Population 8,228 (2012) | Local time Sunday 8:36 AM | |
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Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) Weather 19°C, Wind NW at 6 km/h, 90% Humidity Points of interest Kume Island, Gushikawa Castle, Kumejima Museum | ||
Kumejima (久米島町, Kumejima-chō, Okinawan: Kumijima) is a town located in Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The town consists of the islands of Kumejima, Ōjima, Ōhajima, Torishima, and Iōtorishima. Among the islands, only Kumejima and Ōjima are populated.
Contents
- Map of Kumejima Shimajiri District Okinawa Prefecture Japan
- Geography
- Climate
- Culture
- Deep Seawater and OTEC
- References
Map of Kumejima, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
As of 2014, the town had an estimated population of 8,228 and a population density of 131 persons per km². The total area is 63.50 km².
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. 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.
Historically due to Kumejima's abundance of freshwater, rice was once extensively cultivated. Recently however Kumejima's main industries are sugar cane (sato-kibi), tourism, and deep seawater products.
Kumejima is often said to be one of the most beautiful of the Okinawa Islands. During the time of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, Kumejima was often visited by Chinese envoys called "sapposhi" on their way to Shuri Castle on Okinawa Island. When the Ryūkyū kingdom was abolished by Japan, many noble families were moved from Shuri to Kumejima.
Kumejima Airport serves the island.
Geography
An area of 119 km² of land and sea is protected as the Kumejima Prefectural Natural Park and 255 ha of wetland have been designated a Ramsar Site.
Numerous unique rock formations around the island can be viewed including Tatami Rocks, Bird Mouth Rock, Miifugaa, Garasaa Mountain, Tachijami, and the Yajiyagama Cave system.
Climate
Kumejima has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) bordering on a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen Af) with very warm summers and mild winters. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year; the wettest month is May and the driest month is July.
Culture
Uezu House is a traditional Ryukyu Governor's house dating back hundreds of years. The walled grounds contain gardens, a main house, and outlying buildings. The house is a quiet and peaceful look back into the history of Okinawa.
In order to maintain and preserve the historic estate, there is a 300 yen entry fee for adults, payable at the house. If an attendant is not available, it is customary to leave the amount in a tray.
There are 5 castle sites on Kume Island that can be visited. The most prominent is Uegusuku Castle on Mount Uegusuku which is the highest situated castle in Okinawa Prefecture. Gushikawa Castle is also designated a National Treasure.
Deep Seawater and OTEC
Since 2001, the Okinawa Prefecture Deep Seawater Research Institute has researched the uses of deep seawater on Kumejima, fostering the development of new aquaculture and production industries totaling $20 million in yearly revenue. Due to the deep seawater resource, Kumejima now has the largest market share of Sea Grapes and Kuruma Prawns in Japan.
In March 2013, Okinawa Prefecture completed the world's only fully operational Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Demonstration Facility. The facility is open to tours by appointment for free.