[Model Itinerary: A Quick Tour of 9 Recommended Spots on Kouri Island] Enjoy the Spectacular Views, Sightseeing, and Cuisine of Kouri Island in Northern Okinawa

This is the view you’ll see when you turn at the T-intersection just before entering the Kouri Bridge. This is the very first spot on Kouri Island you’ll want to photograph. You can even take pictures from inside the car, so passenger in the front seat—it’s your turn!

Let's pull into the parking lot at the guardhouse just before the Kouri Bridge. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kouri Bridge and Kouri Island beyond it. It's a popular spot for taking photos.

Take a drive across the Kouri Bridge, which is about 2 km long. Head toward Kouri Island while enjoying the breathtaking views surrounded by the emerald-green sea. Enjoy the sensation of driving right over the water. Many people point their cameras at the sea from the passenger seat. It’s one of Okinawa’s top driving spots.

"Heart Rock" is a must-see attraction on Kouri Island. It’s a rock shaped like a heart—if you look closely—formed by wave erosion. It attracts a wide variety of visitors, including couples, groups of women traveling together, and families. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the paid parking lot to the spot. You can spend about 20 to 30 minutes there enjoying the ocean view and taking photos. The parking area also features vendors selling drinks and ice cream, as well as restrooms.

Roadside Station Sorahashi is located just past the Kouri Bridge on the left. You’ve probably passed by it on your way to Heart Rock, but I’ve come back here. It offers a selection of souvenirs unique to northern Okinawa, and depending on the season, you can also enjoy local specialties, fruits, and sweets. There are a few restaurants here, too!

Around noon, the ocean appears even bluer due to the sun’s reflection. You can dip your feet in the water to enjoy the ocean, or simply relax and listen to the sound of the waves. If you park at Roadside Station Sorahashi, you can walk there directly. If you plan to swim during the summer or stop for a meal in the area, be sure to adjust your schedule accordingly.

A little-known spot that most people just pass by: “The Cave of Beginnings (Chigunu Beach),” a hidden power spot on Kouri Island. It’s said to be a mysterious cave deeply connected to Okinawan mythology. Please don’t litter here!

There are many popular lunch spots on Kouri Island. It’s a good idea to look them up and decide in advance! For sea urchin and seafood, try “Nishikiya”; for a café lunch in a stylish atmosphere, try “L LOTA”; and for taco rice near Kouri Beach, try “RICE BOWL FACTORY.” You can also eat inside Sora-hashi. (Prices vary significantly depending on the restaurant you choose.)

The “Kouri Ocean Tower” is Kouri Island’s iconic observation facility. From the observation deck, you can take in a panoramic view of the Kouri Bridge and the surrounding ocean, and on clear days, you can even see distant islands. The facility features a café and a souvenir shop. I chose to visit around noon specifically so you could enjoy the beautiful ocean view.

At “TRUE BLUE,” you can try your hand at making accessories using marine plastic collected from Okinawa. While learning about this eco-friendly, sustainable initiative, you can participate in workshops to make lampshades, accessories, and beeswax wraps! It’s also perfect for children’s science projects.