Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum

Ojima Island is a small island connected to Kumejima by bridge in Shimajiri District, Okinawa that’s also home to the Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum, a dedicated conservation hub for sea turtles that doubles as an educational center for marine life and environmental issues.

The highlight of the museum is the super-sized viewing tank, offering a glimpse of three species of sea turtles, loggerhead, green, and hawksbill, as they glide by. Peer into the fascinating world in the baby turtle tank as hatchlings move about, and catch the exhibition corner detailing the ecology and current conditions of sea turtles through panels. Another section displays shellfish native to Kumejima. The museum also hosts hands-on experiences such as turtle feeding and touch sessions.

In addition to exhibitions, the museum actively engages in conservation efforts, including beach cleanups, rescuing stranded turtles, and monitoring nesting activity. Nearby attractions include Tatami-ishi, a natural rock formation, and a campground, making the area ideal for a day of exploration and nature learning.