A hike up to the top of Kuroshima's main viewpoint is an absolutely relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a sunny afternoon. Kuroshima is a small island that is a part of the collection of islands known as Ojika in Nagasaki, Japan.
Ojika's mainland is connected to Kuroshima by short bridges, and Kuroshima itself is a very tiny piece of land with a few hills. It features quite a few homes and farms, as well as a gorgeous stretch of coastline where you can see the vast ocean and blue mountains in the distance, as well as a collection of very curious crows.
If you walk along the water's edge from the ferry terminal, and go past the Shimayado Goen Island Inn, you'll eventually get to these bridges which will mark your way towards this short walk. It's very self-explanatory, so don't worry about getting lost! You just cross the bridge, and follow the road in the direction that is going up, up, and up to the top of the highest point of Kuroshima.
I enjoy going on jogs, or long meandering walks here because it's not too strenuous and the view is a fantastic reward. This journey to this viewpoint is stunning and feels like something out of a Studio Ghibli film, starting with a long staircase, covered in greenery, ending with a single moss-softened tori gate looming on the top of the hill. It's obvious that not many tourists frequent this place, due to the wild looking shrubbery that surrounds you as you continue up the steps into what feels like a mythical storybook landscape.
One thing to watch out for on this walk is the giant spiders - which actually add to the abiance, I think - which frame you often on either side. These spiders are just minding their own business, often sitting a few feet to your left while walking up the hill. However, with their wildly bright red understide and large size it can be a bit scary to see them. Just keep your wits about you to make sure you don't walk into a web that has been built across the path, due to a lull in the area's upkeep.
As you pass through the tori gate, you can examine a small shrine before going up a steep short winding staircase to the main viewpoint built specifically to see the expansive panorama of the island. Here, you can see a porcelain circular map that showcases Ojika's position relative to neighbouring landmasses that helps you orientate yourself as you enjoy the beauty of the large expanses of blue sky, the open ocean, and probably a few ships featuring fishermen out to get the catch of the day.
Up at the highest point of the island, the crows feel like they're almost close enough to fly up next to your face as they circle in hope of dive-bombing a tasty snack. Then, the way back down the mountain is just as lovely - you get the added bonus of being able to see the views of the ocean and distant mountains from afar, since you're facing in the direction of the great open water.
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