Kuroshima

城市概覽

This island is famous for cattle and there are about 3,000 cows in this island in spite of the fact that there are only 200 people. This island is completely away from modern life. There are no convenience stores and no traffic lights. There is just one very small general store and a few cafés. What the island does have is a beautiful beach, maybe more beautiful than those on Okinawa Island, and some pretty good snorkeling. Plus, as there are few people on the beach, it is rather private.

如何抵達

By boat There are five to six daily departures from Ishigaki, depending on the season, and the travel time is about 25 minutes.

當地交通

Bicycles are the recommended way of getting around the island, letting you get from one side to the other in less than half an hour. Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented at the port. Walking is possible, but takes a lot longer.

必看景點

To begin with, there are cows. Cows, everywhere. If you're from a big city and haven't been around them much, this will get you excited.

1 Nishi no Hama (西の浜) (west of the port). Not much in the way of a beach, but it's a spawning ground for sea turtles during summer nights. The turtles are a protected species, of course, so viewing them is possible only under strictly regulated conditions. 2 Kuroshima Research Station (黒島研究所), Kuroshima 136, ☏ +81 980-85-4341. Studies mostly sea turtles, and plenty of juvenile specimens can be viewed in tanks. There are also sharks and local fish, as well as exhibits on local life on the island. Nighttime excursions to view the sea turtles are available for ¥1,500. Entry ¥800. (updated Apr 2026) 3 Iko Pier (伊古桟橋) (NE coast of the island). 24h. Walk far out (354m) on the old access pier over the beautiful blue lagoon and see views of Iriomote across the water. The scenery is nicer at high tide. (updated Apr 2026)

體驗活動

1 Nakamoto Beach (仲本海岸). Doesn't have turtles, but the reef is a quite good snorkeling spot. It seems to only be officially open for swimming during low tide, when the lagoon becomes completely separated from the sea. During other times there can be strong currents, so be careful. Shower facilities are available next to the beach, as well as the visitor center next to the research center. (updated Apr 2026)

購物

There is one very small general goods store with a small selection of snacks and produce, located at the north end of the village in the middle of the island. You can find it labeled on some of the tourist maps as just "Store". Locals take the ferry to Ishigaki to do most of their shopping.

住宿

1 Shimajuku Nankuru (しま宿南来), Kuroshima 412, ☏ +81 980-85-4304. Room and 2 meals ¥5,500. (updated Oct 2019) 2 Nakataso (なかた荘), Kuroshima 31, ☏ +81 980-84-6811. A minshuku with a surprisingly modern building (opened in 2003). Wi-Fi, transportation to/from the harbor, and awamori (up to a point) are free. Private room ¥4,000, breakfast ¥500, dinner ¥1,500.

順遊推薦

Unless you have your own boat, the only place to go from here is back to Ishigaki!