Kuroshima Island
黒島
A flat, heart-shaped small island where cattle outnumber people. Pasture and stone-wall paths are great for cycling, and the Nakamoto Coast snorkeling and sea turtle observation center are worth a visit.
Kuroshima is shaped like a heart and is flat. The island has only about 200 residents but raises about 3,000 black Wagyu cattle, so pastures and herds fill the landscape. It is an important source of Ishigaki beef. Cycling around the island takes about 1 hour, passing red-tile villages, the Iko Bridge (about 350 m long) and viewpoints. Nakamoto Coast is a famous snorkeling spot, where at low tide the lagoon shows abundant coral fish. The Kuroshima Research Institute offers information on sea turtle conservation. Every February the island holds the Kuroshima Cattle Festival. From Ishigaki Port, a high-speed boat takes about 30 minutes, and there are only a few departures a day, so keep an eye on your return time.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kaiji Beach (Star Sand Beach)
- Kondoi Beach
- Kohama Island
- Taketomi Island Village & Water Buffalo Cart
- Hamajima (Phantom Island)
- Yubu Island
- Tojin-baka (Chinese Tomb)
- Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal