There are three ways to get to Kumejima Island from Naha, Okinawa: by airplane (RAC, about 30 minutes, from ¥9,000), by ferry (Kume Shosen, 3–4 hours, from ¥3,450), or by high-speed jetfoil (Kumejima Ocean Jet, approximately 82 minutes in summer (Apr–Nov) / ~101 minutes in winter (Dec–Mar), ¥7,800, launching May 1, 2026).
*Photos are for illustrative purposes only
Kumejima Island lies approximately 100 km west of Naha, Okinawa. Until 2026, travelers had only two options: flying with RAC (Ryukyu Air Commuter) or taking the Kume Shosen ferry. The launch of the Kumejima Ocean Jet on May 1, 2026 adds a game-changing third option — a high-speed jetfoil that bridges the gap between speed and affordability.
Comparison Table: Airplane vs Ferry vs Jetfoil
| Criteria | RAC Airplane | Kume Shosen Ferry | Ocean Jet (Jetfoil) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | ~30 min | 3–4 hours | ~82 min |
| One-Way Fare | From ¥9,000~ | From ¥3,450 | ¥7,800 |
| Frequency | 2–3 flights/day | 1–2 sailings/day | TBD (May 2026) |
| Departure Point | Naha Airport | Tomari Port | Tomari Port |
| Luggage | Limited (20kg) | Generous | Moderate |
| Scenery | Aerial view | Ocean views | Ocean views |
| Car Transport | No | Yes | No |
| Booking | JAL website | kumeline.com | ko-jet.com |
Which Option Is Best for You?
Choose the airplane if: You prioritize speed above all else and don’t mind higher fares. Best for business travelers and those connecting from mainland Japan flights.
Choose the ferry if: You’re on a tight budget or need to bring a vehicle. The Kume Shosen ferry is the most affordable option and allows car transport.
Choose the jetfoil if: You want the best balance of speed and cost. At ¥7,800 and approximately 82 minutes, the Kumejima Ocean Jet is significantly faster than the ferry while remaining more affordable than flying. It also makes day trips to Kumejima feasible for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest way to get to Kumejima?
A: The Kume Shosen ferry is the cheapest option at around ¥3,450 one-way, but takes 3–4 hours. The jetfoil costs ¥7,800 but takes only approximately 82 minutes.
Q: Can I do a day trip to Kumejima?
A: With the new Kumejima Ocean Jet (approximately 82 minutes each way), day trips from Naha become practical for the first time. This was not feasible with the 3–4 hour ferry.
Q: Where do the ferry and jetfoil depart from in Naha?
A: Both the Kume Shosen ferry and the Kumejima Ocean Jet depart from Tomari Port (Tomarin terminal) in Naha.
Related KOJ Guides (English)
- Kumejima Ocean Jet Complete Guide — Fares, booking, timetable, boarding
- KOJ Fare Details — Pricing and comparison with other transport
- How to Book the KOJ — Step-by-step reservation guide
- KOJ Timetable & Schedule — All departure times
- How to Get to Kumejima — Airplane vs ferry vs jetfoil
- KOJ vs Flying (RAC) — Price, time and comfort compared
- Jetfoil Tsumugi Vessel Guide — Specs and onboard experience
- Kumejima 1-Night Itinerary — Hatenohama, prawns and more
- All Okinawa Ferry Routes — Complete route guide
