beaches on Kume Island, Kaisen Izakaya Uminbojyu is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes.

The restaurant is especially known for its dishes that make the most of local prawns, such as tiger prawn sashimi and grilled prawns with butter, and we guarantee that you will feel great if you taste them with our special sake.

 

Kameyoshi Seafood Restaurant

Kameyoshi Seafood Restaurant is also located near Eef Beach and has a reputation for serving a wide variety of delicious seafood dishes.

From seafood such as sea grapes and mozuku seaweed to chanpuru and Kumejima soba noodles, you will not regret ordering anything at this restaurant.

 

Restaurant Namiji

The last izakaya we would like to introduce, Restaurant Namaji, is also famous for its delicious seafood dishes, including a wide variety of prawns and other seafood dishes.

This restaurant is highly supported by the locals and is often mentioned when we ask residents for their recommendations, so why not visit on a night out on your trip?

 

A rental car is recommended for sightseeing in the islands!
Book your rental car on Kumejima Island early!

A rental car is recommended for getting around on Kume Island!

It is recommended because we can move around during the trip and also at our own timing, such as early morning (sunrise), sunset, or a short trip outside to see the stars!

▼Learn more about car rentals ▼

 

summary

In this article, we have introduced various spots that you should definitely visit when sightseeing on Kume Island.

The island has so many attractions that it is easy to be at a loss as to where to go, and we hope this article will be helpful to you at such times.

Please enjoy Kume Island sightseeing as much as you like.