Kumejima, Kerama Travel Guides

The Kerama Islands are located not far from the main island of Okinawa. Diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed at Zamami Island, Tokashiki Island, and Aka Island. Kume Island, where Hate-no-hama is located, is famous for its Awamori (Okinawa rice wine) brewing.

Kumejima and the Kerama Islands offer tourist attractions such as Kumejima, Tokashiki Island, and Minamidaito Island; sightseeing events such as the Harvest Festival, Kumejima Marathon, and Iheya Moonlight Marathon; and local delicacies such as Orion beer, chinsuko, and pork shabu.

If you are traveling in Okinawa, you should definitely visit the outlying islands, and the Kumejima area is particularly recommended because of its easy accessibility from the main island of Okinawa. Surrounded by coral reefs, the entire island of Kumejima is a prefectural natural park.

Eef Beach, selected as one of the "100 best beaches in Japan," is one of the most popular tourist spots on Kumejima, with a 2-km stretch of fine white sand. The clarity of the water is breathtaking, and the "Hate-no-Hama" beach, which can be reached by booking a ferry, offers an even more amazing experience. The clarity of the water is one of the best in Okinawa, as it is an uninhabited island located 7 km further offshore from Kumejima. It is also a popular snorkeling and diving spot.

If you want to experience the island's human experience to the fullest, you should visit the Ajimakan. The local staff will guide you through a variety of programs, from sanshin (Okinawan traditional guitar instrument) to sea kayaking.

You can also enjoy delicious tropical cuisine at the onsite restaurant. The "Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimarukan" is the workshop of the Kumejima Tsumugi Business Association, but you can also observe and experience dyeing and weaving.

For the ultimate in remote island tours, visit Hateruma Island, Japan's southernmost inhabited island. You can also see the old-fashioned townscape of red tiles and stone walls. Cycling is also recommended as the island has almost no height differences.

The beauty of "Nishi Beach" on the north side of the island is said to be the most beautiful in the Yaeyama Islands. The gentle white sandy beach and the clear cobalt blue sea dotted with coral reefs are like a dream.

There is a "stargazing tower" in the southern part of the island, and from April to June, you can observe the Southern Cross shining on the horizon during the nighttime opening hours. Astronomy fans from all over Japan come to this spot to enjoy a starry sky that is different from the one on the main island.

For gourmet food in the islands, try Yaeyama soba (buckwheat noodles) topped with pork cubes and Yaeyama awamori (Okinawa rice wine). Mangoes, pineapples, and other fruits from the south are all freshly harvested and taste delicious that cannot be tasted in the mainland.