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.

Namiji is a popular restaurant where reservations are highly recommended.

The restaurant is located on the main street near Eef Beach, lined with resort hotels, making it a great location for dinner out from your accommodation. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season, as it is often fully booked.

The restaurant has counter seating and tatami mat seating, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere typical of Okinawan izakayas. The seats are spaced far apart, providing a comfortable and relaxed environment to enjoy your meal.

If you visit Kumejima, one local specialty you absolutely must try is the "kuruma prawn." At Namiji, you can enjoy this luxurious kuruma prawn as sashimi. Its firm, bouncy texture and rich sweetness are a blissful experience that can only be enjoyed with exceptional freshness.

Also, while it's a staple of Okinawan cuisine, Namiji's "Goya Champuru" was shockingly delicious. The slightly bitter yet rich flavor of the bitter melon is perfectly combined with the simple island tofu, egg, and pork luncheon meat.

One of the attractions of Namiji is the excellent value for money offered by their platter menus.

In particular, the "sashimi platter" comes in three different sizes depending on the portion size. We were planning to order the medium size when visiting as a couple, but the waiter advised us that "the smallest size is enough for two people."

As a result, you get this much for around 1,000 yen! Not only are there a lot of sashimi slices, but each slice is surprisingly large, making it very satisfying.

We also recommend the "Uchinaa Tempura Assortment." It's packed with Kumejima specialties, including shrimp tempura, fish tempura, sea lettuce tempura, mozuku seaweed tempura, and bitter melon tempura. The batter is seasoned, so you can enjoy it as is.

To finish your meal, we highly recommend our "Mozuku Zosui" (seaweed rice porridge). The fragrant and slightly thickened mozuku seaweed is a perfect match for the mild broth. The moment you take a bite, the subtle scent of the sea from the mozuku and the mellow umami of the broth spread through your mouth, making it a dish that soothes both your mind and body.

Even with ordering alcoholic beverages and other drinks in addition to the above, the cost is an astonishingly low 3,000 yen per person. You can enjoy a fulfilling dinner that will satisfy both your heart and your stomach. When you visit Kumejima, be sure to stop by!

Yuhei Tonosho, a cyclist and photographer who delves deep into Japan

Born in 1993 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Cultural History and Department of English Literature. While working as a salaryman, he is a travel writer who travels all over Japan by bicycle and mountain climbing. He captures and shares the changing seasons of Japan with all his senses.