What is Kume Island like? Can I go there from the Kerama Islands? Thorough Comparison of Kerama and Kumejima

Introducing the attractions and sights of Kume Island and the Kerama Islands.

"Kumejima" and the "Kerama Islands," beautiful remote islands located west of the main island of Okinawa.

Both are popular areas rich in natural beauty that never fail to captivate divers and tourists alike.

In this article, we’ll introduce the charms, tourist attractions, and how to get there for both Kumejima and the Kerama Islands.

Distance Between Kumejima and the Kerama Islands, and Transportation Options

Kumejima and the Kerama Islands (including Zamami Island) are approximately 170 km apart as the crow flies. Since there are no direct scheduled ferry or flight services connecting the two islands, travelers typically access them via Naha.

Getting to Kumejima (by Plane and Ferry)

Since there are no direct flights from Honshu to Kumejima, you'll need to travel via Naha Airport or Tomarin Port.

• Airplane:It's about 35 minutes from Naha Airport. With frequent flights, it's easy to get there.
• Ferry:Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes to 3 hours and 20 minutes from Naha’s Tomari Port (some routes stop at Tonaki Island along the way). Recommended for those who want to enjoy a leisurely boat trip.

Getting to the Kerama Islands (Ferry and High-Speed Boat)

From Naha Airport, take a taxi or the Yui Rail to Tomari Port, and from there, take a boat to the various islands (such as Zamami Island, Aka Island, and Tokashiki Island). The trip takes about 35 to 50 minutes by high-speed boat and about 70 to 120 minutes by ferry, so it’s within day-trip distance from Naha.

First-Time Visit to Zamami Island | A Guide to Getting There from Naha, Sightseeing Spots, and How to Choose a Day TripAbout the Kerama Islands, Home to Zamami Island: The Kerama Islands consist of Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island, and others. They are accessible from Naha in about an hour, and since you can reach the neighboring islands in about 20 to 30 minutes via scheduled ferry service, they are the perfect destination for a day trip. Kerama […]

The Charms of [Kumejima] and Recommended Sightseeing Spots

Kumejima is the fifth-largest island in Okinawa Prefecture. In 1983, the entire island was designated as a prefectural natural park, and it is surrounded by such beautiful seas that it was once known as “Kumino-shima” (Island of Beauty).

Mifgar.

A large hole, as if torn open, has formed in this rock formation, and beyond the hole lies the beautiful ocean. Known in the local dialect as “Onna-iwa” (Woman Rock), it is a sacred power spot where, according to legend, praying here brings the blessing of fertility.
[Directions] About a 10-minute taxi ride from Kumejima Airport

beach on the far side of the ocean

A collective term for the three uninhabited islands—“Maeno Beach,” “Nakano Beach,” and “Hateno Beach”—located northeast of Kume Island. The contrast between the pristine white sandy beaches—often called “the most beautiful in the Orient”—and the emerald-green waters is truly breathtaking. These islands are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and we recommend joining a guided tour to experience them.
[Access] Accessible from Kumejima via tour boats, etc.

EEF Beach

This beach is one of Kumejima’s most iconic spots and has been selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Beaches.” Its fine white sand stretches for 2 km, and the waves are gentle, making it a safe and enjoyable place for families with children to swim. The surrounding area also offers a wide selection of resort hotels and restaurants.
[Directions] About a 25-minute drive from Kumejima Airport

The Charm of the [Kerama Islands] and Recommended Sightseeing Spots

Its greatest attraction is the beautiful ocean—known as “Kermadec Blue”—which boasts some of the clearest waters in the world. Easily accessible from Naha, it offers visitors the chance to experience magnificent, unspoiled nature.

Furuzamami Beach [Zamami Island]

Thanks to the crystal-clear waters and the coral reefs that thrive right near the shoreline, you can see plenty of colorful fish. It’s also known as a sea turtle nesting site, so you might even spot a sea turtle while snorkeling.
[Access] About a 15-minute ride on the village-operated bus or a 15-minute walk from Zamami Port

Kitahama (Nishibama) Beach [Aka Island]

The main beach representing Aka Island. Along with Kozamami Beach, it is one of Okinawa’s premier snorkeling spots, where you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere unique to a remote island.
[Directions] About a 20-minute walk from Aka Port (about 8 minutes by bicycle)

Nagan'nu Island [Chibishi Atoll]

An uninhabited island located about 15 km west of Naha. It features a vast, pure-white sandy beach made of coral fragments, and the entire island is surrounded by a coral reef. It’s the most easily accessible of the Kerama Islands, just a 20-minute boat ride from Tomari Port.
[Access] About 20 minutes by tour boat from Tomari Port

Popular Activities to Enjoy in the Kerama Islands

Here are some of the most popular activities that let you fully enjoy the Kerama Blue waters.

snorkeling

No special certification is required—you can easily enjoy the beauty of the Kerama Blue. With a wide selection of rental equipment available, even beginners and children can fully enjoy observing coral reefs and tropical fish.

Kerama/Tokashiki Island/2 hours] Experience the Kerama blue that the world is in love with♪ Boat snorkeling tour with free shuttle service☆Recommended for family trips☆(No.334)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 2 hours6,050 yen

【Departure from Naha / Kerama / 4 hours / Mandatory Japanese language tour】Smile 100%☆Snorkeling Tour in Kerama Sea Area with Spectacular View (No.353)開始時間8:15-12:00 / 13:00-17:00所要時間Approx. 3-4 hours8,800 yen

The tour is available on a chartered boat! Sea Turtle Encounter Rate: Over 90%☆Tokashiki Island "Awaren Beach" Swimming & Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour (No.379)開始時間: 8:40 a.m.–5:10 p.m. / 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 8 hours14,400 yen

diving

The waters of Kerama are a dream destination for divers around the world. There is also a wide variety of “introductory diving” courses available, even for those without a certification.

1-day diving and snorkeling tour with free photos and lunch, 1,000 yen off for the season!開始時間7:40-15:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours14,500 yen →directional marker or indicator14,000suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

【Departure from Naha/Kerama/1 day】Trial Diving 2dive & Snorkeling Tour 《Photo free & Lunch included》 1000 yen off for the season!開始時間7:40-15:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours19,000 yen →directional marker or indicator18,500suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc.

1 Day Diving & Snorkeling Tour for Sea Turtle Observation with Guaranteed Underwater Photo & Movie Free / Naha City Pick-up & Drop-off OK for 1 person!開始時間7:30-15:30所要時間Approx. 8 hours16,800 yen

SUP

Standing on a board and paddling across the ocean is a popular activity these days. The feeling of gliding across the crystal-clear water is truly special.

Kerama/Zamami Island/1 Day] Enjoy Kerama Blue Ocean ☆ SUP & Snorkeling tour to uninhabited island 《Lunch/Photo free/Pickup available in Zamami Island》（No.315開始時間10:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 6 hours13,750 yen

Kerama/Zamami Island/Half Day] SUP & Snorkeling in Coral Paradise ☆Easy even for beginners☆Free photos/ Day trip from Naha OK/ Pick-up and drop-off in Zamami Island available (No.316)開始時間10:00-13:00 / 13:30-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours8,800 yen

Zamami/Half Day] Day Trip OK★SUP Cruising & Snorkeling Experience in the Clear Water of Zamami Island 《Photo Shooting Included》 Guided tour to the best spots depending on the weather! (No.388)開始時間10:00/13:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours9,200 yen

parasailing

This exhilarating activity involves being pulled by a motorboat high into the sky, where you can look down from above at the Kerama Blue sea and islands.

Parasailing 200m course with great view of the Kerama Islands☆10 min. from Naha Airport! You can join on the day of arrival and departure.開始時間Select from flights from 9:00 to 15:00所要時間Approx. 1.5 hours6,500 yen

The only one in Naha! Small Group Parasailing/Light Course (70m) ☆Experience the trapeze overlooking the blue ocean of Okinawa 《Reservation OK on the same day》（No.416)開始時間9:00/10:30/13:00/14:30/16:00所要時間Approx. 90 min.7,100 yen

[Departure/arrival at Naha/4 hours/Japanese language required tour] Kerama Sea Snorkeling + Parasailing Light Course (70m) Recommended for large group tours (No.354)開始時間8:15 / 13:00所要時間Approx. 3-4 hours15,300 yen

Whale watching (winter only)

Every year from December through April, we observe humpback whales that come to the Kerama Islands waters to breed from aboard a boat. The spectacular show that unfolds right before your eyes is a must-see.

summary

Both “Kumejima” and the “Kerama Islands” are remote islands blessed with the beautiful seas and natural scenery that Okinawa is renowned for worldwide.

If you want to explore mystical power spots and stunning beaches, head to Kumejima; if you want to enjoy diving and marine activities to your heart’s content in the world-renowned Kerama Blue, head to the Kerama Islands.

When you visit Okinawa, be sure to explore some of the charming outlying islands that best suit your interests.