Located on Kouri Island in Nakijin Village, northern Okinawa's main island, the Kouri Ocean Tower is a landmark with a spectacular view that awaits you after crossing the Kouri Ohashi Bridge. The observatory overlooking the emerald green sea, the shell museum, and the café inside the tower offer facilities that can be enjoyed by families and couples alike.
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Recommended for
Those who are looking for a sightseeing spot that can be enjoyed even on a rainy day.
Families who want to sightsee in a relaxed atmosphere with their children
Postcard-perfect Kouri blue seen from the observation tower
The main attraction of the Kouri Ocean Tower is the panoramic view from its observation deck. As you ascend the glass elevator, the breathtaking view of the ocean unfolds before your eyes. The view is especially spectacular on a clear day, and is a popular photo spot from which to view the Kouri Ohashi Bridge.
The Shell Museum, with its impressive display of shells, features shells collected from all over the world. There is also a restaurant with a view of the Kouri Bridge. Visitors can spend a relaxing time here.
Great for families! Lots of tricks for parents and children to enjoy!
The automatic cart ride to the tower is very popular with children. The excitement of the ride up the gentle slope makes the ride alone a special memory. The entire facility is designed to be barrier-free, making it safe for visitors with strollers. Restrooms and diaper changing areas are also available, making it a comfortable place for visitors with small children.
There are many colorful shells, large and small, in the Shell Museum, and both children and adults will be enthralled by the exhibits.
Cross the Kouri Bridge and enter an extraordinary world
Access is convenient by car and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Naha Airport. From downtown Nago, it takes about 40 minutes by car. The view from the moment you cross the Kouri Bridge is sure to impress both the driver and the passenger.
If you use public transportation, take a bus bound for Nakijin from Nago Bus Terminal, get off at Kouri Island Entrance bus stop, and walk or take a cab.
Comfort that makes you want to come back
The day we visited was crazy sunny! We visited around 11:30am, just as the ocean was starting to turn blue! We were overwhelmed by the beauty of the ocean looking down from the observation deck.
I honestly thought the Shell Museum might be "plain?" but it was more interesting than I expected. We didn't use the restaurant this time because we were planning to eat at another restaurant, but I would definitely like to go there next time.
The entire tower is beautifully maintained and when we were there, there were many people of all ages, from children to the elderly. Personally, I am a definite repeat visitor!
Nearby attractions (within 30 minutes drive)
Tinu Beach (Heart Rock) - 5 minutes by car
DRIVE IN Likarikawarmi - 10 minutes by car
Yagaji Beach・・・・About 15 minutes by car
Churaumi Aquarium・・・・30 minutes by car
Spot Information
| Spot Name | Kouri Ocean Tower |
| genre | Observation Facilities, Museums, Restaurants |
| Business Hours | 9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30) Restaurant is open 11:00-17:00 |
| regular closing day | open every day of the year |
| Admission Fee | 16 years old and up: 1,000 yen, 6-15 years old: 500 yen, under 6 years old: free |
| parking lot | 200 units (1st, 2nd, 3rd) *There are 10 parking spaces for buses. |
| address (e.g. of house) | 538 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0406, Japan |
*This information is current as of the last update of the article. Check before you go!
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Contributor Profile
- Okinawa travel media "OKIBRA" has been happily operated since 2020 by Kazunari, a computer geek, and Son-chan, an anime & food lover! They love Okinawa so much that they have visited more than 50 hotels and 500 restaurants in the prefecture, and they share the charms of Okinawa on Instagram and on the web. We will bring you the charms of Okinawa that you can't find anywhere else, from the unique perspective of a husband and wife team!
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