Kume Island 3 Days in Paradise

Kume Island 3 Days in Paradise

Hey everyone and welcome back to a new video from Rachel and EB’s RI World Travel Island hopping adventure in Japan. Today we’re taking you on a tour in one of Japan’s most beautiful yet lesserk known islands. And no, I’m not talking about Okinawa. This island is located about 3 hours by ferry just to the west of Okinawa, Japan. I’m talking about Kumi Island. Kumiima is small, but it’s packed with some amazing things to do, including some incredible diving, which we’re really excited to show you in this video. Just be sure to stick around till the end of our video where we share some important tips, including how much the trip cost, so you can make an informed decision on if Kumuima is the right vacation for you. First things first, let’s talk about how to get to the beautiful Kumijima. It is easily accessed by a short airplane ride or by ferry. We opted to take the ferry from the port in Naha. The ferry itself was easy to navigate, reserving our tickets ahead of time online, parking right at the port, and collecting our tickets before boarding. The ferry is a comfortable option with ample inside seating and outside space. You can sit back and relax on the 3 and 1 half hour ride. On the way, you you’ll pass the beautiful Kuramas and make a quick stop at Tanaki Island. Upon arriving to Kouima, we hopped off the ferry and saw there were several taxis right outside the port. We were able to easily secure a ride to our hotel. Many visitors opt to stay near Eve Beach, an area of the island that has several hotels and restaurants. We stayed at Bearstake Kumijima as it was one of the few hotels that could accommodate us for our last minute trip. It had everything we needed and more. It was easy to check in, offered ample space, even had a washer and dryer with detergent available, and was close to many attractions. For a small island, Kumiima packs a punch, but the water activities are a main attraction. We opted to book scuba diving through dragon night diving, and we had the best time. Upon arriving, all the equipment was set up for us. Our guides made us feel welcomed and comfortable and it was a small group almost feeling like a private tour. We opted for three dives and let me tell you the diving did not disappoint. On our very first dive, we saw sharks. We cannot say enough how incredible our guide was. He knew all the good spots and made sure to point out both big and small marine life along the way. The moment we entered the water, dive 2 was just as exciting. Starting off with swimming alongside some turtles. Each dive was full of sea life with some familiar favorites and some new friends and variations along the way. We were thrilled to have the opportunity for a lunch break, making the quick journey back to the port for some Okinawan soba and good conversation. With full bellies and a chance to decompress, we headed back for our third and final dive of the day. On this dive, we plan to go through a cave, which was both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. I am so thankful for the experience having seen so much, but I’m also really appreciative that we had a knowledgeable guide leading the way. So, we had a great day of diving and then we decided that we still had energy and we wanted to do something. So, we hired a taxi and we’ve been taking it around for the past couple of hours. And this is my favorite stop. This observatory is a great spot to be able to see Hiyaja Bant Cliff and I would add it to your list. Make sure to go upstairs and be prepared for a view that takes your breath away. And on a clear day, you can even see neighboring islands like Auni, Tonaki, and the Kuramas. A short walk and a flight of stairs will bring you to this 800 m long cave, home to stelactites that are 20 to 40,000 years old. But it’s important to be respectful here as this cave was a place of burial until the mid 19th century and a practice called senkotu. Romea has a long history of regional rulers prior to becoming part of Okinowan’s Ryukin Kingdom. There are four castle ruins and we opted to visit Guushiawa. It not only had several intact walls and sat upon the cliffside, it was a stones throw away from the famous Muka rock. After spending the previous day seeing the west side of the island by taxi, we rented these jeeps from a place right around the corner from our hotel. This was such a fun way to see the east side of Kouima, and we made several stops. First up was Tatami Ishi, a stark collection of geometric rocks that were the result of a volcanic eruption. What I loved about these jeeps is that it was easy to make many stops. This bridge was a great place to take a short break and soak in the blue waters of Kou Island. We also caught a glimpse of a local shrine that wasn’t even on the map. And so we stopped here as well. We want to highlight two restaurant recommendations. First up is Nambika. Nambika is a small isizakaya owned by a husband and wife team who serve up delicious tapa style plates. We highly recommend the sushi. And don’t miss out on the mazuko spring rolls. We also really enjoyed Shima Monkey, which is a more modern isizakaya that has a unique flare, a lively atmosphere, and a spin on some traditional dishes. And you cannot miss out on the Karuma shrimp, which is a very popular item on Kumijima. Finally, here are some tips to keep in mind when visiting Kumija. One, decide on your mode of transportation early. Renting a car can be the easiest option. However, most companies, including hotels and diving companies, will meet you at your arrival location. We were only there for a brief period, so we opted to take a taxi to and from the ferry. We also rented a taxi for a few hours to take us around the island, which you can do through the concier at the Watermark Hotel. We’ve included a link in the description for both these options. Two, make sure you always have cash. Yen may be the only form of payment accepted at many of the restaurants and bars on the island. Three, we can’t stress this one enough, make reservations. Hotels, restaurants, rentals, and activities on the island are limited and can be fully booked, especially during peak season. We found out that social media, especially Instagram, is helpful to connect with different rentals, activities, and restaurants. So, we highly recommend reaching out to them in advance. Kumuima is a small laid-back island, and as such, stores and restaurants can have a regular or varying hours. This is called island time. So, keep in mind, remain flexible and enjoy. We visited Kumuima in June during peak summer season. So, these prices can vary depending on where you stay, which diving company or activity you choose, and the type of transportation modes you select. We hope you enjoyed this video. If you did, be sure to leave us a comment. Let us know what you think, like, subscribe, and we’ll see you soon.

In this video, we spend 3 unforgettable days on Kume Jima, one of Okinawa’s most underrated islands. From epic scuba diving adventures in crystal-clear waters to uncovering hidden beaches, ancient ruins, and local food spots—you’ll see why this island is a true gem off the beaten path. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or dive into the island life, Kume has it all. Don’t miss the sea turtles, sharks, history, and serene island vibes!

🎥 Watch till the end for Tips and Trip Cost

📍Highlights:

Scuba diving with marine life
Hatenohama sandbar
Tatami Rocks (Tatami-ishi)
Castle ruins
Local food and chill vibes

⏰ TIME STAMPS:
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00:00- Introduction
01:05- How to get there
02:25- Where to stay
03:25- Diving
05:59- Top things to see & do
09:39- Places to eat
10:36- Tips & Conclusion
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Links:
Kume Island Taxi Service & Island Information: https://visitkumejima.jp/local-transportation/
Mini Jeep Rental: https://www.instagram.com/yusho.rentals/

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