Kuroshima Island: day trip from Ishigaki

Iko Pier, Kuroshima. Photo: Paipateroma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Flat, heart-shaped and mostly pasture: more cattle than people, sea turtles, and roads that are easy on a rented bike.

What to see and know

• Heart-shaped, flat island about 18.5 km southwest of Ishigaki, under 13 km around. Cattle outnumber residents roughly 13 to one. (Visit Okinawa Japan, Kuroshima Island)
• Roads are very level, so cycling is the easiest way to see the ranches and greenery. (Taketomi Town, Kuroshima Island (English))
• Loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles all nest here. The Kuroshima Research Center offers close views of turtles, with English information on site. (Visit Okinawa Japan, Kuroshima Island)
• Nakamoto Beach is popular for snorkelling. (JNTO, Explore Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park)
• The Cow Festival, held every February (last Sunday), is the island's biggest event; the town says it draws nearly 4,000 visitors. (Taketomi Town, Kuroshima Island (English))
• With no light pollution the island suits stargazing; the Southern Cross is visible from December to June. (Visit Okinawa Japan, Kuroshima Island)

Boats

Highlighted: the next departure in Japan time. Tickets work only on the operator that sold them.

Kuroshima ferry timetable

Combine Kuroshima with another island in the planner →