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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kuroshima is a small remote island belonging to Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and white sandy beaches, its greatest charm lies in the laid-back island lifestyle. Traditional remote island life remains, and the island's main industries were once agriculture and livestock farming, but tourism has now been added. The island is particularly famous for the cows (grazing cattle) that roam freely on the island, making it popular with tourists who enjoy landscape photography and leisurely cycling. The sea is highly transparent, and there are many snorkeling and diving spots scattered around the island.
Highlights
- Grazing cows and island scenery: The cows scattered all over the island are a symbol of Kuroshima. The idyllic scenery makes for great photos (please be careful not to touch or feed the cows).
- Beaches and coral reefs: White sand beaches, tidal pools, and nearby coral reefs offer great opportunities for snorkeling to see fish and coral.
- Cycling: The island is flat, and there are rental bicycle courses available for cycling around the island. We recommend taking your time and enjoying the scenery.
- Island villages and houses: A stroll through the villages, where traditional red roofing and simple houses remain, gives you a sense of life on a remote island.
- Stargazing: The island has little light pollution at night, so on clear nights you can enjoy a beautiful starry sky (recommended if you stay overnight).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
Kuroshima has no railroads and the nearest transport hub is Ishigaki Island.
- By plane: First, fly to Ishigaki Airport (domestic flight).
- Ferry from Ishigaki Island: Take a ferry or high-speed boat bound for Kuroshima from Ishigaki Port (such as the remote island terminal). The journey takes approximately 25 to 40 minutes depending on the type of boat and the route. The number of boats varies depending on the day, so please check the timetable in advance.
- Transportation within the island: The island is small and transportation is limited. Most people travel by rental bicycle or motorbike, or on foot. If you have a lot of luggage, you may need to use the shuttle service from your accommodation or the port.
- Important note: Travel time between the port and the airport is approximately 20-30 minutes by bus or taxi. Please be aware of ferry arrival/departure and cancellation information, as well as the weather (especially during typhoon season).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: You can see the main attractions in half a day to a full day (3 to 7 hours). A full day is recommended if you want to enjoy playing in the sea on the beach, exploring the village, and cycling.
- Accommodation: If you stay one to two nights, you can enjoy the quiet mornings and evenings, stargazing, and a relaxed island lifestyle.
Nearby spots
- Ishigaki Island: Access point to Kuroshima. Plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, rental cars, etc.
- Taketomi Island, Kohama Island, Iriomote Island, and other islands in the Yaeyama Islands: Ideal bases for day trips and round-trip tours. Each island offers different scenery and experiences.
- Yubu Island: An island in the Yaeyama region where you can enjoy tourist experiences such as water buffalo cart rides.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Kuroshima itself is less crowded than major tourist destinations, but the ferry is expected to be crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, and the winter holidays. Be sure to secure a seat on the ferry and adjust your round-trip times.
- Manners: Do not touch or feed the grazing cows. Entering private homes or fields and leaving trash there is strictly prohibited. As it is a quiet island, please be considerate of the local residents (noise, behavior at night).
- Protect nature: To avoid damaging corals and marine life, do not walk on or touch the corals, and do not collect corals outside of designated areas. If possible, it is a good idea to use environmentally friendly reef-safe sunscreen products.
- Traffic and Safety: The roads on the island are narrow, and bicycles, cars, and cows may share the same road. When cycling, be sure to wear a helmet, lights, and take precautions against heatstroke. When playing in the ocean, be careful of tidal currents and rip currents, and we recommend wearing a life jacket.
- Convenience: ATMs, convenience stores, and medical facilities are limited. It is a good idea to bring cash (including coins) and stock up on any medicines and daily necessities you may need on Ishigaki Island.
- Season: Boats may be canceled during typhoon season (generally June to October). Be sure to check the weather and sea conditions.
(Additional Information) Timetables, rental and accommodation information often change depending on the season and operating conditions, so we recommend checking the latest information with the official website or accommodation/ship company before traveling.
