Kuroshima - Kuroshima Observation Deck -
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
About the Kuroshima Observation Deck
The Kuroshima Observation Deck, with its unique, swirl-like shape, is located next to Kuroshima Elementary School, and from the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island, and Ishigaki Island.
You can also see the lush, expansive grasslands of Kuroshima and enjoy the soothing scenery.
There’s also a gazebo next to the observation deck where you can take a break, so we recommend stopping by to rest or have lunch.
You can also see the Kuroshima Port Prefectural Road, which was selected as one of the “100 Best Roads in Japan.”
How to Get to the Island Observation Deck
The Kuroshima Observation Deck is located about a 21-minute walk or a 4-minute drive away.
From Kuroshima Port, head straight along Prefectural Road 213 toward the village.
Turn left at the Y-intersection and follow the road; you'll find it on your right.
It's right next to Kuroshima Elementary and Junior High School, so it's easy to find.
Click here to book a ferry to Kuroshima
Things to Do at Kuroshima Observation Deck
From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the remote islands near Kuroshima.
The sunsets are also magnificent, and the view of the sun sinking behind Kuroshima is truly breathtaking.
Since the Kuroshima Observation Deck is located next to Kuroshima Elementary and Junior High School, you can climb up to the deck while listening to the lively voices of local children playing.
On a clear day, you can see Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, and Iriomote Island from the observation deck.
You can also enjoy a view of the grasslands that stretch across the island. There’s a gazebo, so it’s a great spot to bring a packed lunch and enjoy a meal.
Details on the Kuroshima Observation Deck
The Kuroshima Observation Deck is located in the center of Kuroshima; it is a uniquely shaped, spiral-like structure situated next to Kuroshima Elementary and Junior High School.
It's located along a county road, so it's easy to find.
The surrounding area is covered in grasslands that stretch all the way to the coastline.
Cows graze on this meadow, and you can see them spending their days leisurely and stress-free.
From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.
The observation deck is only about 10 meters high, so it’s not particularly tall, but since the entire island of Kuroshima is flat and there are no tall buildings, you can see all the way across it.
You can enjoy a perfect view of the surrounding islands and the sunset sinking into the horizon.
It's a popular photo spot, so be sure to check it out.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Kuroshima Observation Deck
monument to waterworks
To get to the Waterworks Monument from the Kuroshima Observation Deck, leave the observation deck and turn left.
It's on your left as you drive along Prefectural Road 213 toward Kuroshima Port.
In the past, there was no running water on Kuroshima, so well water was a lifeline for the islanders.
This monument was erected to commemorate the installation of a water supply system on Iriomote Island and Shinshō Island—including Kuroshima—in Shōwa 50.
It's located along the route from Kuroshima Port to Kuroshima Elementary School, so be sure not to miss it on your way there.
Location: Kuroshima, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: None
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Kuroshima Post Office
To get to Kuroshima Post Office from the Kuroshima Observation Deck, turn right as you leave the observation deck.
It’s on your left as you head toward the village along Prefectural Road 213. It’s the only post office on Kuroshima, and it’s distinguished by its red-tiled roof, which is characteristic of the Yaeyama Islands.
Just like post offices on the mainland, it’s open on weekdays and has an ATM. You can get a postmark unique to Kuroshima, so be sure to pick one up as a souvenir.
Location: 1032-1 Kuroshima, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 23 minutes on foot from Kuroshima Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Monument to the "100 Selected Roads"
To reach the "100 Selected Roads" monument from the Kuroshima Observation Deck, exit the observation deck and turn right.
Take Prefectural Road 213 toward the village. Continue straight along the road, and you’ll see a stone monument on your right.
This monument was erected to commemorate the selection of Prefectural Route 213 (Kuroshima Port Line) as one of Japan’s Top 100 Roads in 1986.
This scenic route is an unpaved county road covered entirely in white sand; once you pass through the village, the landscape opens up to a rural scene of ranches and pastures.
It's located near this monument, right next to the Kuroshima Community Center, so you should be able to spot it easily.
Address: 1474 Kuroshima, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 30-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Kuroshima Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Details on the Kuroshima Observation Deck
| Location | Kuroshima, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | - |
| parking lot | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
See all activities
Ishigaki Island Tours
← Back to Basic Information and List of Recommended Spots on Kuroshima
