久米島
Kume Island
Okinawa · okinawa
A remote Okinawan island with a disappearing tidal sandbar, Japan's deepest spring, and Ryukyu-era castle ruins.
Who Kume Island is for
Those wanting a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path Okinawan island.
About Kume Island
Kume Island is most famous for Hate no Hamajima, a tidal sandbar that appears only at low tide. Kumejima Tsumugi silk weaving is the island's traditional craft - designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property.
Things to do
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Tatami Rock
Unique natural rock formation consisting of pentagons & hexagons & resembling a turtle shell.
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Gushikawa Castle Ruins Sea View
具志川城跡
Your JP Adventure
Plan a trip to Kume Island
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Plan a trip to Kume Island →Getting around Kume Island
The primary way to explore Kume Island is by renting a car or scooter, as public buses run infrequently and connect only major settlements like Kume and Tomari. If you prefer not to drive, local buses operated by Kume Bus serve key routes, though schedules typically run just a few times daily; fares are around ¥200 - ¥500 per ride, and you can pay with cash or IC cards like Suica or ICOCA at convenience stores. Walking is practical for exploring village centers and reaching some cultural sites like the Ryukyu-era castle ruins, though distances between attractions are considerable. Bicycle rental shops operate in central areas and offer a leisurely way to navigate coastal roads and reach quieter spots, especially if you're visiting during dry season. Taxis are available but expensive for longer journeys; they're most useful for traveling between the ferry terminal and accommodations or for late-night returns after exploring local restaurants and historical sites.
Best time to visit
The ideal months to visit Kume Island are typically late March to early April and November, when mild temperatures and low humidity create perfect conditions for exploring the island's natural attractions and historical sites. Spring brings the bonus of cherry blossoms, while autumn offers comfortable weather without the oppressive heat or rain. Avoid the rainy tsuyu season from May through June and the typhoon months of August and September, which bring heavy downpours and strong winds that can disrupt travel plans. July and August also draw peak crowds and deliver intense heat that makes sightseeing exhausting. If you can travel in May before the rains intensify, the shoulder season offers fewer visitors and still-pleasant weather. The Kume Odori festival, typically held in late September, celebrates traditional Ryukyu music and dance, though timing may overlap with typhoon season - check ahead before planning around this cultural event. For the best balance of accessibility and comfort, aim for spring or autumn.
Where to stay
Most visitors base themselves in Kume town or the quieter Tomari district, both offering convenient access to the island's main attractions. Kume town serves as the commercial hub with several business hotels and vacation rentals, typically ranging from around ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 per night for modest double rooms, making it ideal for those seeking easy access to restaurants and shops. Tomari, on the island's eastern coast, has a more relaxed atmosphere with a handful of guesthouses and smaller accommodations, generally in a similar price range, and sits closer to the famous tidal sandbar and hiking trails through the island's natural landscape. Both areas are roughly 15-20 minutes by car from the main historical sites like the Ryukyu-era castle ruins and the deepest spring. While capsule hotels and ryokan are less common on this remote island, vacation rentals and family-run guesthouses provide authentic experiences at competitive rates, making them popular alternatives to standard business hotels.
What to eat
Kume Island's culinary identity centers on goya champuru, a stir-fried bitter melon dish that reflects Okinawan tradition, alongside fresh sashimi and grilled fish that showcase the island's daily catch. The modest fishing port near the ferry terminal hosts a small morning market where locals sell seasonal produce and fresh seafood, while casual seaside restaurants dotting the waterfront offer authentic island dining at reasonable prices, typically ¥1,000 - 1,500 per meal. The local drink culture emphasizes Okinawan awamori, a potent distilled spirit distinct from mainland sake, which pairs naturally with island cuisine. Budget-conscious travelers should seek out small family-run ramen shops and soba stalls scattered throughout the main settlement, where hearty bowls run ¥700 - 900 and reflect generations of island cooking. Fresh tropical fruits like pineapple and dragon fruit are abundant in summer months, often available directly from roadside vendors at affordable prices.
Reviews
Beautiful small island.
Visited Kume Island of Kumejima in summer of 2019, its one of the few places on earth that one can detach themselves from the hustle bustle of everyday life. Being in I.T in tech, I found this to be the perfect getaway holiday for me.
Coming from detective Conan movie no: 11🥰
Do not visit if not Japanese. Dirty beaches, run down infrastructure, most activities/tours are not foreigner friendly.
It takes about 30 minutes to get there by plane from Naha Airport. The scenery along the way is amazing, and it feels like a fun little sightseeing flight. I didn't have any particular destination in mind, and since my return flight was in three hours, I decided to walk from the airport to a nearby place called Shinri Beach. It's close, but it was hot and tiring. Incidentally, there wasn't a single person walking around. There were a few people playing in the sea on the beach, but it felt a little lonely. If you're not planning on enjoying marine sports or anything else and just wandering around, it might be a little confusing. 😅 That said, it's also great to just relax and enjoy the beautiful sea and sky. There's also a restaurant (shop?) near the beach, which was open even though there were no people around, which was a relief. I was able to cool off, drink a beer, and enjoy the sea and sky for a while. Next time, I'll definitely come back with a specific purpose in mind. 😂
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