"Do I need a rental car on Iriomote Island?" "Should I rent one at Uehara Port or Ohara Port?"
For those planning their first trip to Iriomote Island, these questions may come to mind.
In this article, I, a resident of Iriomote Island, will organize rental car companies by port and provide a complete guide including average prices, booking methods, and important points to keep in mind that are unique to the island.
List of articles about the Kerama Islands, Kumejima, and Daito Islands
Complete Guide to Car Rentals in Iriomote Island | Recommended Companies by Port, Booking Methods, and Important Points
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of Kumejima Island. A travelogue of my stay at "KUMEWAKA," a resort renovated from a traditional Ryukyuan house.
"KUMEWAKA" is nestled in the quiet village of Janado on Kumejima Island. It is a private rental property, a carefully renovated traditional Okinawan house that is over 70 years old.
Enjoy a relaxing time with close friends or family while experiencing the charm of an old-fashioned island. You can enjoy a stay that feels like you're living there, blending into the island's daily life. This time, I'd like to share my review of this charming experience.
[2026 Edition] Kumejima Island: A Must-Visit! Everything You Need to Know About Sightseeing and Attractions
Among the many islands scattered throughout Okinawa, Kumejima stands out for its exceptionally clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. Offshore lies Hatenohama, a long, narrow sandbar made entirely of white sand. The unobstructed world of blue and white stretches out before you, offering a breathtaking beauty that will leave you speechless.
The island retains much of its unspoiled nature, and the tranquil scenery evokes a sense of nostalgia. Despite being a tourist destination, Kumejima has an unpretentious atmosphere, and its ability to allow visitors to slowly surrender to the island's pace is one of its unique charms.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to Kumejima Island, including must-see spots and attractions, as well as travel information to help you enjoy your trip even more! We also explain how to get there and how to get around the island, so if you're planning a trip to Kumejima, be sure to check it out!
Enjoy a private, exclusive stay on Kumejima Island. Three recommended hidden gem accommodations limited to one group per day.
Discover private, exclusive accommodations on Kumejima Island in Okinawa. How about spending heartwarming time with family and friends in a villa that harmonizes with the island's nature or in a comfortable, entire-house rental? We introduce three accommodations that offer unforgettable experiences, from breakfasts featuring fresh local ingredients to design spaces that blend tradition and modernity.
Enjoy Kumejima's specialty, deep-sea water, with all your senses at "Kumejimaaru Café," where you can savor Kumejima's gourmet food and Hateno Blue drinks & sweets.
Kumejima, the island of Kumi, boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Okinawa. The island is rich in local products, and deep-sea water is one of them. A shop formerly known as the Deep-Sea Water Interaction Center reopened in 2021 as "Kumejimaaru Café." It's attracting attention as a unique place where you can experience Kumejima's distinctive food and culture.
A luxurious Okinawan soba dish featuring the flavorful kuruma prawns from Kumejima's famous "Yukui-dokoro Waraijima" restaurant.
About 100km west of Okinawa Main Island, on Kumejima Island, a place rich in nature and history, lies "Yukui-dokoro Washima," a representative Okinawan soba restaurant of Kumejima. "Yukui" means "to relax" or "to take a breather" in the Okinawan dialect. True to its name, Washima offers visitors a moment of peace and relaxation.
For dinner in Kumejima, this is the place! The platter menu at "Namiji" is surprisingly satisfying.
Kumejima Island boasts crystal-clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere. With Hatenohama Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Orient, it's a place many dream of visiting. If you're staying on Kumejima, you should definitely check out "Namiji," a restaurant where you can savor authentic Okinawan cuisine. It's a popular and well-regarded establishment, beloved by both tourists and locals.
"Kameyoshi Seafood Restaurant" is a restaurant with a wide variety of dishes featuring local specialties from Kumejima Island.
Kumejima Island is known for its beautiful beaches, including Hatenohama, but did you know that it's also a treasure trove of unique ingredients and gourmet food, such as kuruma prawns, red chicken, mozuku seaweed, and sea grapes? So, this time, we'd like to introduce "Kaisen Ajidokoro Kameki," an Okinawan restaurant that you should definitely visit when you come to Kumejima.
Learn about the charm of sea turtles and conservation efforts at the Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum.
Located in Kumejima Town, Okinawa Prefecture, the Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum is a valuable facility where you can learn about sea turtles and experience their charm firsthand. Kumejima is known as a nesting ground for many sea turtles, including loggerhead sea turtles. By visiting the Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum, you can learn about sea turtle ecology and conservation efforts from various perspectives.
Create lasting memories on Kumejima Island! A report on staying at "Shima no Yado Okaeri," a budget-friendly, whole-house rental just a 2-minute walk from the beach.
K's Garden is a hidden gem of a restaurant that serves homemade dishes using ingredients from Kumejima Island and accepts only two groups per day. The couple who run K's Garden (Nobu-chan and Kyo-chan) have opened a new private rental accommodation called "Shima no Yado Okaeri" in May 2022. With reasonable prices and a warm welcome from the couple, it is highly recommended for families.
Relax with your family! A travel guide to Kumejima Island, perfect for those traveling with babies.
Kumejima is a welcoming island for first-time families traveling with children. It offers a relaxed environment where families can enjoy their trip at their own pace, making it a safe and enjoyable destination even with a baby. Why not spend some special time surrounded by the gentle breezes and beautiful scenery of this tropical paradise?
Full of simple charm! A model sightseeing course for Okujima, Kumejima's neighbor | Introducing sights such as the bridge where you can see sea turtles and the Tatamiishi rock formations.
Kumejima Island in Okinawa Prefecture is accessible by a 30-minute flight from Naha. Next to it, connected by a bridge, is Oujima Island. Although it is a small island with a main road that circles it for less than 3 km, it is full of unique attractions, including the Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum, Oujima Campground, Shin-Oujima Island, the spectacular view of Tatamiishi Rock, and even a slightly secluded utility pole in the sea.
From miso and purple sweet potato cookies to Hatenohama Blue! A best selection of souvenirs you'll want to pick up in Kumejima.
Kumejima, an outlying island of Okinawa, boasts stunning ocean scenery, so much so that it's known as "Kumi Island." Beyond its breathtaking views, Kumejima offers a wealth of local products nurtured by its rich natural environment, resulting in a variety of attractive souvenirs. This time, we've carefully selected some of the best souvenirs from Kumejima. Be sure to check out the firefly glass, which captures the sparkle of Kumejima's ocean.
Savor the best of Kumejima's local specialties! A carefully selected guide to gourmet restaurants featuring local ingredients such as kuruma prawns and Kumejima red chicken.
Kumejima, an outlying island of Okinawa, boasts Hatenohama Beach, said to be the most beautiful beach in the Orient. This island is a must-visit destination, and what makes sightseeing even more enjoyable is the exquisite local cuisine that makes use of the island's bounty.Kumejima's local products include kuruma prawns, the brand-name Kumejima Akadori chicken, and even deep-sea water.Why not enjoy a special dish that you can only taste here, along with the leisurely pace of island life?
Enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine and sweets at "BACKSHORERANCH," a seaside cafe with stunning views of Kumejima Island.
Kumejima, one of Okinawa's remote islands, boasts a beautiful ocean. Did you know that in the southern part of the island, there's a restaurant called "BACKSHORE RANCH" situated in a breathtaking location that symbolizes Kumejima's rich natural beauty? Here, you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine made with carefully selected ingredients from Kumejima, along with special sweets that you can only find here, all while taking in the soothing scenery.
Spend your time in Kumejima at "SHINMINKA VILLA JANADO," where tradition and modernity coexist.
"SHINMINKA VILLA JANADO," which opened in 2022 amidst the healing scenery of Kumejima Island in Okinawa Prefecture, values collaboration with the local community. Its simple yet highly designed space offers a special experience on Kumejima Island. This time, I had the opportunity to experience its charm firsthand, so I would like to share my review of my stay.
Homestay limited to one group per day. A special time woven in a traditional house on Kumejima Island: "Guesthouse Sou" accommodation experience
Kumejima Island still retains much of the unspoiled beauty of Okinawa. Unlike other well-known Okinawan islands, its charm lies in its calm and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a trip.
The guesthouse we're introducing today, "Guesthouse Sou," is perfect for those who want to enjoy a trip to the island. The accommodation style is like a homestay in a traditional Japanese house, where you can enjoy the close relationship between host and guest, and savor a full course meal and breakfast filled with the flavors of the island. Even the simplest moments feel luxurious.
A whale swimming experience in the Okinawan sea, including tips on the best time to go and what to bring.
In Okinawa, there's an activity called whale swimming where you can snorkel and see humpback whales swimming!
This time, I will provide a detailed account based on my own experience of actually participating in a whale swim.
Michelin 2-star [Kozamami Beach]: From access methods to how to enjoy the beach
Furuzamami Beach has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Jumbo, and is a beach where you can enjoy the beautiful deep blue sea that Zamami Island is proud of.
You can swim with beautiful coral and fish, making it a place you "must" visit if you come to Zamami Island!
This time, we'll introduce you to the scenery and activities at Furuzamami Beach.
After reading this, even if you're thinking, "It's too much trouble to go to a remote island..." or "Remote islands probably don't have the right facilities...", I guarantee you'll want to visit Furuzamami Beach!
I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time!
Zamami Island, a paradise that the world falls in love with! Introducing recommended tourist spots handpicked by the islanders.
Zamami Island, designated as a national park, is rich in natural beauty. Its sparkling blue sea is home to countless corals and tropical fish!
Furthermore, Zamami Island and Furuzamami Beach have been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide, making them truly seas that the world will fall in love with.
Many people might have a vague image of wanting to be soothed by the beautiful sea of a remote island, but think it would be difficult to get there. However, Zamami Island is only a 50-minute boat ride from Naha, making it possible to take a day trip there.
I can't believe I can go to such a paradise-like island so easily!
In this article, a resident of Zamami Island shares a carefully selected list of the island's best tourist spots and attractions. Reading this will guarantee you a fantastic experience on Zamami Island!
Savor the diverse bounty of the island! 9 must-try gourmet dishes from Kumejima Island
What comes to mind when you think of the charms of Kumejima Island? Many people would probably think of its beautiful ocean scenery. Of course, that's true, but another major attraction known to those in the know is its food. Kumejima is a small island, only about 50km in circumference, but it is home to a variety of ingredients, and you can enjoy a wide range of unique local cuisine made using these ingredients. This time, we've carefully selected 10 must-try gourmet dishes on Kumejima, from sweets to hearty meals!
[Closed] Oyatsumura, a brown sugar manufacturing and sales shop in Kumejima, was a huge hit with locals!
*Oyatsumura has ceased store operations and production. The following is a report from the time of the interview.*
Brown sugar, made by boiling down sugarcane juice, is a mineral-rich snack that has been loved in Okinawa since ancient times.
Oyatsumura, the brown sugar manufacturing and sales shop on Kumejima Island where the author lives, is a shop that enjoys strong support not only from tourists but also from locals.
Made using only locally grown sugarcane from Kumejima Island, and with every step except for the pressing done by hand, Oyatsumura's brown sugar possesses a richness and flavor unlike anything you'll find elsewhere.
You'll surely be filled with the thought, "I can't believe brown sugar is this delicious!"
This time, we'll be giving you a detailed introduction to the highlights of "Oyatsumura," the shop that sells this pure brown sugar.
I went diving in Kumejima, one of Okinawa's top diving areas!
Kumejima Island is located about 100km west of Okinawa Main Island and about 30 minutes by plane from Naha.
Also known as "Kyumi Island," it is considered the most beautiful island in the Ryukyu Islands.
The seas around Kumejima are teeming with colorful marine life!
With its schools of fish, large marine life, stunning topography, macro life, and coral reefs, this diving area offers something for everyone, from beginners to advanced divers.
This time, I, a diving enthusiast with over 20 years of experience, actually tried diving in Kumejima.
We'll introduce you to recommended diving spots and places to eat after your dive.
The closest restaurant to Tokashiki Port | Cafe Sea Friend Jr.
While waiting for the ferry from Tokashiki Island to Naha, I felt hungry and wandered around the Tokashiki Port area looking for something to eat, or at least something to drink.
I was naive to think that I'd find something at the port.
There are no vending machines within a three-minute walk of Tokashiki Port. And the shops aren't open yet.
And there's only one restaurant.
The name of that one shop is "Cafe Sea Friend Jr."
The location is on the second floor of the former ferry waiting room at Tokashiki Port.
With no other options, I climbed the narrow stairs and entered the shop, finding myself in a space that felt just like a neighborhood cafe.
I went to Hatenohama, a hidden paradise on Kumejima Island! How to choose a Hatenohama tour without making a mistake.
Kumejima was formerly known as "Kumi no Shima," meaning "the most beautiful island in the Ryukyu Islands."
If you visit Kumejima, one place you absolutely must go is Hatenohama Beach.
Even at high tide, it never completely sinks, resembling a desert floating on the sea.
The sky, the sea, and the white sandy beaches. Okinawa has many uninhabited islands, but everyone will surely be overwhelmed by the beauty and size of Hatena Beach.
This time, I'll introduce the charm of Hatena Beach, how to get there, and how to choose a tour.
[Closed] Enjoy the luxury of deep-sea water! Refresh your mind and body at Badehaus Kumejima.
*Badehaus Kumejima closed in 2020. The following text is from when it was still in operation.*
Deep-sea water is a mysterious water that circulates around the entire Earth over long periods of 2000 years in the deep ocean at depths of 200 meters or more, where sunlight cannot reach.
Because it grows at the bottom of the deep sea, plankton proliferation is minimal, resulting in high purity, abundant minerals, and proven health benefits.
The seabed around Kumejima has a unique structure, making it possible to extract large quantities of deep-sea water. Following Hawaii, it boasts the second-highest volume of deep-sea water extraction in the world.
"Badehaus Kumejima" is a spa that luxuriously uses 100% of that deep-sea water.
"I'm tired from traveling, but it would be a waste to just laze around in the hotel!"
For those of you looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, I'd like to introduce you to a special place.
[Closed] Swedish food in Kumejima? A healthy lunch at "Smokaka"
*Smookaka closed in 2018. The following is a report from a visit when it was still open.*
In a village lined with old houses, "SMÅKAKA" stands out with its striking blue exterior.
At this cafe run by Anna, who emigrated from Sweden, you can enjoy authentic Swedish cuisine that changes daily.
Swedish cuisine on Kumejima Island...it might seem a little unusual, but it's now a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Its unique combination has apparently made it a hot topic in the media.
This time, I enjoyed lunch at such a cafe.
I enjoyed a delicious and healthy lunch while chatting with Anna.
*Notice of Smocaca's Closure*
Unfortunately, this restaurant closed in September 2018.
Below is some information about the restaurant when it was in operation, for those who have fond memories of "Smookaka".
When you think of Okinawa, you think of sea grapes! I'll teach you some delicious ways to eat sea grapes.
One of the things I want to eat when I go to Okinawa is sea grapes!
That popping texture is just so delicious.
By the way, what exactly are sea grapes?
Well, I can't help but be curious, so I guess I'll just have to investigate!
This time, we visited a sea grape farm in Okinawa and learned all sorts of things about sea grapes, including delicious ways to eat them.
Yan-gwa~ | The Okinawan soba restaurant that ranked #1 in the "Top 10 Popular Okinawan Soba Restaurants" list.
The restaurant we're introducing today, "Yan-gwa," was ranked number one in the "Top 10 Popular Okinawan Soba Restaurants" list compiled in 2015 based on reviews posted on the travel information website TripAdvisor.
They are only open for lunch, and close once they run out of soup.
The specialty dish is miso soba noodles topped with plenty of bean sprouts, a specialty of Kumejima Island.
Even on weekdays, this popular restaurant quickly fills up after 12 o'clock, with both the tatami rooms inside the old house and the tables in the garden becoming completely full.
Explore Kumejima Island on a leisurely bike ride! Discover the island's charm from a bicycle perspective.
Kumejima Island, located about 100km west of Okinawa Main Island, has a circumference of approximately 48km.
It's a small island that can be explored in less than an hour by car.
One sightseeing activity I'd recommend on Kumejima Island is "pottering." Pottering refers to a leisurely bike ride of about 2-3 kilometers, and it's an activity that even people who don't usually do sports can easily participate in.
"Walking is painful, but driving feels somehow unsatisfying..."
A bicycle can completely solve all those selfish desires.
This time, I'll give a real-time report of my experience participating in a cycling trip for the first time.
We'll introduce you to the island's highlights that you wouldn't discover by renting a car.
