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.

Kume Island is located approximately 100 km west of the main island of Okinawa, and is the westernmost island in the Okinawa archipelago.

Kume Island is rich in nature, and in 1983 the entire island was designated as a prefectural natural park.

Here are some of the attractions and sightseeing spots on Kume Island.

 

Distance between Kume Island and Kerama Islands

The distance between Kume Island and the Kerama Islands is approximately 170 km.

The distance between Kume Island and Zamami Island is also about 170 km, and the distance from Tonaki Island to Kume Island is about 50 km.

 

Access from Kerama Islands to Kume Island

It takes about 3 hours by ferry from the main island of Okinawa to Kume Island.

Some flights pass through Tonaki Island on the way, and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tonaki Island to Kume Island.

 

What is Kume Island like?

Kume Island is the fifth largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after Okinawa Island, Iriomote Island, Ishigaki Island, and Miyako Island.

There are also numerous guest houses and restaurants that attract many tourists.

 

How to get there by plane or ferry

There are no direct flights from Honshu to Kumejima.

If you are accessing by plane, it is convenient to go via Naha Airport.

There are many flights between Naha and Kumejima, and the trip takes about 35 minutes, so it is easy to get there.

On the main island of Okinawa, ferry service is available in addition to airplanes, and the trip takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to 3 hours and 20 minutes.

If you want to enjoy a relaxing boat trip, a ferry is recommended.

 

Attractions of Kume Island

Here we would like to introduce three attractions of Kume Island.

 

Beautiful blue sea

Kume Island was once called "Kumi no Shima" (Island of Kumi) because it is the most beautiful island in the archipelago.

Surrounded by beautiful waters, the island attracts many divers who are fascinated by the sea of Kumejima.

 

Enjoy the spectacular beaches!

Kume Island has many white sand beaches and beautiful sunsets.

Each beach has its own characteristics and charms, and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful blue sea.

 

Power Spot Island

Kume Island is dotted with numerous power spots such as "Mihugaru" and "Hate-no-hama.

Some people even visit Kume Island to visit power spots.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

Here are some of the sights recommended by locals.

 

Mifgar.

Mihugar is a reef shaped like a ripped hole.

Beyond the hole is a beautiful ocean.

 

Recommendations

Mihugar means "woman rock" in dialect.

It is a power spot where worshipping this rock is said to bring blessings for children.

It is a sacred place that is constantly visited by couples who wish to have children.

 

Access

It is about 10 minutes by cab from Kumejima Airport in the direction of Nakamurakuri.

beach on the far side of the ocean

Hate-no-hama is the collective name for three islands northeast of Kume Island.

The island is called Maenohama (Maenu-hama), Nakanohama, and Hate-nohama from the one nearest to Kumejima, and the size of the island gradually increases from the front to the back.

 

Recommendations

Hatoha beach is a beautiful contrast of pure white sandy beach and emerald green sea.

Its beauty is so great that it has been called "the most beautiful beach in the East.

It is also known as a great beach for swimming and snorkeling.

 

Access

It takes about 20 minutes by car from Kumejima Airport.

There are many tours available, so visiting Hate-no-hama via a tour is also recommended.

 

EEF Beach

Ihu Beach is a representative beach of Kumejima, selected as one of the 100 best beaches in Japan.

Around the beach are resort hotels, dive stores, and other facilities.

 

Recommendations

Eef Beach is a natural beach with two kilometers of fine, pure white sand, and its beauty is breathtaking.

Because the waves are calm, even children can safely swim in the sea.

 

Access

It is about a 25-minute drive from Kumejima Airport, and you can also enjoy the beautiful sea of Kumejima on the way.

 

What kind of place is Kerama?

The Kerama Islands, located south of Okinawa, are famous as a world-class diving spot.

It is also an attractive place to visit, as it is just a day trip away from Naha City by ferry.

 

Directions from Naha Airport

From Naha Airport, take a cab, local bus, or Yui Rail to Tomari Port.

Then, from Tomari Port, take a high-speed boat or ferry to each of the islands in the Kerama archipelago.

 

Attractions of Kerama

Kerama has many attractions.

I would like to introduce three attractions of Kerama.

 

Kerama blue that fascinates the world

The waters of the Kerama Islands are among the clearest in the world, and are so beautiful that they are called "Kerama blue.

Over the years, coral reefs on the ocean floor have accumulated on the seafloor and become white undersea sand, reflecting the sun's rays and creating the unique Kerama blue ocean color.

 

A sanctuary for marine activities

The clear waters of Kerama are known for their transparency, making it possible to enjoy marine activities to the fullest.

It is possible to experience various activities such as diving, snorkeling, and SUP.

There are also marine activities that even beginners can easily participate in.

 

Magnificent Nature

Another attraction of the Kerama Islands is that you can enjoy unspoiled nature.

Why not heal yourself by witnessing nature that you cannot feel in the city?

 

Attraction of Kerama Blue

The waters of the Kerama Islands are by far the most beautiful of Okinawa's seas, and this is one of the reasons why so many tourists visit the islands.

Dive into the ocean and you will see a variety of corals and colorful fish.

The Keramas blue sea is so attractive that if you are lucky, you may even see a sea turtle.

 

Sightseeing spots recommended by locals

Here are three recommended tourist spots.

 

Kozamami Beach

Kozamami Beach is located on Zamami Island, about 50 minutes from Naha City by high-speed boat.

 

Recommendations

The waters of Kozamami Beach are crystal clear, with many coral reefs growing in clusters and a large number of fish.

Also, because of the spawning grounds of sea turtles around Kozamami Beach, if you are lucky you may be able to see them when snorkeling.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Zamami Port

To get to Zamami Island from Naha Airport, first head to Tomari Port.

It takes about 50 minutes by ferry from there, so it is easy to get there on a day trip.

From Zamami Port, village buses run to and from four stops: Kozamami Beach, Asa Community Center, and Asa Campground.

If you are on foot, it takes about 15 minutes to get there.

 

Kitahama Beach (Nishibama Beach)

Kitahama Beach is the main beach of Aka Island.

 

Beach Features

Along with Kozamami Beach, it is one of the best snorkeling spots in Okinawa.

Both coral reefs and fish can be clearly seen.

You will also be able to fully enjoy the relaxed, remote island atmosphere.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Aka Port

From Naha Airport, it takes about 15 minutes to get to Tomari Port by car.

From there, it takes about 2 hours to reach Aka Port by ferry or 50 minutes by high-speed boat.

Kitahama Beach is a 20-minute walk or 8-minute bicycle ride from Aka Port, so you may want to take a refreshing bike ride to visit.

 

Naganum Island

Located at the entrance to the Kerama Islands, Cheivisi Atoll is about 15 km west of Naha. The largest island in Cheivisi Atoll, which consists of Naganu Island, Kamiyama Island, and Kuehue Island, is Naganu Island.

 

Recommendations

Naganu Island has beautiful beaches with pure white sand made of coral fragments.

The entire island is surrounded by coral reefs, and the colorful tropical fish that crowd the coral reefs can be fully appreciated in the ocean.

 

Directions from Naha Airport and Tomari Port

From Naha Airport, it takes about 15 minutes to get to Tomari Port by car.

From Tomari Port, there is a boat to Naganu, and the island is easily accessible as it is only a 20-minute ferry ride away.

Activities in Kerama

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Kerama.

Here are some activities to enjoy the Keramas Blue.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is an activity that requires no special skills or qualifications and is mainly enjoyed in shallow water.

Most of the necessary equipment can be rented at the ocean where snorkeling can be experienced, so it is easy to try it!

 

diving

Diving is an activity that allows you to fully enjoy the extraordinary underwater world.

If you are serious about diving, you will need a license.

However, the experience diving course does not require a license, so even first-time divers can experience diving.

 

SUP

SUP is a marine sport that has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years.

Standing on the board and paddling while surfing the waves provides exercise.

Also, feeling the sea breeze has a healing effect.

 

parasailing

Parasailing is an activity that allows you to enjoy the sky and ocean views at the same time.

The parachute is pulled by a motorboat and ascends from the sea to the sky.

You will feel a thrill that you cannot experience in everyday life.

 

whale watching

Whale watching is an activity to observe whales in the wild on a boat.

From December to April is the best time for whale watching as humpback whales gather in Kerama to breed.

The sight of whales swimming exhilaratingly in the ocean is powerful and worth seeing!

 

3 popular tours in Kerama

Here are three popular tours in Kerama.

Please refer to it when you visit Kerama on your trip.

 

summary

What did you think of Kume Island?

Kume Island is full of a wide variety of beautiful beaches as well as marine activities.

Since there are many power spots, a trip to visit them might be fun.

When you visit Okinawa, you should definitely visit Kume Island.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.