Kuroshima | Heart-Shaped Island, Cattle Kingdom, Cycling, Ferry Schedule & Access Guide
About 30 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki, “Kuro Island,” known as the heart-shaped island when seen from the sky. With an especially quiet, leisurely atmosphere even within the Yaeyama Islands, it’s a “cattle kingdom” with about 2,500 head of cattle against a population of about 220.
White-sand long beaches, superb coral-reef views, cattle grazing leisurely on green pastures—Kuro Island’s charm is precisely its “rustic simplicity,” not over-developed as a tourist site. A half-day course leisurely circling the island by rental bicycle is the standard, and it’s popular with snorkelers too as an island where you can encounter sea turtles at a high rate. In this article, we’ll fully cover Kuro Island’s charm, highlights and access.
What Kind of Island Is Kuro Island? The Heart-Shaped, Cattle-Kingdom Healing Island
Kuro Island is a small island of about 10.02 km² in area, about 12.6 km in circumference, with a population of about 220. It’s located at almost the center of the Yaeyama Islands, between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island. Because it’s heart-shaped when seen from the sky, it’s also called “Heart Island,” an island with a romantic image.
About 2,500 head of cattle are raised on the island—over 10 times the population! It’s an island with such thriving livestock farming that it’s called a “cattle kingdom.” The “Kuroshima Beef Festival” held every February is the island’s largest event, drawing many visitors from the mainland too.
Kuro Island’s Highlights
Idyllic pastures and cattle
Kuro Island’s greatest feature is the scenery of cattle grazing leisurely on green pastures. The sight of cattle you’ll glimpse many times while cycling is a pastoral scene unique to Yaeyama, hard to taste on the mainland.
Nakamoto Coast | a snorkeling mecca
Nakamoto Coast in southern Kuro Island is a snorkeling mecca. A natural “tide pool” surrounded by reef spreads out, and at low tide you can safely observe coral reefs and tropical fish in the shallows. The sea-turtle encounter rate is high too.
Nishi-no-hama | a sea-turtle nesting site
Nishi-no-hama, spreading across northwestern Kuro Island, is an about-700 m white-sand long beach. It’s protected as a sea-turtle nesting site, and in summer green and loggerhead turtles come ashore (observation is via nighttime guided tours).
Kuroshima Observation Deck | survey the island
The Kuroshima Observation Deck at the island’s center is a superb-view spot where you can sense the heart-shaped Kuro Island from above. You can survey the islands of the Yaeyama group, perfect as a cycling rest stop.
Kuroshima Research Station | a sea-turtle conservation facility
The Kuroshima Research Station is a sea-turtle research and conservation facility. You can observe sea turtles up close in tanks and learn about turtle ecology—an educational spot. Recommended for families too.
Kuroshima Port & Iko Pier
Iko Pier in the island’s east is a picture-like pier stretching straight out to sea. Popular as a photo spot, it’s also ideal for stargazing.
Kuro Island Basic Information & Access
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kuroshima, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa |
| Area | About 10.02 km² |
| Circumference | About 12.6 km |
| Population | About 220 |
| Head of cattle | About 2,500 |
| Departure point | Time needed | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Ishigaki Port → Kuroshima Port | About 30 min by high-speed ferry | About ¥1,540 one way |
Getting around the island, a rental bicycle is standard
Since the island has flat terrain, leisurely circling it by rental bicycle (an ordinary bike is fine) is standard. Rental is available from ¥500/hour, or about ¥1,500 for a half-day course.
Kuro Island Half-Day Cycling Course
- 9:30 Arrive at Kuroshima Port, arrange a rental bicycle
- 10:00 Observe sea turtles at the Kuroshima Research Station
- 11:00 Snorkel at Nakamoto Coast
- 12:30 Lunch (island cuisine at an island eatery)
- 13:30 Kuroshima Observation Deck
- 14:30 Stroll Nishi-no-hama
- 15:30 Photo time at Iko Pier
- 16:30 Return to the port
Kuro Island FAQ
Can I enjoy it on a day trip?
Yes—you can fully enjoy the main sights in a half-day to a day.
Can I enjoy it with kids?
Yes—family-oriented elements are abundant: interacting with cattle, observing sea turtles, and safe ocean play at Nakamoto Coast.
Is snorkeling OK?
Tide-pool snorkeling at Nakamoto Coast is popular. It’s relatively safe since it’s surrounded by reef, but don’t forget to check the tide table.
When is the Kuroshima Beef Festival?
Held around the last Sunday of February each year. With Kuroshima-beef gourmet and a lottery, it’s an event hugely popular with tourists too.
Summary | Savor Idyllic Yaeyama Time on Kuro Island
Kuro Island is the heart-shaped, cattle-kingdom healing island. Pastures where about 2,500 head of cattle live, snorkeling at Nakamoto Coast, encounters with sea turtles—you can experience the most rustic, idyllic atmosphere within Yaeyama.
30 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Port, ¥1,540 one way. On your next Yaeyama trip, be sure to enjoy the leisurely island time of “Heart Island.”
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Access
Ishigaki Island Mirais Rent a Car Ishigaki Airport Branch
783-1 Shiraho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa 907-0242, Japan
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Ishigaki Island Mirais Rent a Car Ishigaki Downtown Branch
704 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa 907-0004, Japan
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