[1] The island can only be reached by boat as it has no airport; there is regular ferry service to the city of Kagoshima on the mainland.

The island is home to the rare Kuchinoshima breed of Japanese native cattle.

Kuchinoshima is the northernmost inhabited island in the Tokara archipelago, and is located 10 kilometres (5.4 nmi) northeast from Nakanoshima.

The highest elevation is Maedake (前岳) located in the eastern part of the island, with a height of 628.5 metres (2,062 ft) above sea level.

Although there has been no eruption recorded in historical times, Moedake emits steam, and discoloration of the ocean in nearby waters in 2001 indicates ongoing volcanic activity.