Which do you recommend, flying or taking a ferry from Naha to Kumejima? The advantages of each and recommended spots!

Healing Remote Island "Kumejima" in Okinawa from Naha

Are you familiar with Kume Island, one of the remote islands in Okinawa Prefecture?

Okinawa Prefecture is made up of a large number of remote islands, many of which float in a wide area of ocean.

The most famous island is the main island of Okinawa, which is home to the prefectural capital, Naha City, but other famous islands include Miyako, Ishigaki, and Iriomote.

Kume Island, which I will introduce here, boasts the fifth largest area after these four islands.

Like many of the islands of Okinawa Prefecture, Kume Island is surrounded by beautiful tropical waters.

Blessed with a mild subtropical climate, swimming can be enjoyed half of the year, and marine activities can be enjoyed all year round.

Kumejima may be slightly less well known than the four islands mentioned above, including the main island of Okinawa, but as a sightseeing spot, Kumejima is no less attractive than those islands.

One of the most attractive features of Kumejima is its moderate size.

Many people may want a certain amount of space and numerous contents when visiting a remote island, but if it is too large, it may take too much time to move around.

In this respect, Kume Island is a large island, but if you are physically fit, you can go around the island by bicycle by using the island's circular road laid out along the outer circumference.

The moderate scale of the island is such that a large-scale cycling competition is held every year, and the island can be enjoyed flexibly, either by driving around or by using bicycles.

The island offers a full range of accommodations and other facilities for a convenient stay, and we guarantee that you will be captivated by the charms of Kumejima once you visit.

For those who are interested in Kumejima, one thing that may be of concern is the transportation to the island.

During the summer vacation period, direct flights from the mainland to Kumejima are available in some cases, but basically, travel to Kumejima is via the main island of Okinawa.

If you have time in your itinerary, it might be a good idea to combine a visit to Kume Island with a visit to the main island of Okinawa.

In this issue, we will introduce how to access Kumejima from Naha and the various attractions of a trip to Kumejima in an easy-to-understand manner.

 

Kumejima Island is accessible by plane or ferry from Naha!

First, there are two separate means of access from Naha to Kumejima.

One route is by plane, as is access to Naha from the mainland, and the other is by ferry from Naha.

Below is a summary of the characteristics of each means of transportation, so let's check them out in order.

 

Advantages of Flying to Kume Island

First, let's look at one means of transportation to Kume Island: by air.

What are the advantages of choosing to travel by air between the two modes of transportation?

 

Short time required

One of the most important advantages of flying is the shortened travel time.

As you all know, airplanes are one of the fastest means of transportation used in modern society.

The short travel time from Naha to Kumejima is very attractive, especially if the travel schedule is short.

The flight time from Naha to Kumejima is estimated to be approximately 40 minutes.

The cost of transportation varies depending on the time of year, but the lowest price is often in the mid-6000 yen range.

 

More flights than ferries

Another advantage of flying is the convenience of the large number of flights available.

Flights from Naha to Kumejima fly every two hours or so during the day, so missing one flight will not disrupt the rest of your schedule.

The convenience of the Kumejima island is also a major attraction, as it is possible to enjoy sightseeing in Naha and then easily move to Kumejima at a time that suits your schedule.

 

Advantages of taking a ferry to Kume Island

Following the airplane, let's look at the advantages of taking a ferry to Kume Island.

While some may think that airplanes are a superior mode of transportation to ferries, ferries actually have many advantages.

Regardless of which one you choose to use, knowing the features of both will be of great help in planning your sightseeing schedule.

 

Cheaper than flying and no price fluctuations during busy periods

One of the greatest advantages of ferries over airplanes, which are superior in speed, is their cost-effectiveness.

The fare from Naha to Kumejima by ferry is 3,450 yen one way for adults.

This fee is fixed and will provide peace of mind compared to airline fees, which fluctuate with the time of year.

It will take about 2.5 hours to travel, but be understanding about that.

 

Cars and rental bikes can be carried.

Another advantage of using the ferry is the ability to transport rental cars and motorcycles from Naha to Kumejima.

This is especially useful if you plan to enjoy sightseeing on both the main island of Okinawa and Kume Island, and you do not need to rent a car again after crossing to Kume Island.

Seamless sightseeing between the two islands would greatly expand the possibilities for travel enjoyment.

Another advantage of Naha over Kumejima is that there are more places to rent cars and motorcycles in Naha than on Kumejima, so you will have a steady stream of foot traffic.

Transportation is one of the major factors in the enjoyment of travel, and the ability to increase its convenience will be a great advantage.

 

Conclusion: Which do you recommend, ferry or plane from Naha to Kume-jima Island?

Summarizing the information so far, which is the best way to travel from Naha to Kumejima?

In conclusion, it can be said that which is the better means of transportation depends on the purpose of the trip.

First of all, air travel is attractive because of its speed.

If you can travel to Kumejima in less than an hour, it will be easier to make the most of the rest of your itinerary.

If your stay is short, or if you want to enjoy sightseeing both on the main island of Okinawa and on the mainland, or if you want to build your schedule as tight as possible, flying is a better choice.

However, this is not to say that ferries are an inferior means of transportation.

First of all, the excellent cost performance and the fact that rental cars and other vehicles can be brought in are as mentioned above, and in addition to that, the travel experience that can be felt by taking the ferry is not to be missed.

The sea surrounding Kume Island is extremely beautiful, and the 2.5-hour boat ride itself will be a valuable sightseeing experience.

If the weather permits, you are guaranteed to enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility in a beautiful location surrounded by the sparkling sea.

If you have some leeway in your itinerary, ferry travel is also a recommended means of transportation due to its low cost.

Since it is difficult to say which is best for you, we urge you to choose the mode of transportation that best fits your travel plans.

 

5 Fun and Popular Activities on Okinawa's Remote Island of Kumejima

Now that you have confirmed the means of transportation from the main island of Okinawa to Kumejima, let's take a look at what you should do after visiting Kumejima.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Kume Island is a tourist destination filled with numerous attractions.

If you visit Kume Island without any information about the island, you may be confused by the many things to see and do.

As is true when visiting any place, it is important to do some preliminary research in order to enjoy the sights to the fullest.

While it is fun to explore a place you are visiting for the first time without any information, travel is basically limited to a limited number of days.

In order to avoid wasting time in such a situation and to make your travel schedule more meaningful, advance knowledge will surely be helpful.

Below we have compiled a list of the most popular activities and ways to play on Kume Island, so be sure to check them out!

 

Hatate no Hama Cruising

First of all, we would like to introduce cruising, which allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of the sea of Kumejima.

Some people may have the impression that cruising is something that celebrities enjoy and may shy away from it.

However, cruising is a popular pastime on Kume Island, which is surrounded by beautiful ocean on all sides, and can be easily participated in as a part of sightseeing without much preparation.

A variety of tours are offered, and one of the attractions is the reasonable price range, with some tours starting from as low as 1,000 yen, depending on the content!

Hate-no-hama, one of the best spots for cruising on Kume Island, is said to be one of the most beautiful of the many beach groups on Kume Island.

Although it is called a beach, Hate-no-hama is actually a small island, with a fantastic scene of white sand piled up with minute coral fragments.

If you go on a cruising tour to such a beach in Hatohate, you will surely see a spectacular view beyond your imagination.

Some of the cruising tours also include lunch, so you can stay at Hatohama and enjoy a delicious meal in the midst of its spectacular scenery.

Why not consider joining us for a fascinating cruising tour that is sure to provide you with memories that will last a lifetime?

▼Click here ▼ for recommended Hatate no Hama tours

▼Learn more about Hate no Hama ▼

▼Learn more about the Hatoe no Hama Landing Tour ▼

 

Hate-no-hama snorkeling

Next, I would like to introduce snorkeling, one of the most popular marine activities, also from Hate-no-hama.

Snorkeling is a popular beach activity outside of Kumejima and Okinawa Prefecture, and some people may have experienced it on the mainland.

However, even those who have snorkeled in other locations or are advanced snorkelers will be amazed by the experience on Kumejima.

The emerald green waters of Hate-no-hama are extremely clear, allowing visitors to see the tropical fish swimming in the sea and the coral reefs spreading out all around them clearly through a snorkel.

Furthermore, Hatoha beach is also famous as a spot where you can meet sea turtles, and if you are lucky, you may be able to get up close and personal with them, which have become rare creatures due to environmental changes and other factors!

Snorkeling itself is not too difficult, and even beginners can try this activity with ease.

The great appeal of snorkeling is that everyone from children to the elderly can enjoy it at their own pace, regardless of their physical fitness.

Whether you have never tried snorkeling before or are an expert snorkeler, we invite you to enjoy snorkeling at Hatohama.

▼Click here ▼ for recommended snorkeling tours

▼Learn more about snorkeling▼.

 

diving

Diving, like snorkeling, is a much-loved ocean activity for many people who enjoy long dives into deeper waters.

In order to dive, divers must wear a variety of equipment, including air cylinders, and be able to handle them properly.

The depth of the dive is beyond the depth at which humans can do a bare dive, and certification is required to take on the challenge of diving.

With all this explanation, it may seem as if it is impossible to enjoy diving while traveling.

However, Kume Island offers diving tours that allow you to experience diving on the same day you visit.

Diving experience tours on Kume Island are conducted under the supervision of a professional instructor while taking all possible safety measures.

Because of the professional safety procedures in place, there is no burden to participate in the program other than the need to take a brief training course and learn how to handle the equipment at a minimum.

While snorkeling, which is often compared to snorkeling, is based on moving close to the surface of the sea due to breathing with a snorkel, diving is characterized by the fact that there is no need to worry about holding one's breath.

The longer you can stay in the sea, the more deeply you can appreciate the beauty of Kumejima's ocean.

The experience of drifting in the deep sea will give you a taste of the essence of Kumejima's charms.

▼Click here ▼ for recommended fun diving tours

▼Learn more about diving▼.

 

BBQ

Outdoor BBQs are always highly popular on Kume Island, where the sun shines in midsummer and the everlasting summer environment maintains a certain degree of warmth even during the fall and winter months.

It is not only enjoyed by tourists, but for the locals, the lifestyle of going to the beach and enjoying BBQ is widely established when they are on holidays.

This culture is enjoyed not only on Kumejima Island but also in a wide area of Okinawa Prefecture. The culture of enjoying meals and drinking on the beach, not limited to BBQ, is called "beach parley.

It is very meaningful to enjoy BBQ on the beach as a way to experience the culture of Kumejima and other parts of Okinawa.

Of course, not only the beach, but also the barbecue that you can savor in the beautiful nature of the island is recommended.

Aside from its cultural aspect, it is a great experience to boldly grill delicious meats, seafood, and vegetables, surrounded by the beautiful location of Kumejima, and to savor them with a drink in hand.

Some people who visit Kumejima many times make a point of coming for the BBQ on the island, and it is one of Kumejima's most popular pastimes.

The culture is widespread throughout the island, and there are many places to enjoy BBQ, with hotels, beaches, campgrounds, and other options being a major attraction.

 

kayak

Lastly, I would like to introduce kayaking, which is a small boat ride to enjoy swimming on the sea.

Kayaks are unique in that they are boats that can be maneuvered by one or two people, and contrary to one's image, they are not difficult to maneuver.

No arm strength or physical strength is required, and all genders and ages are welcome, so you will quickly get used to it and be able to paddle in any direction you like.

Above all, the charm of kayaking lies in the fact that you can enjoy the location of the sea surface in the sea of Kumejima.

While snorkeling and diving allow visitors to enjoy the underwater scenery, the beauty of the sparkling ocean under the tropical sun is no less beautiful than that of the sea.

Looking down into the crystal clear waters from the boat, you can even see tropical fish, making this a very satisfying activity.

Another great point is that there is no need to worry even if you cannot swim, as you will be wearing a life jacket for the ride.

Why not enjoy a kayaking experience to create memories of 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 various information on sightseeing in Kumejima Island for those who travel from Naha.

If you enjoy sightseeing in conjunction with Naha, you are sure to find great satisfaction.

If you are considering a trip to Japan, please consider a trip to Kume Island!