Complete Guide to Kume Island:
Hateno Beach, Tatami-ishi & Island Resorts
About 35 minutes by plane from Naha. Known as the “Island of Kumi,” it boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Okinawa.
The sandbar, acclaimed as the most beautiful in all of Asia, is waiting for you.
01 Sightseeing Highlights
Hateno Beach
Breathtaking transparency. The emerald green water extending to the sea floor cannot be fully captured in photos.
A world of just white sand and ocean. This pure white beach stretches all the way to the horizon.
The extraordinary begins the moment you step off the boat — a feeling only those who've been here truly know.
Surrounded 360 degrees by emerald green sea, it is truly a “heavenly paradise.” As a hidden gem accessible only by boat, it is a unique spot that you cannot miss when visiting Kume Island.
📝Invitation to Hateno Beach: Tips for a Stress-Free Trip
✅Smart Booking & Transportation
To fully enjoy what’s acclaimed as the most beautiful sandbar in Asia, advance booking is essential. As the ocean’s beauty and the size of the sandbar change dynamically depending on the tide, it is best to consult with the tour operator about the recommended times before booking. Note that schedules may be disrupted during spring tides, as boats can struggle to dock at low tide.
The tour I joined was highly comfortable and strongly recommended for families with small children, in addition to standard adult holidaymakers.
A shuttle bus picks you up directly from the hotel entrance and takes you straight to the boat — completely hassle-free. This ensures a safe journey even when carrying luggage or holding children’s hands. You arrive at the sandbar with nothing but excitement.
▼ Check Tour Availability & Rates
🚻 For a Comfortable Stay
Although simple portable toilets are available on-site, it is smart to use the restroom at your hotel before departure. Carrying some toilet paper in your bag is also a wise travel tip.
☀️ A World with No Shade
There is only white sand and blue sea. There is absolutely no shade.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential items. Never underestimate the intense glare — the reflected light can be brutal.
🥤 Prepare for the Luxury of “Nothing”
It is an untouched paradise with no shops or vending machines.
Be sure to prepare and bring your favorite drinks, snacks, or light meals. An onigiri eaten to the sound of waves is one of life’s simple perfections.
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
Kumejima Prefectural Natural Park (Eef Beach)
a 2km stretch of powder-white sand.
With resort hotels and restaurants nearby, it serves as an extremely convenient base for your stay. It is also the perfect spot for early morning walks while watching the sunrise or viewing a starry sky at night.
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
Tatami-ishi Rocks
Born from ancient volcanic activity, this landscape is a masterpiece of nature. The full view revealed at low tide resembles beautifully arranged tatami mats. The nearby Sea Turtle House is also recommended for families.
Mifuga Rock
The light filtering through this opening is mystical. Also known as the “female rock,” it has long been worshiped as a power spot for fertility.
It is a place where you can feel the dynamic force of nature with rough waves crashing, in contrast to the calm Eef Beach.
Hiyajo Banta Cliff
from a 200m high cliff.
From the observatory, you can overlook the emerald green coral reefs and Hateno Beach floating in the distance.
On clear days, you can even see the Kerama Islands. With a shop and restrooms available, it is ideal for a rest during your drive. Enjoy the overwhelming sense of openness while feeling the pleasant sea breeze.
Kumi Nyankotei
Those eyes will wash away all your travel fatigue. You will feel the premium quality of the fur the moment you touch it.
Friendly staff and many cat members will warmly welcome you. If you are lucky, you might even meet the resident dachshund dog.
The interior is surprisingly clean, and you won’t notice any typical odor associated with cat cafes.
🐾 Business Info
Due to irregular business hours, please be sure to check the business status on their SNS or official website before visiting.
Local Cuisine to Brighten Your Island Time
🔥Super Popular Restaurants (Booking Required)
In particular, popular places (like Izakaya) around the Eef Beach area are 100% fully booked on the day.
Izakaya Restaurant Namiji
IzakayaIzakaya Restaurant Nantou Shokurakuen
Creative Island Cuisine
Izakaya Restaurant Kameyoshi
Izakaya🍜Popular Places for Casual Dining
Three Peace Parlor
Okinawa Soba
Hanakume Restaurant
Set Meal & SobaGrocery & Stores on the Island
FamilyMart
Kumejima Eef Beach Front
Convenience StoreThe most convenient convenience store on the island, located right in front of Eef Beach.
Open 24 hours, it is perfect not only for midnight snacks and drinks, but also has beach items like fireworks and sunscreen.
A-Coop Kumejima Store
SupermarketA large supermarket also used by locals.
It offers a rich selection of fresh foods and alcohol at reasonable prices. Perfect for buying island souvenirs or fresh sashimi to eat at your hotel.
Kume Island Travel Guide
✈️ Getting There
JAL/RAC Flight (approx. 30 min)
One-way: approx. ¥6,000 - ¥15,000※Approx. 6 flights/day (from Naha)
Kume Shosen Ferry (approx. 3.5 hours)
One-way: ¥3,450 / Round-trip: ¥6,560※2 departures/day (from Tomari Port)
Direct flights from Haneda are available from July to August.
☀️ Best Season
In winter (February), the island is also lively as the training camp for Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
🌙 Duration
💰 Budget
🚗 Transportation
It takes about 1 hour just to drive around the island once. Since each spot is far apart, a car is indispensable for free movement. Picking up the car at the airport is the smoothest option.
⏰Rental cars go fast — reserve yours early
🌊 Book Marine Activities in Advance
Glass boat tours and snorkeling at Hateno Beach quickly become fully booked days in advance during the high season (June to September). It is highly recommended to reserve them at the same time you book your hotel.
▼ Check departure dates & availability (Prices and inventory fluctuate)
⚠️ Important Notes
- 📍Kume Island is extremely dark at night. You might encounter natural monuments like the Kumejima firefly or coconut crabs on night roads, so please drive slowly.
- ※Although there are supermarkets and convenience stores on the island, shops at Kumejima Airport may close before the final flight, so buy your souvenirs in advance.