Kouri Island

古宇利島

A coral reef island connected to the main island by the 1,960-meter Kouri Bridge. The gradient of turquoise water on both sides of the bridge makes it the most photogenic drive on Okinawa's main island.

Kouri Island is a round coral island about 8 km in circumference, off the north coast of the main island in Nakijin Village. After the 1,960-meter Kouri Bridge opened in 2005, it became the most popular driving destination on Okinawa's main island. On both sides of the bridge, shallow water shades from emerald green to deep cobalt blue. You can see the whole bridge from the parking lot at the Ieshima-side bridgehead or from Kouri Ocean Tower at the island entrance (admission about 1,000 yen, including a small train ride up the hill). Kouri Beach lies right beneath the bridge, where you can wade in the shallows. At the north end, Tinu Beach has a pair of heart-shaped rocks that became famous after appearing in an advertisement; you can walk out to them when the tide is low. The island also has several seaside cafés and shrimp fritter food trucks. In Ryukyuan mythology, this place is the “Island of Love” where the ancestors of humanity descended, so it's also a popular spot for couples. Tips: It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Churaumi Aquarium, so the two are usually visited on the same day. Crossing the bridge in the afternoon, with the sun at a good angle, offers the best views. You can also stop at a small food shop by the bridgehead for a sea urchin rice bowl. Getting there: the only options are driving or joining a one-day bus tour (about 2 hours from Naha). There is no public bus. Note: Stopping on the bridge to take photos is prohibited; park in the lots at either end. Parking near the heart-shaped rocks costs 300 to 500 yen. The reef rocks are slippery, so take care.

Kouri Island

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