Kuroshima - Notch, Mushroom Rock -
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
What Is Notch and Mushroom Rock?
The Notch Rock (Mushroom Rock) on Hokei Beach was once an uplifted coral formation, but it has been eroded by rough waves and marine life into this peculiar, notched shape.
Because of its appearance, it is also known as "Mushroom Rock."
Although there are many inverted-triangular rocks on Kuroshima, the island has a unique atmosphere all its own.
Since Kuroshima is a beach with shallow waters, it is said that the rocks there have been eroded uniformly.
I’ve heard that among the Notch Rocks, there are many that have toppled over because their bases have been eroded too much.
How to Get to Notch and Mushroom Rock
Nakamoto Beach, home to Notch (the mushroom-shaped rock), is located about a 31-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from Kuroshima Port.
Head straight south from Kuroshima Port, and turn left at the end of the road.
Turn right at the intersection just past the bend, and after following the road for a short while, you'll find it on your right.
Click here to book a ferry to Kuroshima
How to Have Fun at Notch and Mushroom Rock
Hokei Beach, home to Notch Rock, is famous as a hidden gem for snorkeling.
Snorkeling while taking in the unique atmosphere of Notch Rock is something you can only experience on Kuroshima.
It's a popular spot for taking photos, but if you're going snorkeling, be sure to go at high tide.
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Details on Notch (Mushroom Rock)
The mushroom-shaped rock, known as a "notch," was formed when coral that had risen above the seabed was eroded by waves and marine life, resulting in a shape that is wide at the top and narrow at the base, resembling a mushroom.
This rock is located on the Hokei Coast, where there are many other uniquely shaped rocks besides the Mushroom Rock. On this coast, you can see the "Looking-Back Cow" rock, and if you head a little further north, you can see the Gekijo Coast.
There’s also a sign near Hokei Beach explaining “Notch” (the mushroom-shaped rock), so be sure to visit it as indicated on the sign.
Unfortunately, the base has been eroded, so it can no longer support the upper part, and since the entire rock has broken off, you can now see the mushroom-shaped rock.
That said, at low tide, you can walk all the way to the base of the Mushroom Rock and the part where the cluster broke off and fell.
If you visit, be sure to take a closer look.
Hokei Beach, home to Notch (the mushroom-shaped rock), is known not only for its beautiful scenery but also as a hidden gem for snorkeling on Kuroshima.
Because the water is shallow, even those who aren't strong swimmers and children can enjoy snorkeling with peace of mind.
However, since this is a rocky beach, we recommend wearing water shoes to avoid injury.
The Mushroom Rock standing in the crystal-clear sea makes for a great photo.
You can enjoy a beautiful sunset, especially in the evening, so be sure to take in the view of the sunset over Mushroom Rock.
Hokei Beach, home to Mushroom Rock—a famous sunset spot—is not as crowded as Miyazato Beach or Nakamoto Beach, so you can enjoy it at your own pace.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Notch (Mushroom Rock)
Guts Sea Rock
Nezo Kai-iwa is a uniquely shaped rock located along the road heading northwest from Hokei Beach, where the "Mushroom Rock" is found.
The shallow waters are dotted with rocks, and the sparkling sea surface is absolutely beautiful—it’s highly recommended as a photo spot.
Subtropical plants such as banyan trees grow wild in the vicinity, allowing visitors to enjoy scenery typical of a subtropical region.
Also, there are some tires—known as “hidden tires”—that have washed ashore from somewhere and are wedged between the rocks, so be sure to look for them.
Location: 136 Kuroshima, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa, Japan
Directions: About a 22-minute walk from Kuroshima Port; about a 7-minute walk
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Kuroshima Research Institute
To get to the Kuroshima Research Institute from Hokei Beach, where the Mushroom Rock is located, leave the beach and turn right.
Turn left at the T-intersection, then turn left again, and you'll see the research institute straight ahead.
The Kuroshima Research Institute is a facility dedicated to researching marine life in the waters around Kuroshima, with a focus on sea turtles. Inside the facility, there are specimens of coral and seashells, as well as display panels.
The facility houses the three species of sea turtles found in Japan—the green sea turtle, the loggerhead sea turtle, and the hawksbill sea turtle—and, in addition to the sea turtles, it also houses and displays marine life from Kuroshima, so visitors can enjoy it just like an aquarium.
Location: 136 Kuroshima, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 10 minutes by bicycle from Kuroshima Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
Puzumari (Hibanomori, Sakishima Islands)
To get to Puzumari (Hibanomori in the Sakishima Islands) from Hokei Beach, where the Mushroom Rock is located, head out onto the beach and turn right.
If you go straight along the road, you'll see Puzumari on your right.
Puzumari is a type of watchtower built for purposes such as monitoring foreign ships.
The view is unobstructed, allowing for the monitoring of merchant ships and foreign vessels.
As the highest point on the island, it used to be one of the island’s premier scenic spots, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area, but it is now off-limits due to the risk of collapse.
Let's just watch from a distance.
Here, when a foreign ship was spotted, smoke signals were used to notify the Ryukyu Prefectural Government office on Ishigaki Island.
The fire-watching ceremonies of the Yaeyama Islands and the Miyako Islands are collectively known as the Sakishima Islands Fire-Watching Ceremonies.
Location: Kuroshima, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 5 minutes by bicycle from Kuroshima Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Details on Notch and Mushroom Rock
| 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 | - |
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