Let's know the typhoon season in Kumejima! Thorough explanation of the characteristics of typhoon season on Kumejima and what to look out for.

Thorough explanation of typhoon information on Kumejima!

Located about 100 km west of the main island of Okinawa, Kumejima Island has an average temperature of over 20°C (68°F).

Because of its subtropical climate, Kume Island is a sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy rare flora, fauna, and scenery that can only be seen on Kume Island.

Kume Island is prone to typhoons at certain times of the year, so you must be careful when visiting the island during these times.

For this reason, it is important to know the timing and characteristics of typhoons on Kumejima, and to make appropriate plans if you visit during those times.

In this issue, we will explain typhoon information for Kumejima.

 

Typhoon season and characteristics of Kumejima

August is the most frequent typhoon season on Kume Island throughout the year.

However, even before and after that, in July and September, typhoons are likely to approach, so caution should be exercised.

According to the average data from the Okinawa Meteorological Observatory, Kumejima has an average of 2 to 2.5 typhoons per year that are included in the strong wind area.

However, even if you are not caught in a strong wind zone, the sea can often be rough due to distant typhoons, so it is essential to check the weather forecast in advance if you intend to engage in marine activities.

Kumejima is characterized by the fact that the period of time when the island is in the typhoon's strong wind zone is approximately two days or less.

Consider the time of year to visit and your sightseeing plans with this in mind.

 

Do ferries operate during the typhoon season?

If a typhoon occurs and approaches Kumejima, there is a very good chance that the ferry will be cancelled.

However, the operation status on days when a typhoon is approaching will be determined early in the morning of the day.

Therefore, it is important to be aware that it is often not known whether the service will operate until the last minute.

Strong typhoon winds and high waves make it difficult to operate safely, and forcing a vessel to operate in an approaching typhoon can lead to a major accident.

The ferry company will make the decision based on safety first, taking into account the typhoon conditions, so leave it to them to make the decision.

 

How to spend time on Kume Island during typhoon season

If you are considering visiting Kume Island during typhoon season, you need to consider both plans for when the weather is good and when a typhoon is approaching.

However, it may be difficult to know how to spend your time when a typhoon is approaching.

Here are some tips on how to spend your time on Kume Island during typhoon season.

 

　How to spend time on Kume Island during typhoon season

Of course, leisure activities in the sea are not allowed on Kume Island, where a typhoon is approaching.

Also, if the weather is broken by heavy rain or strong winds, the number of sights that can be visited will be limited.

So, when a typhoon is approaching, consider spending time indoors for fun.

There are a number of indoor tourist attractions on Kume Island, so you will be able to make memories by visiting such places.

Since Kume Island offers a variety of spots as well as ocean and scenery, it is a good idea to do some research in advance and visit a variety of places.

However, care should be taken when traveling in the rain.

Although Kume Island offers transportation options such as town buses, bicycle rentals, and cabs, these modes of transportation may seem inconvenient when a typhoon is approaching.

In addition, the town buses are limited in number and cabs are limited in number, so you may end up getting wet all over from the rain while waiting.

It is also recommended to avoid renting bicycles, as they are extremely dangerous in heavy rain and strong winds.

Therefore, it will be necessary to rent a car, the safest means of transportation, and ensure that you have the means to move around the island freely.

 

Tourist attractions that can be enjoyed before and after the typhoon

Kume Island is known for its beautiful nature and emerald blue waters, and many tourists visit the island to enjoy activities surrounded by such nature.

However, if a typhoon is approaching, this kind of enjoyment will be difficult.

Therefore, we recommend that you enjoy Kume Island in a different way from these.

One of the charms of Kumejima is that there are numerous sightseeing spots that can be enjoyed even when the weather and sea are rough around the time of typhoons.

Kume Island still retains a unique culture, and experiencing it is another way to enjoy Kume Island.

Here are some of the most recommended sightseeing spots on Kume Island that can be enjoyed before and after the typhoon.

 

　Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimarukan

Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimarukan is a workshop operated by the Kumejima Tsumugi Business Cooperative Association, which manufactures Kumejima Tsumugi, a traditional handicraft of Kumejima Island.

Here, the history and work process of Kumejima Tsumugi, which was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2004, are exhibited in detail.

Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimarukan also sells Kumejima Tsumugi fabrics and processed goods such as business card cases, which can be purchased only at the Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimarukan.

We also offer weaving and dyeing experience of Kumejima silk.

The experience of weaving and dyeing Kumejima silk, a traditional craft, is a valuable experience that cannot be found in other tourist attractions, and will create good memories for children.

The woven and dyed items made during the experience can also be taken home as souvenirs.

The Yuimarukan, the home of Kumejima Tsumugi, is a sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy experiencing traditional crafts and learning about their charms and backgrounds.

▼Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato More about Yuimar Pavilion ▼

 

　Yachimun Clay Flame Studio

The Yachimun Dohonbou, which stands on a small hill and is characterized by its red-tile Okinawan maple wood structure, is a sightseeing spot where various events are held, including a shisa-making, painting, and pottery-making experience using Kumejima clay.

All visitors will be able to experience the traditional Okinawan craft of yachimun and learn about its charms.

Since the event is held indoors, visitors can enjoy it comfortably even if the weather is broken by a typhoon.

You can make your own original shisa and ceramics, which must be a memory that will last a lifetime.

They also sell handicrafts, which make great souvenirs to remember your visit to Kumejima.

 

Ryukyu Glass Studio Ruri Hotaru

Ryukyu Glass Studio Ruri Hotaru, located an 8-minute drive from Kumejima Airport, is an eco-friendly Ryukyu glass studio that uses waste bottles from Awamori and other glass beverages.

Here, visitors can try their hand at making glasswork accessories and lampshades, making this the perfect place to create memories of Kume Island.

Also on display and for sale are original Ryukyu glass, cups, and chopstick rests.

Experience the full beauty of Ryukyu glass, which is different from commercially available products.

 

Measures and precautions for typhoon season

During typhoon season, ferry and airline operations are expected to be affected by sudden weather conditions.

Therefore, it is essential to check the weather forecast frequently before visiting for sightseeing.

If a typhoon is approaching on your planned date, check with your travel agent.

It is important to note that an approaching typhoon does not necessarily mean that you cannot go to Kume Island.

Last-minute changes in the path of typhoons can happen, and you may be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel your trip prematurely.

Wait until the last minute and wait for instructions from the travel agency or airline.

Also, if a typhoon approaches after you arrive in the area, be sure to stay absolutely clear of the ocean and other dangerous places.

When the sea is rough due to a typhoon, the possibility of accidents is very high, so it is important to put safety first rather than fun.

Even a sea that does not seem rough at first glance can suddenly change.

Do not force yourself to enjoy the sea because you have come all the way to Kumejima.

If you are looking for something to do for fun, we recommend that you look for sights to enjoy outside of the ocean.

 

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 issue, we introduced typhoon information for Kumejima.

Typhoons often approach the Okinawa area, including Kumejima, around August, so those who are considering sightseeing during this time must be careful about weather and safety measures.

Because typhoons are natural disasters, they are difficult to predict accurately.

Also, be sure to act calmly, as wrong actions may cause unexpected problems or accidents.

Since there are many sightseeing spots on Kume Island that can be enjoyed even when the weather is broken, you should consider visiting such spots during a typhoon.