Many people have heard the name "Kouri Island," but may not know exactly what kind of place it is. Where is Kouri Island? What can you do there? How do you get there?
Kouri Bridge, with its emerald green waters stretching out below, is a famous driving spot, and Kouri Island is actually often praised as having the most beautiful beach in Okinawa.

To help you fully enjoy Kouri Island, we've picked out some must-see spots, including beaches, hotels, and cafes, that we recommend you check out!
Now you too can be a Kouri Island expert! Experience the charm of Kouri Island to the fullest!!

1. Essential Information about Kouri Island

1-1. Place and time

Many people may have heard of "Kouri Island," but have no idea where it is!
Kouri Island is an inhabited island located north of Yagaji Island, which is in the northern part of Okinawa Island, and belongs to Nakijin Island.

Its area is only 3.13 km², roughly the size of two Huis Ten Bosch parks in Nagasaki. Furthermore, its circumference is only about 8 km, making it a tiny island that can be circled by car in about 10 minutes.

1-2. How to access

To get to Kouri Island, you first need to go to Yagaji Island and then cross the Kouri Bridge. There are three main ways to do this:

1-3. Which season do you recommend?

It's difficult to define the best season to visit Kouri Island. The sea is beautiful at any time of year, but the temperature is generally cooler than on the main island due to the strong winds that often blow in from the sea.
Typhoons are most frequent from July to September, with one to two making landfall each month. However, typhoons can also make landfall in months other than July to September, so if you plan to visit during the summer, you should consider the possibility of encountering a typhoon.

In Okinawa, the period from the spring equinox to the start of the rainy season, around April to May, is called "Urizun." It is considered the most pleasant time of year, as temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom.

Also, regarding what to wear when going to Kouri Island, even though it's Okinawa, it can still get cold in winter, so you'll need to bring a jacket.
The average temperature is above 20°C from April to October, but it can drop below 20°C on some days from November to March, so if you're going to Kouri Island between November and March, be sure to bring a jacket or other warm clothing.
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2. Tips for enjoying Kouri Island to the fullest

2-1. Recommended Beaches

Kouri Island's beaches are renowned as some of the most beautiful in Okinawa. Here are three of our top recommendations!

Kouri Beach

This beach stretches out on both sides of the entrance to Kouri Island, after crossing the iconic Kouri Bridge. Its shallow waters make it perfect for swimming. It's also a popular beach for its stunning nighttime starry skies.

Teenu Beach

Tinu Beach is located north of Kouri Island. Here you'll find a heart-shaped rock called "Heart Rock," which is one of the reasons why Kouri Island is known as the "Island of Love."
This location is also popular as it was used as a filming location for a JAL advance purchase fare commercial featuring the popular group "Arashi".

However, because there are no lifeguards on duty, no jellyfish nets, and it is a small beach, it is not suitable for swimming. It is a beach that is better suited for enjoying the scenery, such as Heart Rock and the sunset.

Tokeihama Beach

This shallow, white-sand beach retains its natural beauty. Fish are close by and can be seen immediately upon diving, making it highly recommended for snorkelers.
Another characteristic of Tokei Beach is the landscape, which is dotted with rocks that have large, round holes called "potholes."

2-2. Recommended Cafes

Kouri Island has plenty of stylish cafes. If you're tired from the beach or driving, why not take a break there?

Beach House Café & Restaurant YOSHIKA

'Umi no Ie YOSHIKA' stands at the entrance to Kouri Island. From the observation restaurant on the second floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kouri Island.
The 100% handmade interior is a tranquil space created with the warmth of wood and beautiful seashells. Why not enjoy a meal or coffee break while leisurely gazing at Kouri Bridge and the sea?

Cafe Touraku

This cafe and workshop, with its distinctive white exterior, is located on a hilltop on Kouri Island. It also sells pottery and offers accommodation, and the dishes served in the cafe are made in this workshop.
From the terrace seating or the shop windows, you can enjoy views of Ie Island and Kouri Island. Let yourself be soothed by the tranquil scenery and let yourself be carried away by the leisurely pace of time.

2-3. Recommended Hotels

Since you're visiting Kouri Island, why not go beyond just a quick visit to enjoy the scenery? For those who want to stay overnight and fully appreciate the views, we've compiled a list of recommended hotels on Kouri Island!

KAYA RESORT Kouri Island

This hotel is popular because, being family-run, it offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy their stay on Kouri Island.
From the rooftop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the cobalt blue sea surrounding Kouri Island.

The resort-like interior and the starry night sky are sure to make your Okinawa stay an extraordinary experience.

One Suite Kouri Island

One Suite Kouri Island consists of two suite buildings, the "Terrace Suite" and the "Panorama Suite," each with its own unique charm.
Because the two buildings have completely different characteristics, they are located in separate buildings, and the hotel staff provide service in a way that is not visible to guests, making it an unusual hotel.
This is recommended for those who want to have Kouri Island all to themselves.

2-4. Sea Urchin Rice Bowl

The specialty of Kouri Island is sea urchin rice bowl! While sea urchins from Hokkaido are in season in winter, sea urchins from Kouri Island are in season in summer!
During the peak season from June to September, many signs were displayed at restaurants on Kouri Island.

However, since around 2013, the number of sea urchins has drastically decreased, resulting in a fishing ban. This has led to the use of sea urchins from outside Okinawa Prefecture, and reservations are now required for sea urchin dishes, making them extremely rare.

If you're planning to eat sea urchin on Kouri Island, we recommend checking with the restaurant you intend to visit beforehand.

2-5. Recommended Tourist Spots

Kouri Bridge

The view from this bridge is probably the first thing that makes tourists who drive to Kouri Island exclaim in delight.
The 2km-long bridge connecting Yagaji Island in Nago City and Nakijin City stretches in a straight line towards the sky, boasting the longest free-to-cross bridge in Japan.

Below, the emerald green sea stretches out, making this truly one of Okinawa's most iconic spots.
However, parking is prohibited on the bridge, so please park your car in a nearby parking lot or road park.

3. Precautions for Kouri Island

3-1. Don't be embarrassed if you don't know this! Traffic manners on Kouri Island

With the increase in tourists, Kouri Island has seen a rise in people coming and going. However, Kouri Island is not uninhabited. We must not forget that there are people who live there.
It's important to note that, as the central part of Kouri Island is a residential area, entry by rental car is generally not permitted.

If you're driving around Kouri Island, try to stick to the road that circles the island.
Furthermore, the current situation where cars are parked on the narrow roads leading to the beach is causing considerable inconvenience to local residents who use farm equipment for work.
If there is no free parking available, try to park your car in a paid parking lot and walk, even if it means walking a short distance.

3-2. Dangerous creatures found on the island and in the sea

Most of the beaches mentioned earlier do not have jellyfish nets. Therefore, it is important to be careful when swimming or snorkeling.
However, just in case you do encounter a dangerous creature, here are some ways to deal with it.

Sea urchin

It is a type of sea urchin, but compared to regular sea urchins, its spines are extremely long and can easily pierce the skin.
Furthermore, the spines are extremely brittle, and because they are reverse-angled, broken spines can remain embedded in the body.

Symptoms: Severe pain at the moment of sting. In severe cases, muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing may occur.
Treatment: Remove any large, visible thorns, disinfect the affected area, and wash it with fresh water. Soak the area in 40-50°C water for at least 30 minutes.

Box jellyfish

This jellyfish is extremely venomous and can reach a total length of over 1.5 meters, including its tentacles. Because it prefers to feed on small fish, it is often found in shallow waters with a depth of 20-30 cm.
Because they are semi-transparent, they are difficult to see, and many cases of damage have occurred throughout Okinawa Island.

Symptoms: Severe pain at the moment of sting. Blisters form within 6 hours, and cell necrosis is said to occur within 12 hours.
Treatment method: Do not rub the affected area. Pour plenty of vinegar (table vinegar) over it to remove the tentacles, then cool it with ice or cold water.

*Water, beer, and alcohol are absolutely forbidden as they stimulate the stinging cells and promote their release.
There is also a jellyfish called the Portuguese man-of-war, which looks similar to the box jellyfish. If you are stung by this jellyfish, applying vinegar will stimulate the sting, causing more venom to be released and accelerating the progression of the symptoms.
In that case, soak it in seawater (fresh water is also not suitable!) and rinse it without rubbing.

4. To enjoy Kouri Island even more

4-1. Marine sports you can do on Kouri Island

Experience diving

Points: Tinu Beach, waters near Tokei Beach, offshore west side
The dive site off the north side of Kouri Island still has colonies of Acropora, Ryukyu cypress, and soft corals, and it is thought to be the last remaining coral colony around the main island.

The western side of Kouri Island has many interesting geographical spots such as crevices, small caves, and cliffs, and you can see a wide variety of fish, including clownfish, parrotfish, schools of fusiliers, trevally, grouper, snapper, porcupinefish, damselfish, yellow wrasse, needlefish, trumpetfish, and many more.

Macro enthusiasts, landscape enthusiasts, beginners, and veterans alike can all enjoy this place. Furthermore, you can see all species of clownfish found in Japan.

Clear Kayak

Point: Kouri Beach

You can enjoy swimming in the ocean while riding a clear kayak, which offers a transparent waterway that allows you to see underwater.
Enjoy the relaxed pace of Okinawa as you leisurely paddle your kayak, observing the fish and coral in the sea, feeling the breeze, and gazing at the sky.

The Clear Kayak is a two-seater, making it perfect for couples, friends, families, or even small children who want to take a leisurely stroll on the sea while sitting between their parents!

ApplyKouri Island Marine Club ZanmarineUntil.

4-2. Okinawa tourist spots you should visit when you come to Kouri Island

Churaumi Aquarium

The most popular tourist destination in Okinawa is undoubtedly the Churaumi Aquarium.
In particular, the sheer power of the "Kuroshio Sea" tank, which is displayed using the world's largest acrylic panel, is enough to make you gasp in awe.
With plenty to see, including whale sharks and manta rays swimming gracefully, and the Oki-chan Dolphin Theater, this is a tourist destination where you'll want to take your time and explore.

Nago Pineapple Park

This spot allows you to take a ride on the automatically moving Pineapple Train and explore a pineapple forest.
There are also guides on pineapples and subtropical trees, so you can learn more about them.
Furthermore, once you disembark from the Pineapple Train, you can enjoy shopping, food tastings, and wine tastings.

5. Conclusion

So, what do you think? Now you won't have any trouble choosing a beach on Kouri Island!
The beautiful sea is attracting attention, and the increase in tourists is good for the local economy.

However, out of respect for the people who live on Kouri Island and have protected its natural environment, let's also act with basic manners to protect the beautiful scenery of Kouri Island!