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Kuroshima (黒島; Yaeyama: ''Fishiima'' Okinawan: ''Kurushima''), also known as "Kuro Island", is an island in Taketomi Town, Okinawa, part of the Yaeyama archipelago. The island has the approximate shape of a heart symbol when viewed from the air, and is marketed as "Heart Island". The name means "Black Island". The island has an area of some 10 km2 and a population of approximately 210 as of 2006. Kuroshima is a comparatively flat island, as the highest point is just 15 m above sea level. Cattle raising is a major economic activity and a yearly "cow festival" is held. Sometimes the island is marketed as "Island of Cows" as well, as there are more cows than inhabitants living on it. Tourist activities include diving and sunbathing. ==Sights== Kuroshima has various sights to offer: *A lighthouse stands at the southern tip. *In the Visitors' Center in the west of the island various old photos, stuffed animals and traditional fishing and agricultural equipment are on display. *''Puzumari'' is an old tower built of dark coral stones close to the Visitors' Center. During the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the top of the tower was the highest point of the whole island, and it was used to observe the ships going to and from Ishigaki and to send fire signals to the neighbouring island.〔Yamakei: ''Ryukyu Nansei Shoto'', p.113. Tokio 2003. ISBN 4-635-01718-4〕 There are similar towers dating from the 17th century on other islands of the Yaeyama group as well, e.g. Hateruma. *''Nakamoto Kaigan'', the west coast of Kuroshima, is worth a visit as well. Impressive corals can be seen close to a small Shinto Shrine at low tide. *In the middle of Kuroshima there is a tower offering a scenic view of the whole island. *Several ruins consisting of dark coral stones overgrown with plants are scattered all over the island. *Traditional architecture is well preserved in the village in the middle of the island. Many houses which have a typical hip roof are still surrounded by walls built of dark coral stones. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Kuroshima (Okinawa)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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