Kume Island, Pacific island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
Kume Island is an island in the Okinawa archipelago with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and forested hills that cover around 59 square kilometers (23 square miles). The eastern coast shows shallow bays with clear water, while the west has rocky cliffs and calmer waters.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, the island served as a trading post between the Ryukyu Kingdom and China, with Chinese goods arriving at local markets. After 1879, it was officially incorporated into the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa and lost its role as an international port.
The name Kumejima is pronounced with a soft, melodic tone in the local dialect, reflecting the old connection to the Ryukyu language. Fishermen and craftspeople still work using methods passed down through generations, especially in the production of natural fiber goods and boat building.
Visitors reach the island by plane in about 35 minutes or by ferry from Naha, with most lodging located along the eastern coastal road. A rental car or bicycle makes exploring the scattered beaches, viewpoints, and rock formations much easier.
The island holds four castle ruins from before the 17th century, with Ue Castle Site being the highest elevated castle location in all of Okinawa. These ruins are scattered across forested hills and offer wide views over the sea and surrounding bays.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
