Hate-no-hama

Okinawa & the Southwest Islands


Kume-jima's most famous attraction is this 7km sandbar that extends from the eastern point of the island, pointing back towards Okinawa-hontō. If you arrive by air, you can't miss this coral-fringed strip of white framed by turquoise sea. Hatenohama Kankō Service runs three-hour tours out here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Okinawa & the Southwest Islands attractions

1. Tatami-ishi

4.04 MILES

On tiny Ōjima (奥武島), which is connected to Kume-jima's east coast by a causeway, you'll find the intriguing Tatami-ishi, a natural formation of flat…

2. Eef Beach

5.09 MILES

Kume-jima's most popular beach is also one of its nicest, though it sadly does receive its fair share of flotsam from the ocean. Iifu (Eef) means 'white'…

3. Uegusuku Castle Ruins

7.74 MILES

Perched atop the island's highest peak, at an elevation of around 310m, are the meticulously placed crumbling stone walls of what was once the stronghold…

4. Former Uezu Residence

8.68 MILES

Built around 1750, this traditional Ryūkyūan dwelling was the former home of Kume-jima's dominant clan, the Uezu family. Lovingly maintained and set amid…

5. Shinri-hama

10.69 MILES

As any local will tell you, this attractive beach is the best place on the island for watching the sunset over the East China Sea. Find it on the west…

6. Nishibama Beach

26.78 MILES

Lovely beaches fringe every side of the island, but for sheer postcard-perfect beauty, it's hard to beat the 1km stretch of white sand on the northeast…

7. Furuzamami Beach

27.46 MILES

Approximately 1km southeast from the port (over the hill) is this stunning 700m stretch of white sand, fronted by clear, shallow water and a bit of coral…