
Kurima Island
A tranquil teardrop-shaped island in Okinawa, known for pristine beaches, sugarcane fields, and breathtaking ocean vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Kurima Island
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil teardrop-shaped island in Okinawa, known for pristine beaches, sugarcane fields, and breathtaking ocean vistas.
"The view of Yonaha Maehama Beach from the Ryugu Observatory is the best, as it is said to be the best in the Orient."

🚗 Rent a Car on Miyakojima
Essential for exploring Kurima Island and its surroundings. Offers flexibility and convenience.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets from Ryugu Observatory are legendary. Don't miss this magical experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Yonaha Maehama Beach
West side of Kurima Island
Stunning 1km stretch of fine white sand with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Ryugu Observatory
Highest point on Kurima Island
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Yonaha Maehama Beach and the surrounding turquoise sea. A must-visit for sunset.

Kurima Bridge
Connecting Miyakojima and Kurima Island
A picturesque bridge offering stunning ocean vistas as you drive or cycle onto the island. Great photo opportunities.

GAJUMARU Kurima Island
Kurima Island
A charming select shop offering unique Southern Island goods, including colorful accessories and beachwear.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Island Pace
Getting to Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car on Miyakojima
Essential for exploring Kurima Island and its surroundings. Offers flexibility and convenience.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets from Ryugu Observatory are legendary. Don't miss this magical experience.
🤿 Snorkeling Adventures
Explore the clear waters for vibrant marine life. Shigira Beach and Yoshino are recommended spots.
🚶♀️ Leisurely Strolls
The island's small size makes it perfect for relaxed walks through sugarcane fields and along the coast.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car on Miyakojima
Essential for exploring Kurima Island and its surroundings. Offers flexibility and convenience.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunsets from Ryugu Observatory are legendary. Don't miss this magical experience.
🤿 Snorkeling Adventures
Explore the clear waters for vibrant marine life. Shigira Beach and Yoshino are recommended spots.
🚶♀️ Leisurely Strolls
The island's small size makes it perfect for relaxed walks through sugarcane fields and along the coast.
🥤 Try Local Smoothies
Many visitors rave about the delicious smoothies made with local ingredients.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kurima Island is praised for its stunning, uncrowded beaches and breathtaking views, particularly from the Ryugu Observatory. Visitors appreciate its tranquil, undeveloped charm and the scenic drive across the Kurima Bridge. Some find it lacks extensive tourist facilities, but this is often seen as a positive for those seeking peace.
"Secluded beaches for surfers and mostly sugarcane and small crops (and goats!) on the island. Worth the drive across for the smoothies though!"
Paul Summers
"Very beautiful"
Eliott Martins
"The view of Yonaha Maehama Beach from the Ryugu Observatory is the best, as it is said to be the best in the Orient ☺️"
yuko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kurima Island is accessible via the Kurima Bridge from Miyakojima Island. Renting a car on Miyakojima is the most convenient way to reach and explore Kurima Island.
While possible, it's less convenient. Taxis are available, but having your own vehicle or a rental car on Miyakojima provides the most freedom to explore the island's beaches and viewpoints.
Driving or cycling across the Kurima Bridge offers stunning views. The bridge itself is a scenic route and a popular photo spot.
Ferries are available, offering a different perspective of the islands and sea. This can be a more relaxed way to travel for some.
The drive across the Kurima Bridge from Miyakojima takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on your starting point on Miyakojima.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees to visit Kurima Island itself. Access to beaches and viewpoints is generally free.
For general island exploration, no advance booking is required. However, if you plan to stay at specific resorts or dine at popular restaurants, reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
Most natural attractions like beaches and viewpoints are accessible at all times. Shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late afternoon or early evening.
The spring and autumn months offer pleasant weather for exploring. Summer is ideal for beach activities but can be hotter and more crowded.
While not as common as on Miyakojima, some local operators may offer specialized tours, particularly for snorkeling or island exploration. It's best to inquire locally or through your accommodation.
🎫 🏝️ Beaches & Nature
Yonaha Maehama Beach is a highlight, known for its expansive white sand and clear waters. Musunnu Beach is another beautiful, more private option.
Yes, Kurima Island offers good snorkeling opportunities. Yoshino and Shigira Beaches on nearby Miyakojima are also highly recommended for marine life.
While not guaranteed, there are reports of sea turtles in the waters around Miyakojima and its surrounding islands, including Kurima.
Expect lush sugarcane fields, pristine white-sand beaches, and clear turquoise waters. The island has a natural, undeveloped charm.
Yes, many beaches, like Yonaha Maehama, are sandy and have calm, shallow waters, making them safe and enjoyable for children.
📸 📸 Photography Spots
The Ryugu Observatory offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset. The Kurima Bridge provides iconic shots of the island and sea.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Midday provides clear, bright conditions for capturing the vibrant blue of the ocean.
Capture the vast sugarcane fields, the distinctive architecture of the Ryugu Observatory, and the serene beauty of the secluded beaches.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and be mindful of private property and protected areas before flying a drone.
Yonaha Maehama Beach, Ryugu Observatory, and the Kurima Bridge are highly photogenic. The unique shops like GAJUMARU also offer charming backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples and Honeymooners
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
🧘♀️ Travelers Seeking Tranquility
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Kurima Island's Beaches
Beyond the main attractions, smaller, more intimate beaches like Musunnu Beach offer a sense of untouched paradise. These spots are ideal for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. The calm, shallow waves make many of Kurima's beaches suitable for families with young children, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
While snorkeling is possible directly from some beaches, many visitors also venture to nearby Miyakojima for more diverse marine life. However, the sheer beauty and peacefulness of Kurima's shores are a significant draw for many travelers looking for a relaxing island getaway.
The Iconic Kurima Bridge and Ryugu Observatory
At the highest point of Kurima Island stands the Ryugu Observatory. This unique structure provides unparalleled vistas, with many considering the view of Yonaha Maehama Beach from here to be the best in the Orient. It's particularly famous for its spectacular sunsets, painting the sky with vibrant colors that reflect beautifully on the water. Visiting the observatory is a must-do for any traveler seeking the most iconic views of Kurima Island.
Together, the bridge and the observatory offer two of the most memorable visual experiences on Kurima Island, highlighting its natural beauty and providing perfect backdrops for photography and soaking in the island's atmosphere.
Local Charm and Unique Finds
Shops like GAJUMARU Kurima Island offer a curated selection of Southern Island goods, including handmade jewelry and accessories inspired by the sea and local culture. These unique finds make for perfect souvenirs and add a touch of local artistry to your visit. The island also boasts stylish accommodations and restaurants that blend seamlessly with the natural environment, offering a comfortable yet authentic experience.
Many visitors appreciate that Kurima Island has avoided mass tourism, allowing for a more peaceful and genuine experience. This lack of commercialization preserves the island's natural beauty and allows visitors to connect with its tranquil pace of life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit