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Kumejima

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Kumejima-chou (久米島町) is a town in Okinawa, Japan. It is also the name of the island where it is located.

[edit] Get in

Japan Transocean Air and Ryukyu Air Commuter operates daily flights from Naha to Kumejima Airport (30mins one way, JPN ¥10,000). The New Kumeshima Ferry Line also runs twice daily from Naha's Tomarin Port to Kumejima's Kanegusuku Port (departs 8:30am and 2:00pm, approximately 4 hours, ¥5,000 roundtrip). During the summer months of July and August, Japan Transocean Air also operates once a day flights direct to and from Tokyo's Haneda Airport.

[edit] Get around

Kumejima has an inconvenient but affordable bus sytem that runs around the entire island. There are also a few car rental companies located at the airport and ferry port. Some shops around town also offer bicycles and moped scooters available for rent.

[edit][add listing] See

  • Hatenohama. Sandbar located 15 mins off of Kumejima. Accessible by tour boats, jet ski, or kayaks. Great for snorkeling. Kumejima's finest white sand beach and crystal clear blue waters.  edit
  • Uezu House. This traditional Okinawan style house was built in 1726. It is the former home of the governing parties during the Ryukyu Kingdom era.  edit
  • Uegusuku Castle. The castle ruins are located on the top the highest point in Okinawa, offering great views of the entire island, adjacent Hatenohama sandbar, and neighboring islands.  edit
  • Tatami Ishi. An arrangement of stones in pentagonal and hexagonal shapes, resembling a carapace.  edit
  • Eef Beach. Fine white sand beach named one of the 100 Best Beaches in Japan.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

Kumejima offers various water and outdoor activities from scuba diving, snorkeling, ocean kayaking, boat tours, and other water sports.

[edit] Diving

  • Island Diving, 098-985-8739, [1]
  • Eef Marine Holiday, 098-985-7312, [2]

[edit] Hatenohama Tours

  • Kumejima Marine Sports, 098-985-8648
  • Kumejima Kaiyoreja Kyodokumiai, 098-896-8418

Ocean Kayaking and Water sports:

Please see Sleep for Eef Beach and Kume Island Resort contact information. Both resorts offer water sport activities.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are a number of sourvenir gift shops (omiyage) selling local favorites from Kumejima Miso Cookies, various Kumejima salts, Kumejima tsumugi, Okinawan pottery, and Kumejima's Kumesen.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Most restaurants will have almost the same menu, specializing in local Okinawan cuisine such as Okinawan Soba, various champurus, and fresh local fish specialties.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Kumesen: Kumejima's famous awamori (Okinawan sake) offered at most restaurants

Spiral Reggae Bar: small hole in the wall bar/restaurant, also offering delicious Indonesian/Thai cuisines

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Kume Island Resort Hotel, 098-985-8001, [3]. Luxury resort located a 1 minute walk from Eef Beach.
  • Eef beach hotel, Eefu beach (east end of Eefu beach), 098-985-7111, [4]. checkout: 11am. Luxury resort with western style ocean view rooms for 5000 yen per person including breakfast  edit
  • Marine Terrace Kumejima, 098-896-8100, [5]. Mid-priced hotel from JPN 4,200 a night.
  • Kumejima-Bekkan (久米島別館), 098-985-5333, [6]. Japanese minshuku located near Kanegusuku Port from JPN 4,200 a night.
  • Minshuku Amimoto, 098-985-8856, [7]. Traditional style Japanese minshuku located on Ojima; rooms from JPN 3,675 a night.
  • Dormitory Kumi, 090-4986-8899. Budget dormitory style hostel from JPN 1,800 a night.

[edit] Yearly Events

  • Kumejima Hari Races (Okinawan Boat Races): held on the first weekend in May
  • Kumejima Matsuri (Festival): held on the first weekend in August; features live traditional Okinawan music and dance, as well as special guests from all over Okinawa; food booths, competitions, prizes; Kumejima's main event of the year
  • Kumejima Marathon: held on the fourth Sunday of October; http://www.kumejima-marathon.com/

[edit] Contact

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