The Spectacular Beaches of Kouri Island, Okinawa: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Superb Beaches on Kouri Island ( Okinawa, Japan ) / Spectacular Views of Japan," was uploaded by "HealingJapanTV."

In the video, you can enjoy beautiful visuals and the sound of waves at Kouri Ohashi Bridge by Tinu Beach, as well as footage of Heart Rock, and more. Be sure to check it out!

Kouri Island – Features of the Unique Sightseeing Spot in Okinawa, Japan

Photo：Kouri Ohashi Bridge

Kouri Island (Kourijima) is located in Nakijin, a village in Okinawa Prefecture, in Japan's Kyushu region. Although the island is small enough that a 10-minute drive will take you around the whole island, it's visited by many tourists each year.

Kouri Island is famous for its sightseeing spot, Kouri Ohashi Bridge. It's a 2-km-long bridge connecting Yagaji Island and Kouri Island, and when it opened in 2005, it was the longest free bridge over a remote island in Japan.

The blue ocean seen from Kouri Ohashi Bridge is beautiful and has been the setting for commercials, TV dramas, and movies in Japan. There is also a unique rock formation near the bridge that looks like a shisa facing to the side.

Around Kouri Ohashi Bridge, there are several observatories from which you can view the bridge itself. In the video, you can see the view from the Unten Observation Deck and from the observatory in Unten Forest Park.
[Video] 0:04 - Kouri Ohashi Bridge

Kouri Island, also known as Kuijima (恋島) in Japanese, making it a popular power spot for couples, as the nickname literally means 'Love Island' in Japanese. With blue skies, crystal clear waters, and several beautiful beaches, it's a popular tourist spot.

Kouri Island is also known as the "Island of Love" or "Island of Gods" based on a legend of the Okinawan version of "Adam and Eve," making Tinu Beach's Heart Rock a must-see tourist attraction.

Heart Rock – A Famous Power Spot on Kouri Island's Tinu Beach

Photo：Heart Rock, Kouri Island, Okinawa

[Video] 9:12 - Heart Rock As the name suggests, this spot is popular for its heart-shaped rock, which is popular for photography.

Heart Rock became popular after it was used in a Japanese airline commercial.
It's famous for two rocks that overlap and look like a heart, but it's also popular for the upside-down heart that forms between two overlapping rocks. It is said that seeing Heart Rock will make one's love come true, making it a popular destination for couples.

If you're planning to visit Heart Rock, we recommend going by car. From Naha Airport, take Naha Nishi Road (那覇西道路) and get on the Okinawa Expressway (沖縄自動車道) (toll-free) from the Nishihara IC (西原IC). Exit at the Kyoda IC (許田IC), the final stop on the way to Nago, and drive to Kouri Island via Yagaji Island while seeing the beautiful view from Kouri Ohashi Bridge. Both free parking lots and paid parking can be found around Tinu Beach.

Kouri Island can be reached in about an hour and a half from Naha Airport. The scenery on the way to the island is beautiful, so time will pass quickly. We recommend checking high and low tide times in advance.

Beautiful Beaches to Visit on Kouri Island

Photo：Plums on Kouri Island

Kouri Island has other beautiful beaches in addition to Tinu Beach.
・Kouri Beach Kouri Beach is a beautiful, sandy white beach with shallow waters near Kouri Ohashi Bridge. It's dotted with fashionable cafes and is popular with families with small children.
[Video] 3:55 - Kouri Beach

・Tokei Beach Tokei Beach, located at the northernmost tip of the island on the other side of Kouri Ohashi Bridge, is a quiet and beautiful natural beach. It can be reached by walking along a grassy path. The water is crystal clear, and swimming is possible outside of low tide. It is small but quiet, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of a semi-private beach here.

・Peace Beach
Like Tokei Beach, this is also a secluded beach. After passing through a small forest-like pathway, the view opens up to reveal the beautiful ocean. At low tide, you can walk to the outer reef. When swimming, be careful as the water may be deep in some places.

Tokei Beach and Peace Beach, are two secluded beaches located side by side on the north side of Kouri Island.

Must Try Foods on Kouri Island!

If you're looking to try the local cuisine, Kouri Island is known for its delicious seafood. One dish you've got to try is the sea urchin donburi (uni-don) at Shirasa Shokudo. The uni-don set meal, which comes with a large helping of fresh sea urchins caught on Kouri Island, is reasonably priced at 2,000 yen! Shirasa Shokudo also offers overnight accommodations.

The garlic shrimp at KOURI SHRIMP, where you can enjoy Hawaiian-style snacks, is also very popular and they even offer take out as well.

We also recommend checking out local cafes where you can enjoy gourmet food while taking in the spectacular views! Cafe Fukurubi, not far from Tinu Beach, where Heart Rock is located, is also a great place where you can enter even in a swim suit.

Lunch on the terrace while feeling the ocean breeze at this stylish and fashionable café makes for a wonderful experience. Be sure to take a photo with the ocean in the backdrop during your visit. It's popular on Instagram for being photogenic!

Summary of Kouri Island, Okinawa

Photo：Heart Rock, Kouri Island, Okinawa

Kouri Island is so small that it can be circled in about 10 minutes by car. Also known as 'Love Island,' the island has a legend an Okinawan version of "Adam and Eve," and is visited by couples from all over Japan.
Another interesting feature is that the shape of Heart Rock changes depending on the angle from which you view it. Be sure to try viewing it from different angles!

Snorkeling and other marine activities can be enjoyed in the beautiful waters of Kouri Island, but since the island is crowded during tourist season, we recommend making reservations in advance.

Also, the view from the Unten Observatory and Kouri Ocean Tower, which opened in 2013, is a must-see. Be sure to stop by.

Even if you're staying at a hotel on the main island of Okinawa, you can easily visit the island via car. If you want to see the nature and waters of Kouri Island, or if you want to try delicious sea urchin bowls or garlic shrimp, definitely check it out! If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video as it gives you a good idea of what you can expect on the island.

【TripAdvisor】Kouri Island
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g14139570-Kouri_jima_Nakijin_son_Kunigami_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture-Vacations.html