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Kuroshima Venus Road
Walk across a mystical land bridge between ocean isles.
The 3 idyllic islets of Kuroshima, Nakanokojima and Hatanokojima float just off the shores of Maejima near Ushimado in Setouchi. At low tide when the ocean waves pull back, an 800-meter sand bar appears and connects the three islands in a mystical path called “Kuroshima Venus Road”.
The bent path lays hidden during high tide, but finally reveals in an ethereal, idyllic shape like the bow when the tide pulls away. Ushimado is an area known as a “lover’s paradise”, making Kuroshima a bonus powerspot for extra luck in love.
At Nakanokojima you’ll find the “Heart of the Goddess” a heart-shaped rock where people come to touch it and make a wish. Ushimado is an area that’s selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Best Sunsets, painting the Seto Inland Sea with a wash of orange at sunset.
At Maejima you’ll find the Maejima Observation Deck with swooping views over the Seto Inland Sea, as well as rent-a-cycle and kayak tour programs for you to enjoy across the island.
In order to access the path and islands you’ll need to reserve a shuttle boat through Hotel Limani Setouchi, or visit via sea kayak or charter boat.
Highlights
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An ethereal footpath that only appears for crossing at low tide.
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Special shuttle boat reservation required as there are no regular ferries to Kuroshima.
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Remember to bring a towel as you may get wet.
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Unauthorized entry into the management areas of Kuroshima (multipurpose area, warehouses etc.) is strictly prohibited. Special permission from Okayama Prefecture is required to enter special zones.
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Piers are privately owned and cannot be used without permission.
Photos
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![Venus Road as seen from Kuroshima.]()
Venus Road as seen from Kuroshima.
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![3 islets in a row.]()
3 islets in a row.
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![The islands seen from Ushimado Olive Garden]()
The islands seen from Ushimado Olive Garden
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 黒島ヴィーナスロード
- Postal Code
- 701-4302
- Address
- Ushimadochoushimado, Setouchi City, Okayama
- Telephone
- 0869-34-9500
- Open Hours
- Open at will.
- Entry Fee
- Free (※Boat fare separate)
- Access
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Go from JR Oku Station towards Ushimado Olive Garden and take a shuttle boat for 5 min. (at Hotel Limani Setouchi)
※Shuttle boats can be booked by phone or checking the official website before hand.
【Shuttle Boats】
・Hotel Limani Setouchi Marine Shop (Ushimado/Hotel Departures) 0869-34-5533
・Maejima Ferry (Maejima Departures) 0869-34-4356
【Sea Kayak Tours】
・Ushimado Water Trails (Maejima Departures) 0869-34-9300
【Charter Boats】
・Charter boats and ferries can by booked via the Setouchi City Tourism Association (0869-34-9500) - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)