Kuroshima is a little-known spot in Okinawa! Popular tourist attractions & activity rankings

Okinawa / Yaeyama Islands Kuroshima, one of the places, has untouched nature and idyllic scenery. Beautiful remote island .. Ishigaki Island With good access, about 30 minutes by boat from Many repeaters It is a popular island.

This time you can experience it in Kuroshima Marine activities And recommended sightseeing spots.

Kuroshima sightseeing If you are wondering where to go, please refer to it.

You can fully enjoy Kuroshima! Recommended experiences / activities

Kuroshima Marine activities Is a very popular island. Transparency of the sea It is also expensive, and once you experience it, many people repeater The more it becomes, the more beautiful the scenery spreads.

here, Kuroshima Here are some recommended activity tours that you should definitely experience when you visit.

Kuroshima walking tour

Looking down from the sky Heart shape Is said to look like Kuroshima teeth, Love power spot Popular as a famous place. Why don't you take a leisurely stroll around Kuroshima for a couple's date or a girl's trip?

In the highly transparent sea of Kuroshima Snorkeling There is also a tour to enjoy. If it is a plan that can participate from one person, it is safe even by one person.
The tours that children can participate in are Recommended for families is.

Snorkeling

Highly transparent, Beautiful coral reef The expansive sea of Kuroshima, Snorkeling Why don't you enjoy it?
In the sea area between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island Sekisei Lagoon The largest coral reef area in the Northern Hemisphere, called. Snorkeling in the coral reef area is a fascinating beauty. In the sea Meet sea turtles It may happen!

If you can choose either morning or afternoon, it's easy to make a sightseeing schedule.
" I want to play in the sea, but I also want to do sightseeing! Recommended for those who say.

diving

Diving license (C card) If you have one, please come to Kuroshima Underwater walk Would you like to try it? The sea of Kuroshima around Ishigaki Island is highly transparent, Sea turtles and colorful tropical fish You can swim while watching us.

There are various options such as a plan with abundant diving points, a plan that you can play a lot in the morning, and a plan that you can enjoy more deep fan diving. Ishigaki Island Encounter manta rays It is also an area with a high probability of doing. You may be blessed with a chance to swim with a manta ray.

Popular experience / activity ranking around Kuroshima

Popular around Kuroshima activity Introducing. If you find an activity that interests you, please try it.

Features & highlights of Kuroshima

Coral island Kuroshima, which was also called "Saf Island" with the meaning. A relaxing time It is attractive to have a beautiful sea and magnificent scenery where you can spend your time.

Below About Kuroshima I will introduce you.

position

Kuroshima is in Okinawa Yaeyama Islands In one of Ishigaki Island It is an island on the southwest side of 18.5km from. Looking down from directly above Heart shape Because it looks like " Heart Island It is also called.

Yaeyama Islands In addition to Kuroshima, Ishigakijima, Taketomijima, Iriomotejima, Kohamajima, and Yonagu There are Nijima, Aragusukujima, Yubujima, Hatomajima, Haterumajima, etc. Snorkeling or diving Etc. Activity spot It is also popular as.

size

Kuroshima is a small island with a circumference of 12.6km. There are few ups and downs Flat terrain is. It takes about 2 to 3 hours by bicycle Island tour It is also recommended to go sightseeing in Kuroshima by cycling.

By the way, the islands called Kuroshima include Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Okayama, Hyogo, Aichi, etc. in addition to the Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands. All over the country Exists in.

The charm of Kuroshima

Kuroshima is a small island, but besides the beautiful sea "100 Best Roads in Japan" There are many wonderful tourist attractions such as the prefectural roads that have been selected as well and the spots that are also tangible cultural properties of the country.

Also, Kuroshima Sea turtles and land crabs It is also famous as an island that spawns. Sea turtles lay eggs from May to August, and land crabs lay eggs from June to September at night. If the timing is right, you may come across a valuable spawning scene.

Kuroshima, which has few big mountains and few lights, The starry sky is also beautiful And popular. There is also a spot where you can see the Southern Cross, and you can enjoy the beauty of nature all day long!

Access to Kuroshima

There is no airport on Kuroshima, so the only way to get to the island is Ferry only is.

Since it operates 3 round trips a day (as of May 2022), Have plenty of time Let's go.
Also, the ticket office at the ferry terminal is often crowded, so tickets can be purchased online. Pre-purchase recommend!

Does Kuroshima have more cows than people? !!

Kuroshima The meadow spreads A peaceful place. The first thing you see among the many animals Cow !!
Such Kuroshima "Ushinoshima" It is also familiar with the nickname of.

The number of cows exceeds 3,000 for the island's population of about 220. In Kuroshima Cows more than 10 times the population Are there. The reason why there are so many cows is that Kuroshima is an island with a thriving livestock farming industry.

Every year in late February, " Kuroshima Beef Festival Is held, and you can enjoy beef and steak made with luxurious beef at a reasonable price.
And the highlight of the event is the lottery where you can win one cow! In addition, there are program-participation-type group competitions, and it's exciting just to look at them.

Popular tourist spots in Kuroshima

Kuroshima Is unique to remote islands Beautiful sea and nature Besides, ancient Makes you feel the history There are also many spots.

Next, in Kuroshima Recommended sightseeing spots I will introduce. Please use it as a reference when you go out.

Kuroshima Visitor Center

Located on the west side of Kuroshima, " Kuroshima Visitor Center ". It is a museum that exhibits folk materials of Kuroshima.
You can learn about everything related to the island, such as the nature, traditions, and lifestyle of Kuroshima. This place is recommended for those who want to learn as a preliminary knowledge before sightseeing and those who are interested in the culture and history of Kuroshima.

Nakamoto Beach

Located on the west side of Kuroshima, " Nakamoto Beach "Is a popular sea with high transparency Snorkeling spot. You can enjoy beautiful scenery such as tropical fish and coral reefs, but due to the characteristics of the terrain, the tide is fast and there are dangerous places, so be careful.
There are facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, and showers, and life jackets can be rented from April to October when swimming is possible.

Kuroshima Research Station

" Kuroshima Research Station Is located on the west side of Kuroshima. It is a research institute that mainly researches sea turtles. In addition to sea turtles, Kuroshima creatures such as coconut crabs and protobothrops are bred and exhibited in the exhibition room.
In addition to living things, various things related to Kuroshima, such as fragments of the H2A rocket that drifted from Tanegashima to Kuroshima, are on display. With children It is also recommended for family trips.

Kuroshima Observatory

Located on the central side of Kuroshima, " Kuroshima Observatory Is a uniquely designed observatory that climbs spiral stairs. When you go up to the observatory, you can see the prefectural road Kuroshima Port Line, which was selected as one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan", and the idyllic scenery of the meadows.
Depending on the weather Ishigaki Island or Iriomote Island Can be seen. The next Azumaya (resting place) is recommended for a short break.

Kuroshima Lighthouse

Located on the south side of Kuroshima, " Kuroshima Lighthouse ". You can't enter the lighthouse, but you can see the emerald green sea in front of you. Also known as a power spot for romance, the sunset is very beautiful and romantic. It is also popular as a shooting spot.
You can see the Southern Cross around November. This is a recommended place for those who want to relax and enjoy the view of the sea.

West beach

Located on the northwest side of Kuroshima, " West beach "Is a beach with untouched nature, but swimming is prohibited due to the fast tide. You can't enter the sea, but the view is very good, so it's the best place to spend a leisurely time looking at the sea, such as eating a lunch box or hitting the sea breeze!
From April to September, it is also a popular spot for spawning sea turtles.

Iko Pier

"" with a total length of 354m on the northeast side of Kuroshima Iko Sanbashi ". Built in 1935 (Showa 10), it was once used as a dock. Currently, there are no ships departing or arriving, and in 2005 (Heisei 17) it was registered as a national tangible cultural property.
The area around the pier that stretches straight toward the sea is a shallow sea. At high tide, it feels like walking on the sea! On the contrary, tidal flats appear at low tide. When you go out, please check the time on the tide table.

Puzmari

Located on the west side of Kuroshima, " Puzmari Is the place where there was a lookout to monitor foreign ships during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. In fact, it is the highest place in Kuroshima.
The view is good because you can see the summit 360 degrees, but you cannot climb it because of the danger of collapse. It is a historic site that makes you feel the history of Okinawa.

Introducing popular accommodations in Kuroshima!

After enjoying the activity, Kuroshima Let's spend a relaxing time at the guest house while feeling the comfortable breeze.
Below, we will introduce three popular guesthouses in Kuroshima.

Nodoka of the guest house

Located on the west side of Kuroshima, " Nodoka of the guest house Is a unique inn where you can enjoy all-you-can-drink coffee and awamori as welcome drinks. There are many regular customers who are captivated by the hospitality of the owner, and if the timing is right, it is possible to experience "Yuntaku" where you can enjoy chatting and drinking. This is an inn that is irresistible for people who like alcohol.

Minshuku Nakata-so

Located on the northwest side of Kuroshima, " Minshuku Is an inn with a cozy atmosphere with a large garden. You can also enjoy the view of Kuroshima from the rooftop, so you can spend a relaxing time. With a pick-up service from Kuroshima Port (in the case of a ferry, only those arriving after 11:00). When staying, it is recommended to book a transfer.

Guest house, parlor A-chan

You can enjoy the blessings of Kuroshima who are particular about ingredients such as fresh vegetables and fish. Minshuku A-chan Is a 3-minute drive from Kuroshima Port. Next to it is "" run by the same owner. Restaurant parlor A-chan , And many locals also visit. It is a popular inn for people who want to meet while traveling and interact with local people.
Please contact us at the time of booking regarding pick-up from the port and rental of bicycles during your stay.

Summary of recommended sightseeing spots in Kuroshima

In this article, Okinawa / Kuroshima We introduced recommended activities and sightseeing spots in. Did you understand the charm of Heart Island and Okinawa / Kuroshima?

Ishigaki Island Kuroshima, which is easily accessible from, is full of attractions such as historical sites that touch the history of Okinawa, lush meadows, and delicious gourmet food!
Cycling is also recommended as it is an island with few undulations.

Snorkeling or diving Including Marine activities While touching the beauty of the sea, to your heart's content Kuroshima Would you like to enjoy yourself?

* Information on plans, prices, referral facilities, etc. is as of May 2022.

Editorial department recommended feature article

Enjoy the little-known beach and sunset on Kurima Island! Thorough introduction of tourist attractions, miscellaneous goods, and cafes

2022/05/10 update

Kurima Island is about a 15-minute drive from Miyako Airport. The beach facing the west side of the island is highly transparent and is also popular as a snorkel and sunset spot. The number of colorful miscellaneous goods and cafes has increased, and there are many photogenic tourist destinations. Introducing directions to Kurima Island and recommended tour plans!

Okinawa Okinawa (remote island) Miyako Island (Irabu Island, Shimoji Island, Kurima Island, Ikema Island) Guided tour Marine sports (sea activities)

To the spectacular beach of Ikei Island! Directions by car from the main island ・ Tourist attractions and history of remote islands

2022/05/06 update

Okinawa / Ikeijima is about an hour and a half drive from Naha Airport. Day trips are also popular, but there are also attractive accommodations such as hotels with activities such as hot springs and go-karts, and cottages with clear beach views. Introducing directions to Ikei Island and recommended tour plans!

Okinawa Okinawa (main island) Okinawa City / Uruma City (Tsuken Island) SUP Marine sports (sea activities)

What is snorkeling? Recommended for those who cannot swim! Thorough explanation of the differences from clothes, tools and diving!

Updated on 2023/09/11

Thorough explanation of the basic knowledge of snorkeling (snorkeling) experience! With basic information such as "necessary tools (equipment) / suitable clothes", "basic techniques", "how old can you be?" And "what is the difference from diving?", Okinawa and the Kanto area, etc. Introducing "recommended spots all over Japan". Let's enjoy the spectacular marine spots by participating in an experience tour that children and adults, beginners and people who cannot swim can enjoy with peace of mind!

Okinawa canoe / kayak │ Yambaru / mangrove / sunset! Main island & remote island experience tour popularity ranking

2022/04/11 update

Okinawa canoe / kayak (sea kayak) experience tour special feature! We will guide you through the reservation popularity rankings of the main islands (Onna village, Hija river, Yambaru, etc.) and remote islands (Ishigaki island, Miyako island, Iriomote island, etc.), tour prices (price), reputation by word of mouth, and suitable clothes. Let's enjoy the nature of Okinawa with "cruising" such as mangrove virgin forest, "kayak fishing" where you can fish, and "clear kayak" which is transparent (skeleton)!

Okinawa Canoe / kayak

Okinawa Activity Recommended Experience Tours & Popular Rankings

Updated 2024/04/08

Special feature on activities, leisure, experiences and fun in Okinawa (main island and remote islands)! ​​We've got a complete introduction to "Fun things to do in Okinawa," including popular rankings, recommended experience tours, and ways to have fun in winter and other than the sea!

Okinawa Okinawa (main island) Miyako Island (Irabu Island, Shimoji Island, Kurima Island, Ikema Island) Canoe / kayak Marine sports (sea activities)