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.

<Table of Contents>
・High chance of seeing sea turtles!? The scenic spot "Shin-Okube Bridge"
・"Tatamiishi" - a place where you can admire the natural beauty of the formations and the soda-blue sea.
・The Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum allows visitors to observe sea turtles up close.
・Enjoy the diverse and beautiful nature of Kumejima Island at "Okujima Campsite".
・"A telephone pole in the sea" evokes a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere.

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High chance of seeing sea turtles!? The scenic spot "Shin-Okube Bridge"

To access Oujima Island, you need to cross the Shin-Oujima Bridge. Around this bridge, at low tide, a beautiful landscape unfolds reminiscent of Hatenohama Beach on Kumejima Island. The scenery, a combination of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, is breathtaking. On the other hand, when the tide comes in, you might be able to spot sea turtles swimming from the bridge. According to locals, the encounter rate is as high as 70%. The Shin-Oujima Bridge also has a pedestrian walkway, so it's a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the scenery while searching for sea turtles.

Shin-Okutake Bridge

"Tatamiishi" - a place where you can admire the natural beauty of the formations and the soda-blue sea.

Crossing the Shin-Okubu Bridge will take you to the scenic spot "Tatamiishi" on Okubu Island, a natural work of art created by volcanic activity approximately 600 million years ago. Its magnificent form is reminiscent of a turtle's shell. Pentagonal and hexagonal rocks are densely laid out, creating a geometric and mystical pattern.
The contrast between the crystal-clear seawater crashing against the rocks is truly breathtaking. Just looking at it allows you to feel the grandeur of nature. This unique landscape was formed over a long period of time by wave erosion in cracks created as the lava cooled and solidified. It's a spot that evokes a sense of ancient romance.

Tatami stone

HP

https://www.kanko-kumejima.com/members/tatami-rock-formation

The Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum allows visitors to observe sea turtles up close.

Located near Tatamiishi, the Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum is a facility where you can learn about the ecology and conservation efforts of sea turtles in an enjoyable way. In the museum's large tanks, you can observe loggerhead sea turtles, green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and other species up close, and be soothed by their leisurely swimming. The exhibition area also provides easy-to-understand explanations of the impact of environmental issues on sea turtles. It's a place where you can fully appreciate the charm of sea turtles and also be reminded of the preciousness of life.

Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum

Address

170 Oku, Kumejima-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL

098-985-7513

HP

https://kumejimataro.okinawa/

Business hours

9:00 AM - 17:00 PM (Last entry at 16:00 PM) Closed on Tuesdays *Open if Tuesday is a public holiday

Enjoy the diverse and beautiful nature of Kumejima Island at "Okujima Campsite".

Located near the Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum, Oujima Campsite is a tranquil outdoor spot surrounded by nature. Situated right next to the island's popular "Tatamiishi" rock formation and crystal-clear waters, you can enjoy camping while taking in the beautiful scenery. The campsite is equipped with cooking facilities and toilets, and a wide range of rental equipment is available, making it safe and easy to use even for beginners. The sunset over the sea at dusk is particularly spectacular and makes for great photos. Visiting the sugarcane fields for a morning stroll and enjoying the sunrise is also highly recommended.

Oujima Campsite

Address

170-1 Oku, Kumejima-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL

In/Out

10:00-16:30 / 12:00

HP

https://www.kume-ou-camp.com/

Business hours

Administration building: 9:30-16:30 Day camp: 10:00-21:00

Remarks

Reservations are required to use the facility. Please check the website for usage fees.

"A telephone pole in the sea" evokes a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere.

Located at the innermost part of Oujima Island, the "utility pole in the sea" is a spot that exudes a nostalgic atmosphere, as if you've wandered into a storybook world. The utility pole standing in the sea is said to have been erected to supply electricity to Oha Island. At low tide during spring tides, it is said that you can walk from Oujima Island to Oha Island in about 10 minutes. You can reach it not only by the paved path, but also by walking counterclockwise around Oujima Island from Tatamiishi.

Telephone poles in the sea

▲Sugarcane leaves caressing the dawn sky▲

How was it? You can see everything we've covered in about an hour. It's also great for morning or evening strolls or jogging. Be sure to take a leisurely visit to Oujima Island during your stay on Kumejima.