琉球王国時代、島には10ヵ所余りの城があったといわれます。その１つ、宇江城の城跡は美しい石垣が当時の繁栄を忍ばせます。中国製の陶磁器がたくさん出土し、中国との深い関わりがあったと推測されます。島全体を360°見渡せる絶景ポイントでもあります。

It has been said that during the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom, there were castles in over 10 locations in Kumejima. Among them, Uegusuku castle, conceals the prosperity of the times within its beautiful stone wall remains. A wealth of Chinese-made ceramics have been excavated there, strengthening the belief that Kumejima and China had deep relations. Also overlooking the entire island it presents a breathtaking 360 degree view of the island.

ミーフガーは「女性が拝むと子宝に恵まれる」と伝えられる神秘的な場所。はるか昔から、大自然が作り出した壮大な造形に祈りを捧げる自然崇拝が根付いています。中央に空洞があるように見えますが、実は２つの岩がくっついているのです。

Mifuga is a mystical place where, it is said that women who pray there will be blessed with healthy children. Mother Nature created this magnificent structure and since long ago people have offered prayer here. It looks as if there is a hole in the center of the rock but in fact it was formed by two separate rocks colliding.

島の北側は、ワイルドな海岸線が魅力です。そこで目立つのは垂直に立ち上がる高さ40mの岩。海底が陸地になる過程で作られた自然の造形物ですが、その立派な姿から、地元では「立神」を意味する「タチジャミ」と呼ばれています。神を感じるような存在感をぜひ確かめてください。熱帯魚が集まるサンゴ礁の海岸も魅力です。

A fantastically wild coastline awaits you on the northern side of the island. A 40 meter high vertical rock tower stands out as you make a decent toward the shoreline. Long ago once part of the seabed it now stands ashore shaped by nature into a magnificent formation referred to as “Tachijami” meaning “standing God” in the local language. See for yourself wether or not you can feel the presence of God as you look upon it. Another attraction is the surrounding coral filled shoreline which attracts many tropical fish.

島の一番南のはしっこは高い崖になっています。遊歩道も整備されているので、運動靴を履いてハイキングへ。崖の上から見下ろすと、深い海に吸い込まれそうな気持ちになりますよ。冬には頻繁にクジラを目撃することができます。

In the southern most tip of the island there is a high cliff. Put on some sneakers and off you go, trekking up a steep but well maintained trail. Looking down from atop the cliff you feel the deep blue ocean sucking you in. Frequent whale sightings are often reported during the winter months.