Kuroshima - Imisoko Utaki -
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
What Is Imisoko-utaki?
Imisoko Utaki is a sacred site dedicated to the god of safe navigation, built on the spot where a serpent deity—which had once entangled a ship visiting Kuroshima from Yamato—is said to have come ashore. Nearby are Hori-utaki and Nishi-no-hama, and since Kuroshima Port is also close by, it’s a great place to take a stroll while waiting for the ferry.
How to Get to Imisoko Utaki
Imisoko Utaki is located about a minute's walk from Kuroshima Port. It's right there when you turn right after leaving the port, so it's easy to find.
How to Enjoy Imisoko Utaki
Since Imisoko Utaki enshrines the god of safe voyages, it’s a good idea to visit before taking a ferry or enjoying activities like cruising. Also, although the currents are too strong for swimming or other water activities at Nishi Beach, it’s nearby and offers beautiful views, so be sure to stop by. You can enjoy the island’s most spectacular sunset there.
Details on Imisoko Utaki
Imisoko Utaki is a sacred site located very close to Kuroshima Port, dedicated to prayers for safe voyages. There is an interesting anecdote associated with this sacred site.
This is the spot where a ship that had sailed from the province of Yamato once docked, located northwest of Hori Village. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that a snake was coiled around the ship’s mast. The snake then slithered ashore on its own and made its way toward the island. After that, although there had previously been no snakes on Kuroshima, their numbers are said to have surged. It is believed that this snake was the incarnation of a god who protected the ship, and it is said that the sailors also came ashore on Kuroshima because the snake god had done so.
As described above, the site where Imisoko-utaki was established is associated with the place where the serpent deity came ashore, and it is revered as a deity of safe voyages.
There are more than 10 utaki on Kuroshima, and some have already been decommissioned because the villages where they were located were abandoned due to the declining birthrate or natural disasters. While utaki are called “utaki” or “on” on the main island of Okinawa, they are called “wan” on Kuroshima.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Imisoko Utaki
Hori-utaki
Hori Utaki is a sacred site located very close to Imisoko Utaki, where the god of safe voyages is enshrined. Since Kuroshima was a hub for fishing, maritime events, and trade ships, many Utakes were built along the coastline—with the exception of three locations on the island—and Hori Utake is one of them. Because it is located right near Kuroshima Port, it’s a good idea to visit before setting sail.
Remember the boat that was entwined by a snake deity when I introduced Imisoko Utaki? One of the sailors aboard that ship married a woman from Kuroshima and lived there for many years. However, when her husband had to return to Yamato, the wife, left behind, prayed to the gods for his safe and healthy return home. Soon after, news arrived that her husband had returned safely, so the spot where she had prayed was designated as a sacred site, and a Mitake (Tabi-Mitake) was built there, which is still revered today. The god of safe voyages is enshrined there.
Address: Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 1-minute walk from Kuroshima Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
western beach
Nishi-no-Hama is located further west along the coast from Imisoko-utaki. It’s a beach that’s about a 3-minute walk from Kuroshima Port.
This natural, long beach offers a stunning contrast between the crystal-clear emerald-green sea and a stretch of white sand that extends for about 2 km. Swimming is prohibited due to the very strong currents, so you can’t go swimming or participate in water activities here, but the scenery is so beautiful that simply looking at it is relaxing. Since there are few tourists, you can have the breathtaking scenery all to yourself.
From April through September, sea turtles come to this pristine, natural beach to lay their eggs, so if you’re lucky, you might even spot them bobbing in the water.
Location: Kuroshima, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 3 minutes on foot from Kuroshima Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Kuroshima Observatory
Since the Kuroshima Observation Deck is located roughly in the center of Kuroshima, it lies along Prefectural Route 213—which has been selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Roads”—on the way from Imisoko Utaki toward the village. It’s easy to find, as it’s right next to Kuroshima Elementary and Junior High School.
The Kuroshima Observation Deck has a swirling shape, allowing visitors to take in the surrounding views as they climb. Although it is only about 10 meters high, the deck is built on a flat surface, providing a panoramic view of the entire island. On clear days, visitors can see not only the island itself but also Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island, and Ishigaki Island across the sea.
Address: Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 1-minute walk from Kuroshima Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Details on Imi Sukwan
| Location | Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Access | About a 1-minute walk from Kuroshima Port |
| parking lot | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
