Kume Island (Kumejima) 久米島

Just a 30-minute flight from Naha , Kume Island shares many of the prized qualities of other Okinawan islands, but it is often skipped by tourists. Visit this volcanic island to get the beach all to yourself.

Kume Island is accessible by airplane or ferry. You will want to take at least a full day to explore this small, stunning island.

Six to eight flights a day run from Naha Airport to Kume Island. They only take about 35 minutes. In the summer months, flights run from Tokyo's Haneda Airport . These take about two and a half hours.

A ferry also operates between Naha Tomari Port and Kume Island. It runs twice a day and takes three and a half to four hours.

The best way to get around Kume Island is by rental car, scooter, or bicycle. Public transportation is sparse and unreliable.

There are three excellent beaches on Kume Island. Head to Eef on the southeast coast, Ara on the southwest, or Shinri in the far west. Amenities are fewer than at most beaches in Okinawa , but you will find these to be quieter, more serene escapes.

If you are looking for something a bit more remote, try visiting Hatenohama, a seven-kilometer-long sandbar off the east coast only accessible by tour boat. Half-day and full-day tours are available. Take plenty of water and a picnic with you since no facilities other than washrooms are available.

There are two fascinating rock formations on Kume that are well worth checking out. Found on the north coast, Mifuga Rock is a strange wall-like formation with a giant hole big enough to walk through.

On the eastern side of Kume Island, you can find a flat stretch of about 1,000 rocks known as Tatami-ishi, or the Tatami Stones. Only exposed at low tide, the stones are each about one meter in diameter, and they bring to mind a room of traditional Japanese tatami mats. They were formed millions of years ago from contracting lava after a nearby volcano erupted.

Uegusuku Castle was built at Kume's highest point by the island's rulers in the 15th century. Today, only ruins of the castle remain, but it is still well worth a visit for an impressive view of the island.