Kurima Island, a remote island just across Kurima Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island. Did you know that this island — famous for the Ryugujo Observation Deck — actually has a “special stunning spot” known only to locals?
That’s the “Matsunoki Observation Deck,” tucked quietly away with a unique form modeled on a Ryukyu pine.
Kurima Fishing Port spreading below, the arcing Kurima Ohashi Bridge, and Yonaha Maehama, praised as “the most beautiful in the Orient.” The greatest appeal of this observation deck is being able to have this scenery quietly to yourself, away from the tourist bustle.
In this article, we’ll cover the highlights of the Matsunoki Observation Deck, parking and access, and nearby tourist information in detail. If you want to savor “true island time” on Kurima Island, please read to the end.
- Matsunoki Observation Deck Ratings
- Matsunoki Observation Deck Basic Information
- The Highlights of Kurima Island’s “Matsunoki Observation Deck”
- A uniquely designed observation deck modeled on a Ryukyu pine
- A stunning spot with a full view of Kurima Ohashi Bridge and Yonaha Maehama
- A quiet hidden spot with few tourists
- A surrounding environment where you feel history, with an utaki and Pacha stone steps
- A relaxing space perfect for lunch or a break
- Access & Parking
- Nearby Information
- Summary
Matsunoki Observation Deck Ratings
Matsunoki Observation Deck Basic Information
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Shop | None |
| Official site | – |
The Matsunoki Observation Deck is a hidden lookout where you can rest at leisure.
There’s space for roadside parking, and it’s an area with many cafes and places to stay nearby.
The Highlights of Kurima Island’s “Matsunoki Observation Deck”
A uniquely designed observation deck modeled on a Ryukyu pine
The Matsunoki Observation Deck is characterized by a distinctive look designed in the image of a Ryukyu pine, its form of widely spread branches harmonizing with the island’s nature.
The artificial pine tree serves as a roof, creating large shade, so it’s perfect for a rest on a hot summer day. It’s an observation deck unique to Kurima Island, where simple sculptural beauty and the view come together.
A stunning spot with a full view of Kurima Ohashi Bridge and Yonaha Maehama
From the observation deck, the quiet Kurima Fishing Port spreads below, and you can survey the arcing Kurima Ohashi Bridge and, beyond it, Yonaha Maehama Beach, praised as “the most beautiful in the Orient.” Since Kurima Ohashi Bridge looks closer than from the Ryugujo Observation Deck, another draw is enjoying powerful scenery. On sunny days, the shining “Kurima Blue” sea spreads out.
A quiet hidden spot with few tourists
It’s a hidden spot not much listed even in guidebooks, with almost no tourists — a peaceful place where locals occasionally do “yuntaku” (chatting).
In contrast to the lively Ryugujo Observation Deck, you can quietly have the stunning view all to yourself in the calm.
A surrounding environment where you feel history, with an utaki and Pacha stone steps
Near the observation deck there’s a torii gate, and beyond it exists a sacred place of worship called an “utaki.”
Also, beside the observation deck there are steep stone steps continuing along the cliff, once used to descend to a well called “Kurima Gaa.”
The stone steps have now crumbled and are off-limits, but they quietly tell of the island’s history.
A relaxing space perfect for lunch or a break
The observation deck has a large wooden table and 5–6 chairs, and a pleasant breeze blows through, so bringing a boxed lunch for lunch is recommended, too.
It’s a soothing space where you can spend time forgetting the hours, gazing at the sea, sky, and boats coming and going from the fishing port.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Kurima, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | None |
The Matsunoki Observation Deck has no dedicated parking lot, but you can park roadside-style.
Please check the Google Map below for details on parking spaces.
Nearby Information
Activities on Miyako Island
On Miyako Island, marine sports such as snorkeling, diving, and SUP in the crystal-clear sea are hugely popular.
On some tours you might even be lucky enough to see sea turtles, so be sure to enjoy them!
Miyakojima Kurima Resort Seawood Hotel
A full-fledged resort hotel that opened in 2020 on Kurima Island — connected to Miyako Island by Kurima Ohashi Bridge — boasting vast grounds of about 130,000 square meters.
With two types across 169 units — freestanding “Villa Houses” with a private pool and jacuzzi, and the hotel-wing “Shuri House” — it makes possible a luxurious “travel as if living” stay.
Wrapped in the Miyako Blue sea and a sky full of stars, you can spend supreme island time at the spa, pool, and a restaurant devoted to local ingredients — the perfect base for Kurima Island sightseeing.
Summary
This time, we’ve introduced Kurima Island’s hidden spot, the “Matsunoki Observation Deck.”
A distinctive design modeled on a Ryukyu pine, a stunning view overlooking Kurima Ohashi Bridge and Yonaha Maehama, and a quiet with few tourists——. It isn’t flashy, but it’s an observation deck packed with Kurima Island charm, close to the island’s history and daily life.
Admission is free, and access is good — about 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport. Stopping by along with the Ryugujo Observation Deck or a cafe tour is sure to make Kurima Island sightseeing much richer.
Gazing at the “Kurima Blue” sea, forgetting the hours as a pleasant island breeze blows——. Be sure to experience such a luxurious moment at the Matsunoki Observation Deck.
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