4 Best Must-See Destinations in Kume Island, Okinawa

An unmanned island made of nothing but sand, complete with crystal clear water beaches. Recommended for snorkeling and swimming. You can only visit by boat so be sure to make an advanced reservation.

An enormous rock that seems to be almost ripped in two. The formation is said to be a “female rock” and is believed to aid in the fertility of any woman who prays here. You can walk up close to the formation but the footing is rocky. Caution is advised.

A volcanic eruption some 6 million years ago cooled and solidified in this geometric formation known as “columnar jointing”. The lattice of 5- and 6-sided stones is often said to look like turtle shells, earning this spot the nickname of “turtle shell rocks”. Visible only at low tide, Tatami-ishi is designated in Japan as a Natural Monument.

The Uegusuku Castle ruins sit on the 310 meter-high summit of Uegusuku-Dake, offering a 360-degree panoramic view out over Kume Island. You can see out to other islands on a clear day. The summit is reachable by car.