Kuro Island Activities

Kuro is a quiet, heart shaped island about half hour ferry ride from Ishigaki.

As with all of the islands in Yaeyama it differs from its neighbors and has its own distinctive and individual charm.  Kuro is flat and low lying, and much of the eastern part of the island comprises green fields with grazing cattle. It is on Kuro that the bulls are reared for togyu, Okinawa`s bovine sumo.  The island is best viewed by bicycle and these can rented from near the port.

To the west are quiet and beautiful beaches and coves, with walkways along the coast. The small bays include Nishinohama and a sea turtle egg laying/nesting site, (which is not for swimming) and Nakamoto slightly further down the coast, which is a good place to swim or relax on the beach. Whilst all along the coast there are places for snorkeling along the coral reefs, Nakamoto is particularly good for snorkeling at an opening in the coral reef, which encircles much of the island.

There is a lighthouse at the southern tip of the island and the area affords a fine view across the ocean.