Did you know that on Kurima Island — a small island reached just after crossing the Kurima Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island — there is a curious spot where a giant, bright-red octopus watches over the sea?
Its name is “Tako Park” (Octopus Park). With an octopus monument striking enough to see even from the bridge, stunning views of sheer cliffs and Miyako Blue from atop the cliff, and a hidden, natural pool-like beach spreading out below the park, it is a hidden gem known only to those in the know.
The extraordinary scenery waiting beyond a jungle-like trail gives you the thrill of having “found a secret place” — quite different from the famous tourist sites.
In this article, we explain in detail the charms and recommended points of Kurima Island’s “Tako Park,” how to get there, parking information, and the things you’ll want to know before you visit.
- Ratings for Tako Park
- Basic information on Tako Park
- Recommended points that reveal the appeal of Kurima Island’s “Tako Park”
- Visible even from the bridge! A giant, bright-red octopus monument
- Inside the octopus is a pavilion! A rest spot where you feel the sea breeze
- A scenic observation deck overlooking sheer cliffs and blue sea
- Adventurous access along a jungle-like trail
- “Tako Park Beach” below, where you can also snorkel
- The private feel of a place that hasn’t been commercialized is its greatest charm
- Points to note before you visit
- Access and parking
- Around the area
- Summary
Ratings for Tako Park
Basic information on Tako Park
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Available (free) |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Shop | None |
| Things to do | None |
| Official website | – |
Tako Park is a hidden gem without many tourists.
It has a parking area and restrooms, and the surrounding area has many cafes and places to stay.
Recommended points that reveal the appeal of Kurima Island’s “Tako Park”
Visible even from the bridge! A giant, bright-red octopus monument
The name Tako Park comes, true to its name, from a giant octopus monument — a presence so striking that even while crossing the Kurima Ohashi Bridge you’ll notice it and wonder, “What’s that red thing?”
It was repainted in 2021 and reborn in a vivid red like a boiled octopus. There’s also a mysterious side that stirs the traveler’s heart: no one knows why an octopus monument stands here.
Inside the octopus is a pavilion! A rest spot where you feel the sea breeze
The inside of the giant octopus is a pavilion (azumaya), and the breeze passing through the shade makes it a very pleasant rest spot.
We recommend gazing out at the sea leisurely beneath the octopus; there’s also a playful touch — look up from inside the pavilion and the ceiling is fully sculpted as the octopus. Each of the suckers on its legs is large, and up close their impact is surprising.
A scenic observation deck overlooking sheer cliffs and blue sea
Though it is called a park, there are no playground facilities; it is actually an observation deck in the southeast of Kurima Island, where you can enjoy the dynamic scenery woven by the blue sea overlooking the Kurima Ohashi Bridge and the rugged cliffs.
It stands on a small rise atop the cliff, and as you climb the slope and look back, a stunning view of sheer cliffs spreads out. The open feeling of seeing all the way to the horizon makes it a truly hidden scenic spot.
Adventurous access along a jungle-like trail
The entrance is an information board with a map of the island, on the left just after crossing the Kurima Ohashi Bridge; you head there by walking about 10 minutes through a green tunnel surrounded by tropical plants.
The trail is a nature-rich path where sunlight filters beautifully through a tunnel of trees, butterflies flit about, and coconut crabs live. It is so well hidden that reaching it without knowing the way is nearly impossible, which heightens the sense of exploration.
“Tako Park Beach” below, where you can also snorkel
The beach below Tako Park is popular even with snorkeling beginners, and you’ll meet lots of small tropical fish, like Nemo.
The sea, like a natural aquarium, is known as a hidden snorkeling spot.
The private feel of a place that hasn’t been commercialized is its greatest charm
Because access by car is far, it is always uncrowded, and much of the time there’s no one else around, so you can fully enjoy the sense of privacy.
In an environment that hasn’t been commercialized, with few man-made structures, there’s a special feeling of coming upon a secret shore known to no one. It is a perfect hidden gem for anyone who wants to spend relaxed island time.
Points to note before you visit
The beach below Tako Park is not a public swimming beach, so swimming is at your own risk; the open sea has rough waves and fast currents, so take care not to venture out into it.
Since it is a beach of coral and reef rather than sand, we recommend wearing marine shoes. Also, as this is a sacred place for the people of Kurima Island, please observe good manners — always take your trash home with you — and enjoy your visit.
Access and parking
| Access | About 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Shimoji Kurima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Available |
| Restrooms | Available |
Tako Park has a parking area with space for about 5 cars.
Please check the Google Map below for detailed parking information.
Around the area
Activities on Miyako Island
On Miyako Island, marine sports such as snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear sea, as well as SUP, are hugely popular.
On some tours, if you’re lucky, you may even see sea turtles, so be sure to enjoy it!
Miyakojima Kurima Resort Seawood Hotel
A full-scale resort hotel that opened in 2020 on Kurima Island — a small island linked to Miyako Island by the Kurima Ohashi Bridge — boasting a vast site of about 130,000 square meters.
With two types across 169 residences in total — standalone “Villa Houses” with private pools and jacuzzis, and the “Shuri House” hotel wing — it makes a luxurious stay where you can “travel as if you live here” come true.
Wrapped in the Miyako-blue sea and a sky full of stars, with a spa, pools, and restaurants that focus on local ingredients, it is a perfect base for sightseeing on Kurima Island where you can spend the finest island time.
Renting a Car on Miyako Island
A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.
Breathtaking spots such as Yonaha Maehama Beach and the Irabu Ohashi Bridge are spread out across the island, so having a car lets you explore freely at your own pace. With only a handful of local buses running on Miyako, whether or not you have a rental car makes a big difference to how much you can enjoy your trip.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
Summary
Kurima Island’s “Tako Park” is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a giant octopus monument, stunning sheer-cliff views, and “Tako Park Beach” below, like a natural pool.
The private feel and untouched nature you can only savor because it hasn’t been commercialized are perfect for anyone who wants to spend relaxed island time. The little sense of adventure from walking the jungle-like trail is sure to color your travel memories, too.
That said, the beach is not a public swimming beach, so swim at your own risk and put safety first. Bring marine shoes, don’t forget that it is a sacred place for the islanders, and observe good manners as you enjoy it.
When you visit Miyako Island and Kurima Island, do go and meet the bright-red octopus watching over the sea!
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