Kuroshima (Okinawa)

Sights

• A lighthouse stands at the southern tip.
• In the Visitors' Center in the west of the island various old photos, stuffed animals and traditional fishing and agricultural equipment are on display.
• Puzumari is an old tower built of dark coral stones close to the Visitors' Center. During the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the top of the tower was the highest point of the whole island, and it was used to observe the ships going to and from Ishigaki and to send fire signals to the neighbouring island. There are similar towers dating from the 17th century on other islands of the Yaeyama group as well, e.g. Hateruma.
• Nakamoto Beach, the west coast of Kuroshima, is worth a visit as well. Impressive corals can be seen close to a small Shinto Shrine at low tide.
• In the middle of Kuroshima there is a tower offering a scenic view of the whole island.
• Several ruins consisting of dark coral stones overgrown with plants are scattered all over the island.
• Traditional architecture is well preserved in the village in the middle of the island. Many houses which have a typical hip roof are still surrounded by walls built of dark coral stones.
• The banana trees vegetate and bear fruit on the island helped by high temperatures.
• Sea Turtle Association of Japan, Kuroshima Research Station

  Infrastructure