Things to Do in Kumejima (久米島町), Okinawa: Sights, Train Access & Travel Guide

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Kumejima (久米島町) in Okinawa Prefecture (Okinawa, Japan) is anchored by local sights including Kume Jima (久米島), Uegusuku Dake (宇江城岳), Tonnawa Yama (トンナハ山) and served by Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal via the regional hub at Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports. Set at 156 m elevation (26.3666°N, 126.7702°E), Kumejima offers travelers a base for sampling regional Okinawa soba (wheat noodles in pork-kelp broth with tender soki ribs), Goya champuru (bitter melon, tofu, egg & pork stir-fry), Taco rice & Blue Seal ice cream cuisine and exploring neighboring Tonaki (渡名喜村) (37.2 km), Aguni (粟国村) (51.9 km), Zamami (座間味村) (54.4 km), Tokashiki (渡嘉敷村) (61.9 km).

The town consists of the islands of Kume, Ōjima, Ōhajima, Torishima, and Iōtorishima. Among the islands, only Kumejima and Ōjima are populated. Kumejima is located approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) west of Naha. The town can be accessed by the New Kumejima Ferry, Japan Transocean Air, or Ryukyu Air Commuter. Kumejima Airport serves the island. The total area is 63.50 km2 (24.52 sq mi). Kume Island is often said to be one of the most beautiful of the Okinawa Islands. It is well known for its textiles, called Kumejima-tsumugi which are designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property. The town is also known for its Kumesen Awamori (Okinawan sake) and deep sea water. Kumejima's main industries are sugar cane (sato-kibi), tourism, and deep seawater products. Situated across rolling inland terrain at 156 m elevation in Okinawa Prefecture, Kumejima is anchored by local landmarks including Kume Jima (久米島), Uegusuku Dake (宇江城岳), Tonnawa Yama (トンナハ山) and connects to neighboring Tonaki, Aguni, Zamami via Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal. Within Okinawa Prefecture, Kumejima (久米島町) serves as a town (町) in okinawa prefecture (municipal incorporation: 1889-04-01) and pairs naturally with wider prefectural highlights such as Subtropical Ryukyu Kingdom heritage (Shuri Castle in Naha), Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu), Kerama Islands coral reefs, and the turquoise Yaeyama & Miyako islands (Ishigaki, Taketomi, Miyakojima).

What to See & Do in Kumejima (久米島町): Landmarks & Sights

Visitors exploring Kumejima (久米島町) from Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal at 156 m elevation (26.3666°N, 126.7702°E) can visit these nearby shrines, temples, parks, and geographic landmarks (with straight-line distances from central Kumejima):

• Kume Jima (久米島) — local sightseeing landmark near Kumejima (久米島町).
• Uegusuku Dake (宇江城岳) — local sightseeing landmark near Kumejima (久米島町).
• Tonnawa Yama (トンナハ山) — local sightseeing landmark near Kumejima (久米島町).
• Āra Dake (アーラ岳) — local sightseeing landmark near Kumejima (久米島町).
• Primary Rail Gateway for Kumejima: Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal (connecting to Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports).

Closest Neighboring Municipalities to Kumejima

When planning a regional rail or driving loop around Kumejima (久米島町) and Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal, consider pairing your stop with the 5 closest neighboring municipalities across Okinawa Prefecture and Okinawa:

• Tonaki (渡名喜村) — 37.2 km from Kumejima (Okinawa Prefecture)
• Aguni (粟国村) — 51.9 km from Kumejima (Okinawa Prefecture)
• Zamami (座間味村) — 54.4 km from Kumejima (Okinawa Prefecture)
• Tokashiki (渡嘉敷村) — 61.9 km from Kumejima (Okinawa Prefecture)
• Naha (那覇市) — 92.2 km from Kumejima (Okinawa Prefecture)

Getting to Kumejima & Getting Around

Train & hub access to Kumejima (久米島町) via Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal: 2h 40m flight from Tokyo (HND/NRT) or 2h 05m from Osaka (KIX/ITM) to Naha (OKA), plus direct flights to Ishigaki (ISG) and Miyako (MMY). From Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports, transfer to local JR or private rail lines serving Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal to reach central Kumejima (26.3666°N, 126.7702°E).

• Local rail & IC cards at Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal: JR regional trains and private commuter lines link Naha with Kumejima (久米島町) and neighboring Tonaki, Aguni, Zamami. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work at major urban gates; for rural branch stations or local buses around Kumejima, carry ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station coin lockers: Day-trippers stopping in Kumejima between Naha and Tonaki can store bags at major transfer stations or check suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker and ship large bags ahead via Takkyubin.
• Driving & car rental around Kumejima: While Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal anchors public transit for Kumejima, picking up a rental car at Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports makes it easy to link Kume Jima (久米島) and Uegusuku Dake (宇江城岳) with nearby Tonaki (渡名喜村) (37.2 km), Aguni (粟国村) (51.9 km), Zamami (座間味村) (54.4 km), Tokashiki (渡嘉敷村) (61.9 km). See our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Kumejima (久米島町) & Okinawa

Dining near Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal and across Kumejima (久米島町) highlights the regional food culture of Okinawa Prefecture and Okinawa. Look for these local specialties at station restaurants, family-run shokudo, and markets in Kumejima:

• Okinawa soba (wheat noodles in pork-kelp broth with tender soki ribs) — regional specialty enjoyed across Kumejima (久米島町) and Okinawa Prefecture.
• Goya champuru (bitter melon, tofu, egg & pork stir-fry) — regional specialty enjoyed across Kumejima (久米島町) and Okinawa Prefecture.
• Taco rice & Blue Seal ice cream — regional specialty enjoyed across Kumejima (久米島町) and Okinawa Prefecture.
• Umi-budo (popping 'sea grapes') — regional specialty enjoyed across Kumejima (久米島町) and Okinawa Prefecture.
• Ishigaki wagyu & Sata andagi donuts — regional specialty enjoyed across Kumejima (久米島町) and Okinawa Prefecture.

If you are dining in Kumejima (久米島町) with food allergies or dietary restrictions, use our Japanese Phrasebook & Allergy Show-Cards at restaurants around Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal.

Where to Stay in Kumejima (久米島町)

Visitors staying overnight in Kumejima (久米島町) can look for business hotels, traditional ryokan, or family-run minshuku near Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal, or base at major rail hubs in Naha (Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports) or neighboring Tonaki, Aguni, Zamami for quick train access into Kumejima. Compare hotel tiers and ryokan etiquette in our Japan Accommodation Guide.

Best Time to Visit Kumejima & Seasonal Highlights

Seasonal guide for Kumejima (久米島町, 156 m elevation at 26.3666°N, 126.7702°E): March–early May and October–November for warm swimming (24–28°C) with lower humidity; July–September for peak coral snorkeling and diving (watch for brief typhoons).

Wider sightseeing across Okinawa Prefecture that pairs well with visiting Kume Jima (久米島) in Kumejima (久米島町) includes: Subtropical Ryukyu Kingdom heritage (Shuri Castle in Naha), Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu), Kerama Islands coral reefs, and the turquoise Yaeyama & Miyako islands (Ishigaki, Taketomi, Miyakojima).

Practical Travel Tips for Kumejima (久米島町)

• Tourist information (観光案内所) for Kumejima: Stop by the Kankō Annaijo desk at Naha Airport (OKA), Yui Rail Monorail & Ishigaki / Miyako Airports or Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal for local bus schedules to Kume Jima (久米島) and walking maps of Kumejima (久米島町).
• Cash & ATMs in Kumejima: Convenience stores and major hotels around Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal accept international cards, while smaller eateries and shrines near Kume Jima (久米島) often prefer yen cash; 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs in Kumejima accept foreign debit cards.
• Local dining hours in Kumejima: Around Kumejima Airport (5.6 km) & Island Ferry Terminal and neighboring Tonaki, Aguni, Zamami, lunch service typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM with last orders between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.