Kuroshima—The Rock of the Turning Cow—

Ishigaki Island Tourist Information

◆Ishigaki Island for sightseeingRental car required.Oh my god!!!
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.

Ishigaki Island Car Rental Ishigaki Island Tours offers easy comparison and reservation of rental car plans for Ishigaki Island! It takes about 3 hours to go around Ishigaki Island by car. If you want to visit all the sightseeing spots efficiently, you need to rent a car! There are plans that include free pick-up from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, car navigation system, no need to return a full tank of gas, and even child seats. We also introduce other means of transportation other than rental cars! (29 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!

Ishigaki Island Rides (Bike Rental & Bicycle Rental) Activities There are many other ways to get around in Ishigaki Island☆ Ishigaki Island Vehicle Activity Feature Ishigaki Island is dotted with attractive spots such as beautiful ocean, mountains, and observatories where you can overlook the magnificent nature. With such favorable conditions, how can you not go driving touring in Ishigaki Island [...]. (20 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

What Is the "Cow Turning Its Head" Rock?

The "Turning Cow" rock, located at the water's edge of Hokei Beach, a short distance north of the Kuroshima Research Institute. This area features a landscape where the bases of the rocks have been eroded by waves and the shells of marine organisms, resulting in a terrain known asNotch · Mushroom RockIt’s called that. Among them is a rock called “The Turning Cow,” which looks as if a cow is facing this way.

What Is the "Cow Turning Its Head" Rock?

Enjoy snorkeling at Hokei Beach and take a look at the "Turning Cow" rock.

At low tide, you can see the exposed bases of the rocks, but since you can’t snorkel then, high tide is the best time to go snorkeling.

How to Get to the "Looking-Back Cow" Rock

Hokei Beach, home to the "Turning Cow" rock, is located about a 24-minute walk or a 6-minute drive from Kuroshima Port.

Head south from Kuroshima Port, and when you see “Matchan-Obaa Rent-a-Bike & Motorcycle” on your right, turn right.

If you follow the road for a while, you’ll arrive at Hokei Beach, where you’ll see the “Cow Rock” on your right.

Details of the "Cow Looking Back" Rock

The "Turning Cow" Rock is a rock located at the water's edge of Hokei Beach that resembles a cow looking back over its shoulder.

Kuroshima, where nature remains largely untouched by development, is home to numerous oddly shaped rocks.

Truly a work of art created by nature, the "Turning Cow Rock" is a popular photo spot on Kuroshima where the rock has been eroded by waves and fragments of coral into a shape that looks just like a cow turning its head.

As mentioned earlier, this is a rock located at the water’s edge of Hokei Beach. Since it was formed naturally, it’s easy to overlook, so be sure to look for it when you visit Hokei Beach.

The scenery at Hokei Beach, home to the "Cow Turning Its Head" rock, changes dramatically depending on the tide.

At low tide, the seawater recedes, revealing the narrow, eroded base of the rock.

You’re sure to be amazed by this rock, which resembles a cow so closely that it’s hard to believe it was formed by natural forces.

Also, at high tide, you can enjoy snorkeling in waters that are more like rocky shores than coral reefs.

However, since you might bump into rocky outcrops and there are dangerous marine creatures in the area, it’s best to wear a rash guard or similar clothing when snorkeling.

Kuroshima has many unusually shaped rocks, including the "Turning Cow" rock, and these rocks are known as "strange rocks."

One of Kuroshima's most famous landmarks is a mushroom-shaped rock known as "Notch."

The mushroom-shaped Notch Rock at Hokei Beach on Kuroshima is said to have formed when coral rose above the surface and the lower part was eroded by seawater.

Erosion has progressed to the point where the cluster of mushrooms has broken off and fallen away, so it no longer resembles a mushroom.

Unfortunately, you can't see the Mushroom Rock, but at low tide, you can walk all the way to the base and the cluster-shaped rocks.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the "Cow Turning Its Head" Rock

Guts Sea Rock

To get to the "Guts Sea Rock" from Hokei Beach—where the "Turning Cow Rock" is located—leave Hokei Beach and turn left; you'll find it on your left.

There are many oddly shaped rocks scattered across the shallows, and the contrast between the crystal-clear water and the rocky beach is truly beautiful.

Stuck on this rock is a tire—known as a "hidden tire"—that washed up here from who knows where.

Be sure to check it out.

Since subtropical plants like banyan trees grow here, you can really get a feel for the unique atmosphere of Okinawa.

Kuroshima Research Institute

To get to the Kuroshima Research Institute from Hokei Beach, leave Hokei Beach and turn right.

Turn left at the first Y-intersection, and you'll see the Kuroshima Research Institute straight ahead.

The Kuroshima Research Institute is a research facility dedicated to the marine life in the waters around Kuroshima, with a particular focus on sea turtles.

They care for the three species of sea turtles found in Japan: the green sea turtle, the loggerhead sea turtle, and the hawksbill sea turtle.

In addition, the center houses a variety of animals, including endangered species such as coconut crabs, habu snakes, and sharks—all of which can be found in the waters off Kuroshima.

In addition, the facility features coral and seashell specimens as well as display panels, making it a place full of things to see.

Puzumari (Hibanomori, Sakishima Islands)

To get to Puzumari (Hibanomori in the Sakishima Islands) from Hokei Beach—where the “Turning Cow” rock is located—leave Hokei Beach and turn left.

If you follow the road for a while, you'll find it on your right.

Puzumari is one of the “hibanmori” watchtowers built to monitor trade ships and foreign vessels; the collective term for these watchtowers—including the Puzumari on Kurojima—in the Yaeyama and Miyako Islands is “Sakishima Islands Hibanmori.”

Because the view was unobstructed—allowing for the sighting of foreign ships—it once offered a stunning panorama, but it is now off-limits due to the risk of collapse.

It is said that in the past, whenever a foreign ship was spotted, smoke signals were used to notify the Ryukyu Prefectural government office on Ishigaki Island.

Details of the "Cow Looking Back" Rock

See all activities
Ishigaki Island Tours

← Back to Basic Information and List of Recommended Spots on Kuroshima