Direct flights available from Naha and Tokyo! Detailed information on flights and fares to Kumejima Island

Where is Kume Island?

Okinawa is generally associated with the main island of Okinawa, where Naha City is located, but the prefecture is actually made up of a variety of other islands.

After the main island of Okinawa, Miyako, Ishigaki, and Iriomote are probably the next most famous islands.

Both islands are visited by large numbers of tourists every year, and are as popular tourist destinations as the main island of Okinawa.

The three islands above occupy the fourth largest area after the main island of Okinawa, and it can be said that in terms of the amount of content, the attractiveness of the islands and their area are proportional to each other.

And the fifth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture by area is Kume Island, which will be the subject of this article.

Kume Island is a large island with a land area of 58.94 square kilometers, and the island is full of various attractions.

Many of those who prefer to travel to Okinawa Prefecture have visited a number of islands and become repeat visitors to Kume Island.

Even if you have never heard of Kume Island before, we guarantee that once you visit, you will fall in love with its charms.

The most common means of transportation to Kume Island, located 100 km west of the main island of Okinawa, is by plane or ferry.

In this article, we would like to provide you with detailed information on one such access method to Kumejima Island, the use of airplanes, as well as other useful tourist information.

 

There are two flights to Kumejima Island

There are two routes available for air travel to Kume Island.

Knowing the two different routes will help you choose the best means to use them.

Below is a summary of information on each, in order.

 

Direct flights from Naha Airport

The first route is a direct flight from the mainland to Kume Island via Naha Airport.

Basically, there are no direct flights from the mainland to Kumejima, so this route would be the basic means of access.

There are seven flights a day from Naha to Kumejima, departing every two to three hours from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the evening.

Airplane prices fluctuate depending on the demand at different times of the year, but prices can range from 7,000 yen during inexpensive periods to the 12,000 yen range during the tourist season, when prices soar.

The flight from Naha takes about 35 minutes, so you should be able to travel without much fatigue.

 

Summer only] Direct flights from Tokyo

Although we mentioned above that there are basically no flights from the mainland to Kumejima, there are actually direct flights from Haneda Airport to Kumejima only during the summer vacation period.

From mid-July through the end of August, Tokyo and Kanto residents may consider using this flight.

Only one flight is available, departing at 11:15 a.m., with arrival scheduled for 1:50 p.m. after a 2.5-hour flight.

The price is approximately 27,000 yen, but keep in mind that the price may fluctuate from year to year depending on social conditions.

 

Advantages of flying to Kume Island

What are the advantages of traveling to Kume Island by air, given the two modes of transportation, air and ferry?

Let's take a look at some of the specific benefits of using airplanes that you may be interested in in the following sections.

 

Short time required

One of the advantages of using airplanes for transportation to Kumejima is that travel time is shorter.

It takes about 3.5 hours to travel from Naha to Kumejima by ferry, but by plane it takes just over 30 minutes.

In addition, direct flights from Tokyo would further reduce time significantly.

 

More flights than ferries

With the ferry, you have to keep an eye on the time since there are two flights at 9:00 and 14:30, but with the plane, it is easier to make a flexible travel itinerary due to the larger number of flights.

This is one of the strengths of this system, which allows for a flexible travel schedule, such as taking a later flight after sightseeing in Naha City.

However, the ferry is significantly cheaper than the plane in terms of fare.

By ferry, a one-way trip costs 3,450 yen for an adult, 6,560 yen round-trip, or 12,300 yen one-way with a rental car.

If you have some leeway in your travel schedule, we recommend that you consider the balance between time and cost and choose the option that better suits your travel plans.

 

From Kumejima Airport, it is convenient to take a local bus!

When you access Kumejima by plane, you will visit Kumejima Airport as the gateway to the island.

There are several patterns of transportation from the airport, but the first is to take a local bus.

You may want to travel to the city center to drop off your luggage at a sightseeing base inn, or visit at least one tourist spot on the route of the bus.

Since local buses are inexpensive anyway, we encourage you to consider using them as a means of transportation during the day.

 

I want to visit Kumejima on the day of arrival! Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Kumejima

Next to checking the means of access to Kumejima, let's check out some of the recommended sightseeing spots on Kumejima.

Starting from the airport, which is the gateway to the city, we will introduce in order the must-see spots located on the way to the city center.

We encourage you to use the following information to plan your sightseeing schedule.

 

Ruins of Uejo Castle

While leisure at sea and Okinawan cuisine are often the first things that come to mind when thinking of sightseeing in Okinawa Prefecture, it is also recommended to experience the history that Okinawa Prefecture has traced back to the past.

Okinawa has a history as a Ryukyu Kingdom, which is different from that of Japan, and you will be able to encounter its unique charms.

Among the many historic sites in Okinawa Prefecture, the Uejo Castle Ruins is one of the best spots.

A castle is a structure built during the Ryukyu Kingdom period, and the ruins of Uejo Castle, located on a mountain called Uejo-dake, is known as one of the best castle ruins in the prefecture.

The ruins of the castle are a perfect spot to contemplate history, with its stone walls and many other traces that remind us of its once robust appearance.

Another major attraction is its location at the top of the mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the island.

We recommend that you visit the ruins of Ue Castle first to get a feel for the geography and atmosphere of the island.

▼Learn more about the ruins of Uejo Castle

 

Tropical Fish House

The beauty of the sea and its rich underwater environment cannot be overlooked when discussing the charms of Kume Island.

Not only the sparkling, jewel-like surface of the sea, but also the many creatures that inhabit the clear waters of Kumejima are part of the charm that makes the island's waters so colorful.

You can encounter many such tropical fish on Kume Island at a natural beach called the Tropical Fish House.

The tropical fish house has the right terrain for fish habitat, and by visiting, you will be able to see the colorful fish that live in the sea of Kume Island.

It is like a natural aquarium, and although you cannot enter the water, it is the best place to learn about Kume Island.

 

Mifgar.

Although not limited to Kume Island, if you enjoy sightseeing on remote islands, it is recommended to visit spots where you can learn about the geography of the area.

The unique natural landscape of the area will give you the knowledge to enjoy other tourist attractions, as it is related to the roots of the climate that has been fostered.

A must-visit spot in this regard is called Mihgaa.

Located on the Yamato Tomari shore, Mihuga is popular for its sea breezes, which can only be experienced along the coast, and for its scenery of oddly shaped rocks carved by the erosion of the tides.

Surrounded by the sea on all four sides, the island's scenic beauty provides a great location for both viewing and photographing.

It is also a good place to visit as a couple or couples, as it has earned a reputation as a blessing spot for praying for a child.

▼Learn more about Miehger▼.

 

fiveleaf pine (Pinus palustris)

To learn more about the rich natural environment of Kume Island, we encourage you to look at the land as well as the sea.

The spot known as the "five-branch pine tree" is home to a giant Ryukyu pine that is 6 meters high, has a trunk circumference of 4.3 meters, and a branch area of 250 square meters.

The Ryukyu pine is a tree characterized by its branches that do not grow upward but rather crawl on the ground.

Its uniqueness will be interesting not only to plant lovers, but to anyone who sees it.

Some compare it to a large bonsai, a natural work of art that gives the impression of beauty as if it had been prepared by human hands.

This 250-year-old Ryukyu pine tree has been selected as one of the 100 most famous pine trees in Japan, and its beauty is well-deserved.

It would be one of the priority spots to visit.

 

5 Fun and Recommended Activities on Kume Island

Many visitors to Kume Island come for the activities that allow them to enjoy the island's abundant nature to the fullest.

Cycling along the island's circuitous roads is also a feature of Kumejima, and the island is full of many other attractions, but let us turn our attention to activities related to the sea on Kumejima.

There are a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed in the beautiful waters of Kume Island, and we have selected five of them for this issue.

All of these activities are very attractive, so please check them out carefully!

 

Hate no Hama Tour

There are many attractive beaches in and around Kume Island, but one spot that deserves special mention is Hate-no-hama.

Hate-no-hama is not just a sandy beach, despite the word "beach" in its name, but is actually a small island consisting of a 7-km-long chain of sandy beaches.

The island is covered with white sand made of broken pieces of coral reefs, and the entire beach sparkles beautifully in the tropical sunlight.

Of course, the lush, sparkling sea is also a jewel of beauty, and is often praised as the most beautiful in the East.

It is possible to travel from Kume Island on a cruising tour or other means, and the fantastic sight is guaranteed to be a sight to behold.

The ride to Hate-no-hama is also one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip, and the experience of being rocked by the boat while gazing at the beautiful sea of Kumejima will surely be one of the most memorable.

After visiting Hatohama, you can enjoy a variety of fun activities depending on the content of your tour, so why not find the tour of your choice?

▼Click here ▼ for recommended Hatate no Hama tours

▼Learn more about Hate no Hama ▼

▼Learn more about the Hatoe no Hama Landing Tour ▼

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is not limited to Okinawa Prefecture, but is enjoyed throughout Japan and the world as the king of marine activities.

Snorkeling is an activity in which participants dive into the ocean wearing a snorkel with a set of underwater glasses and a breathing tube, a rash guard, wet suit, and fins.

Wearing a snorkel allows for underwater visibility and allows the wearer to continue to immerse their face in the water while breathing near the surface.

Many people are captivated by snorkeling once they experience it, as it offers an immersive experience that is completely different from swimming while looking up to catch their breath.

In particular, the waters of Kumejima are clear with few impurities, and the visibility is excellent over a great distance.

Therefore, during the snorkeling, you will be able to see and fully appreciate the beauty of tropical fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, and other marine inhabitants.

Snorkeling is one of the least difficult of the various activities to participate in, and if you choose a beach with calm waves, children and the elderly can enjoy it without problems.

The fins attached to the feet provide high propulsive force, and you will be surprised at the exhilarating sensation that is so different from that of ordinary sea bathing.

▼Click here ▼ for recommended snorkeling tours

▼Learn more about snorkeling▼.

 

 

diving

Diving is a very popular diving activity that offers an extraordinary experience beyond snorkeling.

Diving is characterized by diving into even deeper water than snorkeling, and it is not possible to breathe at the surface of the ocean.

Instead, they carry an air tank on their backs, a regulator to draw air in from it, and a number of other pieces of heavy equipment before diving into the sea.

The original diving is to dive into deep waters where humans are not allowed to operate, and only qualified divers who have mastered the handling of each tool are allowed to participate.

So, is it not possible to participate for the first time while sightseeing?

Diving on Kume Island can be enjoyed as an activity with a full-time instructor, allowing you to experience the deep waters of Kume Island in a safe and secure environment.

Diving allows divers to remain underwater for extended periods of time, from 30 minutes to an hour, and the immersive experience far surpasses that of snorkeling.

The feeling as if you are a part of the ocean is the most extraordinary experience of all.

Diving is one of the activities you should participate in if you want to fully enjoy your trip to Kume Island.

▼Click here ▼ for recommended fun diving tours

▼Learn more about diving▼.

 

fishing

Fishing is one of the most popular hidden activities on Kume Island.

The rich waters of Kumejima provide a variety of marine products, and the island is highly regarded as a fishing spot.

There are many fishing spots where you can enjoy fishing on your own, but if you are so inclined, you should try fishing on a tour.

Guides who are familiar with the waters around the island will take you to the best areas for fishing, so you can enjoy the experience of a good bite.

Of course, the park offers a variety of equipment rentals, including fishing rods, and support for beginners, so both first-timers and veterans will be able to enjoy the area.

Why don't you experience a fishing experience that will remain in your memories forever while facing the beautiful sea of Kumejima?

▼Learn more about fishing tours▼.

 

marine sports

If you want to enjoy the sea of Kumejima more actively, why not participate in marine sports?

On Kume Island, you can participate in a number of marine sports, such as SUP, where you can stand on a board while paddling and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean surface.

Canoeing and kayaking are also popular, and couples and families can enjoy the most elegant and relaxing time on a two-person boat.

In addition, if you want to truly enjoy the scenery of Kume Island to the fullest, participation in parasailing is recommended.

Looking down on Kume Island from above, you will surely enjoy the most exhilarating experience and a perfect location.

Please consider participating in marine sports as one of your sightseeing plans for Kume Island.

 

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 have introduced sightseeing trips to Kume Island, focusing on travel by air.

By skillfully using airplanes and ferries for different purposes, you will be able to enjoy sightseeing on the islands in the best possible way.

In addition, there are many activities on Kume Island that take advantage of the island's unique charms, so be sure to check them out before your trip.

We hope this article will help you enjoy your trip.