The Latest in 2023] You can't miss it when you come to Kume Island! 20 Popular Sightseeing Spots & Tours

What is Kume Island like?

Kume Island is the westernmost island in the Okinawa group of islands.

It is located about 100 km west of the main island of Okinawa, about 30 minutes by plane from the main island of Okinawa.

It is the fifth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, covering an area of about 60 square kilometers, and can be circled by car in about one hour.

There are about 7,400 residents on the island, and tourism and agriculture are the main activities.

Kume Island is also blessed with good water, which makes Awamori production flourish.

Kumejima, one of the largest producers of Awamori in Okinawa Prefecture, Kumesen, a leading Awamori maker, is also located on Kumejima Island.

In this issue, we will introduce some popular sightseeing spots and tours about Kume Island.

 

Getting Around Kumejima

Public transportation on Kumejima Island includes buses, rental cars, and cabs.

The only public transportation is buses, which are few in number, about one per hour, so they are not suitable for sightseeing.

The entire circumference of the island is approximately 20 km, so it is convenient to travel by car.

We recommend renting a car to get around the island freely. There are five or six rental car companies on the island, but we recommend making reservations early, as the island gets crowded during the high season.

If it is not high season, it is a good idea to rent a car directly on site on the day you plan to visit.

One day is enough time to visit the sights.

If you are not able to drive, you can also take a cab on each occasion.

Sightseeing cabs are also available, and although they are more expensive than renting a car, they are sure to be an enjoyable way to see the sights, as local drivers will be happy to guide you.

Other options include renting bikes or bicycles.

It may be an option if you are traveling alone, but it is not suitable for family trips or large groups.

The terrain on Kume Island is very up and down, so please consider renting a bicycle only if you are confident in your leg strength.

 

13 recommended sightseeing spots on Kume Island!

The charm of Kumejima is its rich nature, as represented by its beaches.

Since the days of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus, it has been called the "Island of Beauty of the Ball" and is said to be the most beautiful island in the Ryukyu Archipelago.

The beauty of the island is still preserved today, and the entire island was designated as a prefectural natural park in 1983.

Here are 13 recommended sightseeing spots on Kume Island, which is rich in nature.

 

beach on the far side of the ocean

Hate-no-hama, an uninhabited island 5 km off the east coast of Kume Island, boasts a spectacular beach that is said to be the best in the East.

There are no large buildings or rest areas on the beautiful emerald green ocean and white sandy beaches of Hatohane Beach as far as the eye can see.

You can enjoy snorkeling, digging for beautiful shells, and having a wonderful time.

Hatate-no-hama can only be reached by boat, so you should sign up for a tour.

Because the sun can be intense during the summer months, parasols may be available for rent on some tours.

If you do not rent, prepare your own sunshades and rugs.

There is only one restroom at Hatoha beach, but it is recommended to use it before crossing by boat.

▼Click here ▼ for recommended Hatate no Hama tours

▼Learn more about Hate no Hama ▼

 

Mifgar.

Mihugar is a large rock, about 20 meters high, located northwest of Kume Island.

Also known as "woman rock," this rock has a hole in the shape of a woman's vagina, and is a power spot where worship is believed to bring blessings in the form of children.

Mihugar looks like a hole in one rock, but it is actually formed by two rocks colliding with each other.

The footing is a little bad, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

▼Learn more about Miehger▼.

 

HIYATA BANTA

Hiyadate Banta is a 200-meter-high cliff located in the northeastern part of Kume Island.

It is a scenic spot with cliffs that continue for about 2 km.

Banta means cliff in dialect.

There is an observatory from which you can see as far as the main island of Okinawa on a clear day.

There is also a store and restrooms, making it an ideal rest stop for renting a car and driving around.

 

tatami stone

Tatamiseki is located in the eastern part of Kume Island and is a group of more than 1,000 oddly shaped rocks that look like the shell of a large turtle.

It stretches 50 m from north to south and 250 m in length.

Designated as a natural monument by Okinawa Prefecture, it appears only at low tide.

The pentagonal and hexagonal shaped rocks, which resemble a turtle's shell, are columnar joints that were formed when lava erupted 6 million years ago and slowly cooled and hardened.

It appears only during low tide, so check the time of low tide before going.

▼More about Tatami Stone ▼

EEF Beach

Ihu Beach is located on the east side of Kume Island and is a 2 km long natural long beach.

This beautiful beach has been selected as one of the 100 best beaches in Japan.

The shallow waters and gentle waves make swimming safe and enjoyable even with children.

At low tide, the water dries up quite far out to sea, making it a bit tough to swim, but one of the pleasures is being able to walk out to sea.

Marine sports may also be enjoyed at high tide.

It is a place that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways at different times of the day, such as early morning walks, sunsets, and stargazing.

▼Learn more about EEF Beach ▼

 

the Uesu family

Located in the Nishime district, where the first settlement was established on Kume Island, it is the oldest remaining residence from the Ryukyu Kingdom period in Okinawa Prefecture.

The existing one is said to have been rebuilt around 1754.

One of the highlights at the Kamiezu family is the Hinpung.

A hinpun is a hedge or masonry wall built to conceal the inside of a building from the outside and to ward off evil spirits, but the hinpun of the Uezu family has an unusual function.

Both sides are masonry, but the space between them is blocked by a bamboo fence.

The bamboo fence can be removed and is designed so that when a woman marries or leaves the coffin, she leaves the place where the bamboo fence was removed.

The presence of the upper lavatory, a toilet for visitors, suggests that the Kamiezu family was a family that served as head of the land and had many visitors.

With such a variety of attractions, it is a facility where visitors can experience the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom period.

▼Learn more about the Uezu family

 

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

The beach is located on the west side of Kumejima Island, three minutes from Kumejima Airport, and is known as a beach where you can see airplanes taking off and landing at the airport up close.

Its location on the west side also makes it a popular spot for spectacular sunsets.

If your timing is right, you may be able to capture a photojournalistic shot of an airplane taking off or landing with the setting sun.

It is a shallow beach, so it is not suitable for swimming, but children can safely enjoy playing in the water.

As this is not a bathing beach, there are no changing rooms.

▼More about Shinri Beach▼.

 

fiveleaf pine (Pinus palustris)

The five-branch pine tree is a powerful single pine tree over 250 years old.

Designated as a national natural monument, it is a large Ryukyu pine tree with a height of 6 meters and a trunk circumference of approximately 4.3 meters.

It has been selected as one of the 100 best pine trees in Japan, and it is rare to see a single pine tree with such spreading branches in Japan, making it very impressive.

There is also a beautiful river running through the site that serves as a habitat for Kumejima fireflies, which can be viewed around the beginning of May.

Enjoy the precious Kumejima fireflies, which are found only in the rivers of Kumejima in the world.

 

Arra Beach

Arra Beach is located in the southern part of Kume Island and is a secluded beach known only to those in the know.

There are no toilets or other facilities, and the beauty of the beach can be enjoyed in its natural state.

Rather than enjoying marine activities, spend a relaxing time on a sheet, enjoying the scenery and spreading out shells and coral.

It is also a popular sunset spot, so enjoy the sunset over the ocean.

▼Learn more about Arrah Beach ▼

 

Gushigawa Castle Ruins

Gushigawa Castle Ruins is located on the northwest coast of Kume Island, surrounded by the sea on three sides with a very nice view.

The castle was the residence of an angler who conquered Kume Island in the early 15th century and is an important castle ruin in the history of the Ryukyu Islands.

It is surrounded by cliffs on three sides facing the coast and is characterized by the way it is piled with limestone and andesite.

Celadon porcelain and blue porcelain have been excavated from the remains, indicating that Kumejima was a key location during the great trading period.

▼Learn more about Gushigawa Castle Ruins ▼

 

Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimarukan

Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimarukan is a workshop operated by a cooperative that produces Kumejima Tsumugi, a traditional handicraft of Kumejima Island.

The history and working process of Kumejima Tsumugi are exhibited, and processed goods such as antiques and accessories, which are sold only at the Yuimarukan, are also displayed and sold.

Visitors can also try their hand at weaving and dyeing Kumejima silk.

It is said that the Japanese pongee kasuri technique developed on Kumejima Island and spread to other parts of Japan via Okinawa Island and Amami Oshima Island.

You will be able to fully experience the charm of Kumejima, the birthplace of Japan's pongee silk and the home of pongee silk.

▼Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato More about Yuimar Pavilion ▼

 

Ruins of Uejo Castle

Uejo Castle Ruins are the ruins of a gusuku-era castle built on the summit of Mount Uejo in the northern part of Kume Island.

Mt. Uejo is a Ramsar site with a mountain stream and wetlands.

Located on the summit of this Mt. Uejo, at an elevation of about 310 m, it is the highest castle ruin in Okinawa Prefecture.

You can see almost the entire Kume Island, and on a clear day you can even see the main island of Okinawa.

The date of construction is unknown, but ceramics and celadon from the late 14th century have been found among the excavated items.

It is also noteworthy that the site is designated as a national historic site because it is valuable for understanding the politics of the Gusuku period.

As a precaution when sightseeing, be careful when approaching the masonry, as snakes may be lurking in the masonry.

▼Learn more about the ruins of Uejo Castle

 

Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum

Sea turtles are endangered worldwide.

The Kumejima Sea Turtle Pavilion is a facility dedicated to the protection of sea turtles.

It is an aquarium specializing in sea turtles where visitors can see a variety of sea turtles up close and learn about their ecology.

The various species of sea turtles will delight both young children and adults.

During the GW and summer vacation periods, programs such as a feeding experience are also available.

h2OkinawaHealing Remote Islands! Kumejima Recommended Tour
Unlike the main island of Okinawa, Kumejima is a beautiful island with spectacular beaches and unspoiled nature still remaining.

Here are seven recommended tours that are unique to this beautiful remote island.

There are many tours that allow you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and heal your body and soul in the beauty of nature.

▼More about Kumejima Sea Turtle Pavilion ▼

 

diving

After all, the best way to experience the beauty of the sea is to dive into it.

The waters of Kumejima are popular for their dynamic underwater scenery.

Furthermore, the discovery of manta stations, where black manta rays can be seen with high probability, is attracting more and more attention.

There are many attractions, including a variety of creatures to enjoy throughout the year, and manta rays may be seen throughout the year.

If you are lucky, you can also see humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks.

There are diving spots where beginners are OK, and tours will help you feel at ease.

▼Click here ▼ for recommended fun diving tours

▼Learn more about diving▼.

 

snorkel

Snorkeling is a popular marine activity that can be enjoyed more casually than diving.

While it is easy and enjoyable, there are many accidents that occur when individuals do this.

It is important not to enter the water alone to enjoy snorkeling safely and to always wear a life jacket.

If this is your first snorkeling experience, be sure to join a tour.

By taking a tour, you may be able to see the right spots for the season and, if you are lucky, even encounter sea turtles.

There are also many experience tours for beginners, so please try it out in the clean waters of Kume Island.

▼Click here ▼ for recommended snorkeling tours

▼Learn more about snorkeling▼.

 

land at the beach on the far side of the sea

Hate-no-hama is an uninhabited island with only a sandy beach, located about 5 km off the coast of Kumejima.

Hatate no Hama can only be reached by boat, so take a tour.

There are various types of Hatate no Hama landing tours, including free tours, those that include snorkeling, glass boats, and SUP, and those that allow visitors to enjoy walking and strolling around the beach.

There are also courses that take you ashore by kayak, so please find the one that suits you best.

▼Click here ▼ for recommended Hatate no Hama tours

 

fishing

Not only anglers but also first-timers are encouraged to fish on Kume Island.

This is because Kume Island is said to be the island closest to tuna, making it a mecca for tuna fishing.

More than a dozen artificial floating reefs called payao have been set up around Kume Island, which serve as fishing grounds for yellowfin tuna and other tuna species.

In addition to Kumejima, payaos are also installed on Okinawa Island and Miyazaki, but only on Kumejima are they open to anglers.

We recommend fishing on Kume Island because it is possible to catch tuna at a high rate as long as they are of any size, and even beginners can enjoy fishing there.

▼Learn more about fishing tours▼.

 

SUP

SUP is a popular activity on Kume Island.

Stand Up Paddleboard is an activity in which participants stand on a large board and paddle through the water, which has become particularly popular in recent years.

It is recommended for families as it can be enjoyed by all ages.

The SUP movement itself will also strengthen your core, so you will be able to enjoy the exercise while having fun.

SUP also offers various courses such as half-day courses, sunset tours, and SUP yoga, so please try to find a tour that suits you.

▼SUPLearn more about ▼

 

kayak

Kayaking is another popular marine activity.

It can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and can be enjoyed by three generations of the family.

There are many experience tours available for beginners.

Some stores use clear kayaks, which are transparent kayaks that feel like they are floating in the ocean.

Enjoy a relaxing kayak ride in the beautiful waters of Kume Island.

glassboard

Glass-boarding is a way to appreciate the beautiful waters of Kumejima without getting into the sea.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy seeing beautiful underwater coral reefs and tropical fish without getting wet.

If you are lucky, you may even see a sea turtle swimming by.

Glassboarding is indoors, so you can experience it even if it rains a little.

However, since the glass-bottomed boat is a sightseeing boat, it may be rocked depending on the weather, and those who get seasick easily are advised to take anti-sickness medicine beforehand.

 

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!
Not only during travel, but also early in the morning (sunrise), sunset, and a little outside to see the starry sky.
We recommend that you move at your own timing, such as when you are in the middle of the day or when you are in the middle of the night!

▼Learn more about car rentals ▼

 

summary

Kumejima Island is located 30 minutes by plane or 3 hours by boat from Okinawa, and is a remote island that can be easily visited from Okinawa.

Kumejima is not a town like the main island of Okinawa, but because of this, it still retains its pristine nature.

Come and visit the most beautiful island in the Ryukyu Islands, "Kubi no Shima".

Please use this article as a guide to enjoy a relaxing time on the island by visiting various tourist spots and participating in tours.