Kumejima Complete Guide — Hatenohama Sandbar and Japan's Top Tiger Prawns

Kumi no Shima — The Most Beautiful Island of the Ryukyus

Kumejima lies about 100km west of Naha, making it the 5th largest island in Okinawa Prefecture. With an area of 63.5 km² and a population of just 7,200, it's a small island — but the ancient Ryukyuans called it Kumi no Shima (球美の島), the most beautiful island of all.

The entire island is designated a Prefectural Natural Park, with its highest point, Mt. Uegusuku, reaching 310m. Emerald seas, sugarcane fields, and red-tiled villages blend so peacefully that locals joke there are more cows than tourists.

Getting there:

Hatenohama — East Asia's Most Beautiful White Sandbar

Floating about 7km off Kumejima's east coast, Hatenohama is a chain of three pure-white sandbars — Mae no Hama, Naka no Hama, and Hate no Hama — collectively known as the most beautiful beach in East Asia.

Nothing but coral sand stretches beneath endless shades of emerald and cobalt blue. With no buildings, trees, or shade, it's an uninhabited island accessible only by boat tour.

Tour information:

What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential for the strong UV. No shops on the sandbar, so bring water and snacks. Marine shoes recommended. Check with tour operator about parasol and chair availability.

Season: Tours operate April through October. Peak season (June-September) requires advance booking. August-September tours may be cancelled due to typhoons.

Natural Wonders — From Tatami-ishi to Hiyajo Banta

Kumejima is far more than just Hatenohama. Natural wonders sculpted over millions of years are scattered across the island.

Tatami-ishi is a nationally designated natural monument on Ou-jima, a small island connected to Kumejima by bridge. Formed approximately 6 million years ago when andesite lava cooled slowly underground to create columnar joints, these formations were later exposed and flattened by wave erosion. Over 1,000 pentagonal and hexagonal rocks, each 1-2m in diameter, spread across an area 50m wide and 250m long.

Ou-jima is connected to Kumejima by bridge, so you can drive across.

Other scenic highlights:

• Hiyajo Banta — A 200m-high, 2km-long cliff with panoramic views of Hatenohama, Tonaki, Aguni, and the Kerama Islands
• Miifugaa — A 20m+ tall rock formation with a natural hole carved by wind and waves. A spiritual power spot for women's safe childbirth prayers
• Goeda no Matsu — A 250+ year old Ryukyu pine, 6m tall with branches extending 12m horizontally. Nationally designated natural monument

Kumejima Tsumugi — Birthplace of Japan's Pongee Silk

Kumejima Tsumugi is a hand-woven silk textile made from cocoon-spun threads dyed with native island plants and mud-dyeing techniques. Originating in the late 15th century, the techniques spread from Kumejima to Okinawa's main island, then to Amami Oshima, and finally to mainland Japan — making this the birthplace of Japan's tsumugi tradition.

Key milestones:

• 1975 — Designated a National Traditional Craft
• 1977 — Okinawa Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property
• 2004 — National Important Intangible Cultural Property

Visit Yuimaru-kan (Kumejima Tsumugi Museum) to learn the history and try hands-on experiences: plant-dye handkerchief dyeing (about 30 min) and coaster weaving (about 30 min).

Food Paradise — Japan's #1 Tiger Prawns and Sea Grapes

Despite its small size, Kumejima holds the #1 spot in Japan for two products.

Kuruma-ebi (tiger prawns) — Kumejima Town produces about 12% of Japan's farmed tiger prawns. Okinawa Prefecture as a whole holds 30-40% of the national share, ranking #1 for over 20 consecutive years. Raised in deep-sea water drawn from 612m below the surface (about 10 degrees, mineral-rich), with absolutely no antibiotics. Peak season: October through March.

Umi-budou (sea grapes) — Farmed using temperature-controlled deep-sea water, Kumejima is Japan's top producer. The tightly packed, uniform clusters pop satisfyingly in your mouth.

Awamori:

• Kumesen — Founded 1949, the industry's largest producer. Factory at the base of Mt. Uegusuku. Tours and tastings available by advance arrangement
• Yoneshima Shuzo — Family-run craft distillery. Their awamori was served at the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit. No air conditioning — natural mountain winds create ideal fermentation

More specialties: Kumejima red chicken (raised on awamori lees, turmeric, and shell ginger), miso cookies (since 1994, National Confectionery Expo gold medal winner), deep-sea water tofu and salt

Rental Car Island Loop — 48km Around the Island

The island's circumference is about 48km — a 1-2 hour drive nonstop, but a full day with sightseeing stops is recommended. Go clockwise for the best views from Tiida Bridge and Tsumugi Bridge, where the ocean panorama opens up on your side.

Recommended clockwise route (from airport):

Tips: The west/mountain section has fewer restaurants, so plan your lunch timing accordingly. Rental cars can be picked up right at the airport (Orix, ABC, etc.).

Practical Travel Guide — 2 Nights Is All You Need

Recommended duration:

• Minimum 2 nights / 3 days — Main sights + Hatenohama + island loop
• Ideal 3 nights / 4 days — Relaxed pace with beach time, snorkeling, and craft experiences

Accommodation:

Best seasons:

• June-September — Water temp 26-29 degrees, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Watch for typhoons in August-September
• April-May, October — 22-27 degrees, uncrowded and comfortable. Hatenohama tours operating
• January-March — Humpback whale watching season

Rental car: Counters inside the airport (Orix, Kumejima Rent-a-Car) or free shuttle (ABC). Compact cars from about 4,500-5,600 yen/day. Public transport is limited, so a rental car is essential. Book ahead for peak season (July-September).

Note: ATMs are limited to post offices and convenience stores. Many small shops accept cash only, so bring enough yen. Gas stations are also limited — fill up when you can.