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COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Management
Sep. 26, 2023
Introducing the post of the "Kumejima Visitor's Bureau" COOL JAPAN VIDEOS official social media account! Kumejima Kume Island is the fifth largest island in Okinawa and has a warm climate throughout the year. The entire island is designated as a prefectural natural park, and the beach is also popular as a diving spot. You can also explore the coastline in a sea kayak.
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Kumejima Visitor's Bureau
Sep. 21, 2023 (edited)
Nice to meet you all! Kumejima Visitor's Bureau.
Kumejima, Kume Island a remote island in Okinawa with a population of about 7,300, is home to beautiful nature and rich culture.

The Kume Island is located 100 km west of the main island of Okinawa, and access to the Kumejima is about 30 minutes by plane from Naha Airport on the main island of Okinawa to Kumejima Airport (7 flights a day).
Kumejima Airport from Haneda Airport takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes.

In addition, the ferry can be taken from the main island of Okinawa "Naha Tomari Port",
Via Tonaki Island, it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to Kume Island Kanegusuku Port or about 3 hours by direct Kume Island flight.
There are 1~2 ferries per day, so please be careful when using them.

There are four ways to get around the island: town buses, rental cars, taxis, and bicycle rentals.
You can rent a car from the airport if you make a reservation, and please check the reception desk of each company in the airport arrival lobby.
There are town buses that go around the island (clockwise and counter-clockwise), the Airport Line, the Shimajiri Line, and the Kagiyama Line, and the Airport Line mainly operates according to the flight time, so you can easily use it.
The Kume Island is about 23km and can be circled in about 3~4 hours by bicycle.

The Kumejima has a number of fascinating sights.
In this post, we will introduce some of them.

The ruins of the Gusuku period scattered throughout Okinawa are called "Gusuku (castle)".
Chinese ceramics are sometimes unearthed from Gusuku, and it is a spot where you can feel the remnants of the era when trade with overseas was thriving.
Located at the top of Mt. Uejodake, "Uegusuku Castle Ruins" is the ruins of a castle built at the highest point in Gusuku. From the summit, you can see the entire Kume Island and it is also a superb viewing spot.
"Gushikawa Castle Ruins" is a gusuku located on a limestone hill along the coast. It is also a nationally designated historic site, and Gusuku is characterized by a castle wall that mixes limestone and andesite.

Next, we will introduce the beaches where you can enjoy the beautiful sea of Okinawa.
"Ara Beach" is a hidden gem spot like a private beach surrounded by mountains.
There is no doubt that you will be impressed by the beauty of the mysterious sunset as well as in the daytime!
Shinri Beach, a beach with gentle waves, has an atoll right off the coast, and you can see the atoll up close at low tide.
Since it is close to the airport, it is possible to watch airplanes take off and land.
In addition, if you apply to the town environmental conservation division, you can use it as a campsite for free.

"Mifuga Rock" on the shore of Yamatodomari is a tourist destination that means "female rock" in dialect.
There are strangely shaped rocks created by the wind and tide, and it is a popular spot that is said to be a blessing for children.

At Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimaru-kan, you can observe the dyeing techniques and works of traditional Kume Island pongee, and you can also enjoy weaving and dyeing Kume Island pongee.
The Kume Island Museum is a museum where you can experience the history and culture of Kume Island, and holds permanent exhibitions of "Kume Island Nature and Culture" as well as special exhibitions.

Next, we will introduce information on activities that you can enjoy in the Kume Island full of nature.
The "Maine Beach", "Nakano Beach", and "Hatinu Beach" floating in the northeast of the Kume Island are collectively called "Hatenohama", and you can enjoy various marine activities!

There are plenty of diving spots in the Kume Island for beginners to intermediate divers and above.
Recommended for beginners, "Manta Station" is a popular manta ray encounter spot. You can enjoy Black Manta watching up close.
In addition, the diving spot "Tombara", which is representative of the Kume Island with a huge rock height of about 50 m, has a maximum depth of 30 m, which is suitable for intermediate skiers and above, and the tide is strong, but it is also an attractive spot because there is a possibility of encountering schools of migratory fish, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, etc.

You can also explore the beautiful ocean world on a snorkeling tour.
You can also enjoy the charm of Kumejima by strolling along the coastline in a "sea kayak" where you can enjoy the surrounding scenery while paddling on the sea.
There is also a two-seater kayak, so you can enjoy it even with children.

At the "Kume Island Horse Farm" where you can enjoy interacting with the horses, you can enjoy horse play that can only be experienced here!
You can also use the "Umi Uma Asobi" to enter the sea while riding a horse, as well as your favorite horse play and a back menu on request.

Yajiyagama Cave, the longest limestone cave in the Kume Island, which is about 800 meters long, offers year-round exploration programs.
Depending on the program, you can explore the mysterious limestone cave in about 1 and a half ~ 2 hours.

Don't miss the gourmet food of Kumejima!
Kumejima is also famous as a shrimp farming pond.
The quality is highly evaluated by the industry, and it is also certified as a "base production area" by Okinawa Prefecture. The season is December ~ May.
In addition, sea grapes and awamori are also delicious specialties. It is also a perfect souvenir for Kume Island.

Kumejima is a place where you can spend a rich time through contact with nature and cultural experiences.
We will give you the best information to make your trip to Kumejima enjoyable.
Thank you for your continued support!
  • Kumejima
  • Okinawa Prefecture
  • Coast/Beach/Sea
  • Great view
  • Nature
  • Travel
  • Sightseeing
  • Diving
  • Activities
  • Okinawa area
Motobu Tourism Association
Jun. 5, 2023
Nice to meet you all! It is a city where the magnificent nature of the southern country and the heartwarming culture live on "Motobucho, Okinawa Prefecture". We will send out information about this town where the rich sea, impressive superb scenery, delicious gourmet food, and the warmth of the people are harmonious! Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture is located in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa and is blessed with a warm climate throughout the four seasons. Even in winter, the average temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable area to live in throughout the year. Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture has many popular sightseeing spots. First of all, I would like to introduce Okinawa's most popular tourist attraction "Churaumi Aquarium". About 740 species of sea creatures are bred here. In the huge tank where you can look up, you can enjoy a magnificent sight of various kinds of fish swimming in the full field of vision, such as dazzling coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and whale sharks over 8 meters long. This "Churaumi Aquarium" is a facility located in the National Okinawa Memorial Park Ocean Expo Park, and there are also "Tropical Dream Center", "Tropical and Subtropical City Greening Botanical Garden", "Okinawa Folk Village / Omoro Botanical Garden", "Marine Culture Museum / Planetarium", "Sunset Square", etc., where you can see Okinawa's nature and valuable flora and fauna. In addition, the fireworks festival of the "Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival" held in the park every July is the largest in Okinawa Prefecture. When you come to Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture, please enjoy the pure white sand and beautiful beaches. "Sesoko Island" is an island with a circumference of about 8 kilometers and is connected to the main island of Okinawa by the Sesoko Bridge with a total length of 762 meters. The view from the bridge is truly superb! The beauty spreads so much that it captivates the heart. At Sesoko Beach on the island, the pure white sand and emerald green sea promise a pleasant day. On Minna Island, a remote island 15 minutes by boat from the main island of Okinawa, you can enjoy swimming and abundant marine activities in the crystal clear sea. A recommended spot for a trip to enjoy Okinawa's nature is the "Fukugi Avenue of Bise". The fukugi trees planted to protect the house from the sea breeze give the illusion of wandering into another world. This fantastic scenery has been featured in many media and magazines. At "Yamazato Cone Karst", you can see conical hills and rocky mountains created by nature, the only one in Japan. Feel the magnificent scenery and air of a work of art. Yaedake, which I will introduce next, is the second highest mountain on the main island of Okinawa and is also known as the spot where cherry blossoms bloom the earliest in Japan. The cherry blossoms begin to bloom in late January, and the cherry blossom festival is also held! Please also enjoy the popular "food" in Motobu Town sightseeing. Motobu Town has a wide variety of delicious gourmet food, and it is a famous area as a Okinawa Soba town. There are more than 70 Okinawa Soba shops in the town that use bonito-based soup stock. More than 20 Okinawa Soba shops are lined up on the Izumi Kaido on Prefectural Route 84, and it is known as the "Soba Kaido" that attracts not only locals but also many tourists. Access to Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture is about 2 hours by rental car or bus from Okinawa Naha Airport. Motobu Town has a wide range of accommodation facilities, from resort hotels to guest houses, so you can choose according to your travel style. Since this is my first post, I briefly introduced the charms of Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture, but from now on, I will introduce a lot of recommended information about Motobu Town in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS. Please look forward to information on Motobu Town in Okinawa Prefecture, where beautiful nature and heartwarming culture are alive!
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  • Motobu
  • Okinawa Prefecture
  • Churaumi Aquarium
  • Aquarium
  • Ocean Expo Park
  • Tropical Dream Center
  • Tropical and Subtropical Urban Botanical Garden
  • Omoro Botanical Garden
  • Oceanic Culture Museum
  • Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival
  • ...and 10 others
Yomitan Tourism Association
May. 2, 2023
Located in central Okinawa, Yomitan Village is known as the most populous village in the Japan and offers wonderful tourist destinations and history. Yomitan Village is packed with many attractions, such as the beach with a superb view and the ruins of Zakimi Castle, which is registered as a World Heritage Site. This is my first post, so in order to get to know Yomitan Village, I will introduce Yomitan Village, such as sightseeing spots, hotel information, weather, and history. 【Introduction of popular sightseeing spots in Yomitan Village】 ・World Heritage Zakimi Castle Ruins and Yuntanza Museum In Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, there is the ruins of Zakimi Castle, which is registered as a World Heritage Site! This was used as a fortress of the Ryukyu Kingdom from the 15th to the 17th century, and is now selected as one of Japan 100 best castles, and is a tourist destination where you can enjoy magnificent scenery and history. In addition, at Yuntanza Museum near the ruins of Zakimi Castle, you can learn about the history, culture, nature, and arts and crafts of Yomitan Village! The museum has many historical relics and exhibits. ・Toguchi Beach (Toguchi Beach) Toguchi Beach in Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, is a beautiful local beach featuring white sand and crystal clear seawater! The waves are calm and the water depth is shallow, so it is also recommended for families. You can also enjoy snorkeling and diving. There are also cafes and restaurants along the beach, so you can spend the whole day relaxing! ・Cape Zanpa Cape Zanpa, located at the westernmost tip of the main island of Okinawa in Yomitan Village, is known as a spot where you can see beautiful sunsets. Cape Zanpa has the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse, which is also famous as a lighthouse that can be climbed, and the view from the lighthouse is a superb view point where you can overlook the west coast of the main island of Okinawa! There is also a walking path, where you can take a walk while enjoying the nature and sea view. ・Yachimun no Sato Yachimun-no-sato is an area where traditional Okinawan pottery (pottery) "Yachimun" gathers. While strolling, you can discover unique pottery and vessels, and create your own work in the hands-on class. It is also a spot where you can feel the history and culture of Yomitan Village! 【Introducing the history of Yomitan Village】 Yomitan Village is an area that flourished during the Ryukyu Kingdom period since ancient times. You can feel the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom such as the ruins of Zakimi Castle. In addition, after the war, a U.S. military base was established, and many people related to the base came to live there. Therefore, in Yomitan Village, you can enjoy a unique atmosphere that fuses traditional Okinawan culture and American culture! 【Annual weather in Yomitan Village】 Okinawa Prefecture is characterized by a warm climate throughout the year! Yomitan Village is no exception, and even in winter, the average temperature exceeds 15°C, making it easy to spend. From June to September, it is easily affected by typhoons and it rains a lot. When planning your sightseeing, pay attention to the weather. 【Introduction of hotels in Yomitan Village】 Yomitan Village has a wide range of accommodation facilities, from luxury resort hotels to business hotels and guest houses. Located on the beachfront, this resort hotel offers a full range of facilities including a private beach, pool and spa. On the other hand, at guesthouses and guest houses, you can experience Okinawan life while interacting with local people! Yomitan Village has many popular sightseeing spots such as beautiful beaches and the World Heritage Zakimi Castle Ruins, so you can enjoy a satisfying trip. Not only can you experience the history and culture, but you can also spend a relaxing time at the resort. Please plan your trip to Yomitan Village and experience its charm. In Yomitan Village, there are also many local restaurants and restaurants where you can enjoy Okinawan cuisine. Soki soba noodles, Okinawa soba noodles, red potato tarts, etc., you can enjoy sightseeing while enjoying local flavors. If you like alcohol, please enjoy awamori. The Higa Brewery in Yomitan Village makes the popular awamori "Zanpa", and you can also visit the old sake brewery. In addition, Yomitan Village is easily accessible by car from Naha City, about 1 hour by car. It is easy to access from Naha Airport and is also recommended as a base for traveling to Okinawa. We hope you have a wonderful time in Yomitan Village.
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  • Yomitan
  • Okinawa Prefecture
  • Zanba Cape
  • Toguchi Beach
  • Yachimun Village
  • Zakimi Castle Ruins
  • Okinawa area
  • Coast/Beach/Sea
  • Travel
  • Sightseeing
開智国際日本語学校(Kaichi International School of Japanese)
Oct. 12, 2021
[English/Japanese] Continuing from last week, I would like to introduce some of the behaviors and conversations that international students find strange when communicating with Japanese people. Shy Japanese? International students often tell me that many Japanese people are shy. When I ask them why, they say that many Japanese do not express their opinions clearly, do not make eye contact, and are shy about dancing or singing in public. Do you think that Japanese people are really shy? In Japan, modesty and mutual respect have long been regarded as virtues. For this reason, I think many Japanese people are careful to avoid doing anything that might draw attention to themselves. However, there is one situation where shy Japanese people can act boldly. One of them is hot springs. International students often say that it is strange that Japanese people are so shy that they show their nakedness to others and take a bath together. They also say the same thing about Japanese people who cosplay at anime events. When it comes to hot springs, the reason given is that it is a part of Japanese culture that they have grown accustomed to, so few Japanese question it. Also, cosplaying is a way to "be someone else," and many people are open to it. ✌ In your country, what kind of poses do you take when taking photos? When you take photos at your Japanese language school, you can discover the differences between countries. For example, male students from Nepal and Bangladesh "wear sunglasses and put their hands in their pockets and hold them at an angle," while female students from Asian countries who like Korean culture "make a heart with their index finger and thumb overlapping. And most Japanese teachers make the "peace sign". There are many theories as to why Japanese people make the peace sign. Some foreign students think that Japanese people are boring when it comes to posing for photos. However, for shy Japanese who feel embarrassed to be true, it may be a relief to have a standard pose. Different Personalities in Different Regions When people talk about the personality of the Japanese, they are often referring to the Japanese living in the Tokyo area. So, are Japanese people in other areas the same as in Tokyo? Osaka is famous for being different from the typical Japanese character. Osaka has prospered as a city of commerce and is home to many people who like to talk and make people laugh. For this reason, I often hear foreign students who have visited Osaka for the first time or who have talked with people from Osaka say that they do not feel like Japanese. Also, being located in the southernmost part of Japan, Okinawa has a large number of people who love to dance and sing. Just like the climate, the people in Okinawa are warm and cheerful. On the other hand, people in colder areas such as Tohoku are more humble and less talkative than those in Tokyo. Even in the same region of Japan, the atmosphere of the people differs depending on the region, so please try talking to Japanese people in different regions. Over the past two weeks, I have introduced the personality and behavior of Japanese people. International students who have just arrived in Japan often have misunderstandings about the behavior of Japanese people. In order to reduce such misunderstandings, Japanese language schools offer classes on Japanese culture as well as on the character of Japanese people. Please come and observe our classes. Continuing from last week, I would like to introduce the actions and conversations that international students thought "Japan people are strange" when communicating with Japan people. Shy Japan? International students often say that many Japan people are shy. When asked why, they say, "I don't express my opinion clearly," "I don't make eye contact," and "I am shy about dancing or singing in public." Do you think Japan people are really shy? It has long been a virtue for Japan to be humble and to give in. Therefore, I think there are many people who are careful not to do anything that attracts Japan attention of themselves. But why would such a shy Japan do such a thing? There are also situations where I have doubts. It is a hot spring. International students often tell me that it is strange to show others their nakedness and take a bath together, even though they are Japan shy. There are also similar opinions about Japan people who cosplay at anime events. When it comes to hot springs, the reason is that few people have doubts about them because they are familiar with Japan Japan culture. Also, cosplay is about "becoming a different you," and many people open up. ✌ What kind of pose do you take when taking photos in your country? Taking photos at Japanese schools allows you to discover differences between countries. Male students from Nepal and Bangladesh "put their hands in their pockets with sunglasses and hold them diagonally," while Asian female students who like Korean culture "put their index fingers and thumbs on top of each other to make a heart." And Japan teachers mostly make a "peace sign". There are theories as to why Japan people do pieces. Some international students find it boring to pose for photos of Japan people. However, for shy Japan who find photography embarrassing, it may be reassuring to have a standard pose. Personality varies by region When talking about the personality of Japan people, most of them are aimed at "Japan people living in the suburbs of Tokyo". So, are Japan people in other regions the same as in Tokyo? Osaka is famous for being different from the typical Japan personality. Osaka is a thriving city of business, and there are many people who like to talk and want to make people laugh. For this reason, I often hear from international students who visit Osaka for the first time or who have spoken with people from Osaka that they are not like Japan people. Also, Okinawa, which is located in the southernmost part of the Japan, has many people who love to dance and sing. Like the climate, the people are warm and cheerful people live here. On the other hand, there is an image that in cold regions such as Tohoku, there are even more humble people and fewer words than in Tokyo. Even in the same Japan, the atmosphere of people differs depending on the region, so please try talking to Japan people from various regions. Over the course of two weeks, we introduced the personalities and behaviors of Japan people. International students who have just arrived at Japan often misunderstand the behavior of Japan others. In Japanese schools, in order to reduce such misunderstandings, the Japan culture and the personality of the Japan person are also dealt with in class. Please come and observe the class.
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  • Life in Japan
  • Japanese-language school
  • International students
  • Photography
  • Hot springs
  • Cosplay
  • Kansai region
  • Tohoku region
  • Okinawa area
  • Japanese heart/Wabisabi

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