Kumejima

Kumejima is one of the islands that make up the Okinawa Shoto island group. It is located about 90 kilometers west of Okinawa Honto. It is well known for Tatami Ishi Rocks, literally "tatami stones", which is a geological feature. It was formed during the Miocene period by the columnar jointing of andesitic lava as it cooled and contracted. This island also shares many of the prized qualities of other Okinawan islands, such as beautiful beaches, snorkeling and diving. This is a picturesque remote getaway and place to escape the crowds indeed.

Hatenohama

Hatenohama beach consists of three sandy beaches about 7 kilometers long and is known as " The most beautiful "uninhabited island in the East Ocean" is the sandy beach. Surrounded by emerald waters and pure white sandy beaches, you will feel as if you are in paradise.

Eef Beach

Eef Beach is a representative beach of Kume Island. Its beauty, selected as a “Best Beach 100 of Japan”, continues to attract visitors. Since the sand at the bottom of the sea continues offshore and is covered with shoals, you can walk far offshore at low tide.

Mifuga Rock

Mifuga Rock is an unusually shaped rock formation that towers over the ocean edge on the island’s northwest. Its name means “female rock” and it is known as a goddess of women. It is said that, if a woman who is having trouble falling pregnant prays at the rock, she will be blessed with child.

Pools of Tropical Fish

On the northern coast of Kumejima exists an interesting spot along the coast where relatively large pools of water with a variety of sea life are separated from the sea during low tide. These pools allow visitors to observe the colorful sea life without even stepping into the water.

Tatami Ishi Rocks

Tatami Ishi is an artistic natural creation of polygonal rocks one to two meters in diameter that look like tatami on white sand. These rocks were created by a unique natural phenomenon in which lava slowly cooled and hardened into rock with regularly shaped cracks.

Uegusuku Castle Ruins

The Uegusuku Castle was the main fortification on Kumejima, located on the island's highest point about 300 meters above sea level. Nowadays only a few small stone walls remain, but the hilltop location still offers panoramic views over the island.

Sea Turtle Museum of Kumejima

For a limited time the Kume Island sea turtle house will be hosting a sea turtle encounter. Partipants will be able to feed and pet the sea turtles, and there are other marine creatures in variety, such as coral and shells.

Ara Beach

Located quite apart from most other attractions, Ara Beach offers visitors an attractive and secluded beach atmosphere. It offers some good snorkeling opportunities,with a variety of sea life around a group of coral about 200 meters from the shore and a bit difficult to find.

The Uezu Residence

The Uezu Residence is built in the traditional Okinawan style with thick stone walls and red-tiled roofs. It was built in 1750 for a high ranked family. The house cannot be entered but only viewed from the outside. The grounds have two separate entrances, one for men and one for women.