*This article was last updated with verified information in January 2025.
Recommended sightseeing time
3 to 4 hours by bicycle
Kuroshima Island is a small island with a circumference of approximately 13 km, making it a great place to explore by rental bicycle. Cycling around the island at a relaxed pace takes only about 3 to 4 hours, allowing visitors to enjoy its scenic spots comfortably. Most people visit on a day trip.
If you would like a summary of Kuroshima Island along with information on restaurants and ATMs, please refer to “Welcome to Kuroshima Island, Okinawa, Japan.”
There aren’t many travelers to Kuroshima Island, making it a perfect place to relax on its beautiful beaches. However, dining options are limited, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead for lunch.
Moreover, public restrooms are also limited. You can find restroom information on the “Recommended Tourist Attraction Map” below, so be sure to check it while planning your trip.
Contents
♦ Nishinohama
♦ Cow-shaped rock (Hokei Beach)
♦ Kuroshima Research Institute
♦ Puzumari
♦ Nakamoto Beach
♦ Kuroshima Lighthouse
♦ Heart-shaped monument
♦ Iko Pier
♦ Kuroshima Observatory
♦ Recommended Tourist Attraction Map
Nishinohama
This stunning natural beach is a rare nesting site for three species of sea turtles: loggerheads, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles.
While the beach boasts breathtaking beauty, swimming is prohibited due to strong currents. Please note that there are no facilities such as showers or restrooms.
Business Hours
Always (Free)
Restrooms
None
Map No.
About a 4-minute bike ride from the port
Map No. 1
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Cow-shaped rock (Hokei Beach)
Along this coast, you’ll find uplifted coral formations shaped by the waves over time. One of them strikingly resembles a cow—a true work of art crafted by nature.
In addition, there’s also “Kinoko Iwa,” a rock formation that looks just like a mushroom.
Business Hours
Always (Free)
Restrooms
None
Map No.
About a 12-minute bike ride from the port
Map No. 2
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Kuroshima Research Institute
This facility is dedicated to the study of sea turtles. Inside, you’ll find exhibits featuring sea turtle and coral specimens. The facility also houses various animals native to Kuroshima Island, allowing visitors to see sea turtles, coconut crabs, tropical fish, and even sharks up close.
We highly recommend the special sea turtle release events, which are held occasionally. During these events, sea turtles raised at the facility are set free into the waters around Kuroshima Island. Watching them slowly make their way back to the ocean is a truly moving experience—you can’t help but cheer them on. Surrounded by nothing but the sound of waves and the gentle scraping of turtles moving across the sand, you’ll be immersed in a moment of pure serenity.
Business Hours
9:00 to 5:00pm (No closing days)
Admission fee
500yen
Restrooms
Available
Web
Kuroshima Research Institute (in Japanese)
Map No.
About a 14-minute bike ride from the port
Map No. 3
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Puzumari
This small mountain, made of Ryukyu limestone, was once used as a lookout point to monitor maritime traffic. In ancient times, when a ship was spotted, fires were lit to send smoke signals to nearby islands.
Similar lookout points can also be found on Hateruma Island (Court Mori) and Taketomi Island (Kusukumui). Each varies in height and shape, making it interesting to compare their structures.
Business Hours
Always (Free)
Restrooms
None
Map No.
About a 13-minute bike ride from the port
Map No. 4
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Nakamoto Beach
This is the most famous sightseeing spot on Kuroshima Island. At low tide, the coral reefs form large tide pools, creating natural swimming areas. These pools are home to many tropical fish, making them a popular spot for snorkeling.
The photo above was taken from offshore, and everything in the photo is a tide pool. You can enjoy snorkeling in these clear, shallow waters.
However, many marine accidents have occurred at this beach. Swimming conditions are assessed daily, and the results are displayed on a signboard (pictured below). If the sign is red, it means swimming is dangerous and not allowed.
This signboard is located at the entrance to the stairs leading down to the beach.
If you plan to swim, be sure to check the low tide time before heading out. Swimming is only allowed for about two hours before and after low tide when the current is weak.
There are showers and restrooms available, making it easy to enjoy snorkeling even on a day trip.
Business Hours
Always (Free)
Restrooms
Available
Map No.
About a 16-minute bike ride from the port
Map No. 5
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Kuroshima Lighthouse
Located at the southernmost tip of the island, this lighthouse stands in a serene setting, surrounded only by the sea and open meadows.
Please note that the lighthouse is not open to the public, and there are no facilities, such as restrooms, available on-site.
Business Hours
Always (Free)
Restrooms
None
Map No.
About a 25-minute bike ride from the port
Map No. 6
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Heart-shaped monument
The road from Kuroshima Observatory to the Agarisuji area has been recognized as one of Japan’s 100 most scenic roads. This long, straight road offers a stunning view, and at its end stands a heart-shaped stone monument, designed in the shape of Kuroshima.
Business Hours
Always (Free)
Restrooms
None
Map No.
About a 15-minute bike ride from the port
Map No. 7
Iko Pier
This pier stretches 354 meters in length. While it was once used for docking, it is now a popular tourist attraction on the island. Taketomi Island is home to the well-known Nishi Pier, famous for its sunsets, but this pier is significantly longer.
It’s best to visit this pier at high tide. When you reach the end, it feels as if you’re walking on the sea.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle from the pier. The photo below was taken with a smartphone from the pier when a sea turtle was swimming very close.
Business Hours
Always (Free)
Restrooms
None
Map No.
About a 13-minute bike ride from the port
Map No. 8
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Kuroshima Observatory
If you climb the stairs to the observatory, you’ll have a clear view of the straight road, recognized as one of Japan’s 100 most scenic roads. Since Kuroshima Island is mostly flat, you can also see the ocean stretching beyond the meadows.
Business Hours
Always (Free)
Restrooms
None
Map No.
About a 10-minute bike ride from the port
Map No. 9
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Recommended Tourist Attraction Map
The map includes not only Kuroshima Island’s main tourist attractions but also information on restaurants, accommodations, and restrooms.
If you rent a bicycle to explore the spots on the map, the journey will take about 3 to 4 hours.
