When it comes to scenic spots on Kumejima Island, "Hiyajō Banta" and "Uejō Castle Ruins" are well-known, but there is actually a hidden gem of a scenic spot that only those in the know are aware of.
That's the "Kuroishi Forest" that we'll be introducing today.

At first glance, it looks like "a park with nothing special about it." It's a hidden gem that's hardly even listed on tourist maps, but it's a scenic spot that surprised a photojournalist friend of mine, who exclaimed, "It's the bluest sea I've ever seen on Kumejima!"

In this article, I, a resident of Kumejima Island, will introduce how to access Kuroishi Forest and some of the best spots for taking stunning photos.

<Table of Contents>
1. What is Kuroishi Forest?
2. How to get to Kuroishi Forest
2-1. If you are coming from the direction of Yuimaru Hall (counterclockwise around Kumejima Island)
2-2. If you are coming from the direction of Hiyajō Banta (clockwise around Kumejima)
3. This is the best viewpoint!
4. Be careful on your way home as well.
5. Summary

1. What is Kuroishi Forest?

Kuroishi no Mori is located on the eastern side of the island, about a 10-minute drive from the area around Eef Beach, the center of Kumejima's tourist area, and a little closer to the town than the popular viewpoint, Hiyajō Banta.

View from Hiyajō Banta (towards Hatenohama)

The rocky outcrop visible from Hiyajō Banta towards Hatenohama is called Akakurushi.
Above this Aka Kuroishi is the Kuroishi Forest.

The forest of Kuroishi was originally a sacred place called Utaki.
It is said that this was a place where priestesses communicated with the gods to pray for safe voyages.
Furthermore, this is the site where a powerful local lord known as an "Anji" built a castle in the mid-15th century when he came to Kumejima.

2. How to get to Kuroishi Forest

Driving to Kuroishi Forest by rental car or rental motorbike is the classic way to get there.
It takes 30 minutes one way even from the nearest bus stop, so it would be quite difficult to get there without a car or motorcycle.

Since the route can be confusing, I will explain how to get there from major tourist spots in the vicinity.

If you travel counterclockwise around Kumejima, your starting point will be Kumejima Tsumugi Village and Yuimaru Hall.
If you proceed clockwise, the starting point is Hiyajō Banta, a scenic spot on the island.

2-1. If you are coming from the direction of Yuimaru Hall (counterclockwise around Kumejima Island)

If you head counterclockwise around Kumejima Island from the direction of Eef Beach, you will see Kumejima Tsumugi Village and the Yuimaru Hall, easily recognizable by its red roof, on your right.

From there, you'll walk uphill for about 1-2 minutes.

This bridge is called the Tiida Bridge, and it's another spot where you can enjoy the scenery.

Once you cross the bridge, you'll see a gazebo on your left.

Continue straight ahead!

After a short while, you'll see a white building on your right – that's your landmark! Turn right just before this white building.

There's also a sign that says "Aka Kuroishi Forest Road."

You'll come to a narrow path where trees jut out from both sides. You might feel unsure if you're going the right way, but just keep going straight.

After going a little further, you'll see another sign, so turn left just before this sign. Be careful, as the overgrown vegetation can make it difficult to notice the sign.

Putting aside any doubts about whether I was on the right path, I continued straight down the narrow road.

After walking for about a minute, you'll arrive at an open area with a gazebo, "Kuroishi Forest"! Clap, clap, clap!

There's also a parking lot a little further down the road.

2-2. If you are coming from the direction of Hiyajō Banta (clockwise around Kumejima)

Next, we'll show you the route from Hiyajō Banta, proceeding clockwise around Kumejima Island.
First up is Hiyajō Banta, the island's most scenic spot. There's a proper observation deck with several cars parked there.

We will proceed with the sea on our left.

After walking a short distance, you'll see a cute bus stop typical of Okinawa on your right. Continue straight ahead.

After going a little further, you will see a small settlement.

Beyond the settlement, you can see the white building we saw earlier.

As the sign indicates, turn left at this corner.

From the white building onward, the route is the same as the counter-clockwise route!

3. This is the best viewpoint!

The best viewpoint in Kuroishi Forest is located beyond the gazebo, at the back of the park.

This spot where the grassy area beyond the fence ends! This is the best viewpoint!

Since there's almost nothing obstructing the view, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the blue ocean!

To the right is Hatenohama beach, and in front of it are Oujima and Ohajima islands.

Yes, this blue!

The fact that there aren't many people is also a plus. Ah, the Earth is round!

Come and take your favorite photo!

4. Be careful on your way home as well.

The road back from Kuroishi Forest towards Eef Beach is also easy to get lost on, so please be careful.

We'll head down a single path in the opposite direction from where we came.

You'll come out onto a gravel path in the middle of a field.
"Is it okay?" you might ask, but just turn right here and go straight.

If you turn right again just before the elementary school that you'll see after going a little further, you'll be able to safely return to the road that circles the island.

If you're worried about getting lost, we recommend retracing your steps.

5. Summary

On sunny days, I recommend bringing a packed lunch and having a picnic!
A meal enjoyed with such a magnificent view is sure to taste just different.

Kuroishi no Mori is a secluded scenic spot known only to a select few.
If you want to experience a slightly more off-the-beaten-path side of Kumejima, you should definitely go!

Kuroishi Forest (Kuroishi Forest Park) Aka, Kumejima Town, Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture

 

★Let's go to beautiful Okinawa, Kumejima Island!★