Kouri Island is a small, picturesque island surrounded by the emerald-green waters of Okinawa, just off the northern coast of Okinawa Island. Known as the “Island of Love,” Kouri has become a popular destination for couples and travelers drawn to its beautiful beaches, romantic landscapes, and mysterious legends.
The island is also known as the “Island of the Gods” because of a local creation legend that resembles the biblical story of Adam and Eve. According to the legend, the first people lived on the island, giving Kouri a special place in Okinawan mythology and local culture.
Since the opening of the Kouri Bridge in 2005, visitors have been able to reach the island directly by car from Okinawa Island. The bridge stretches across the brilliant blue sea, creating the thrilling sensation of driving directly over the ocean.
The view from the bridge is one of the highlights of a visit to Kouri Island. The contrast between the turquoise water, white beaches, and blue sky creates an unforgettable tropical landscape.
Kouri Island has a circumference of approximately 8 kilometers, and the entire island can be driven around in about 10 minutes along the Kouri Loop Road. Although the island is compact, it offers a surprising variety of scenic spots and opportunities to enjoy the sea.
Kouri Beach, located near the Kouri Bridge, is a popular place for swimming and enjoying the clear water. Heart Rock, also known as Heart Rock, is another famous attraction and has become an especially popular photo spot for couples.
At Tokashiki Beach, visitors can see unusual cylindrical hollows in the coastal rock known as potholes. During summer, the island’s beaches attract many visitors who come to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the warm tropical sea.
Kouri Island has a distinctive circular, plateau-like shape, with its highest point reaching approximately 107 meters above sea level. The island is surrounded by both a lagoon and the open ocean, creating a beautiful setting that feels secluded despite its easy access from the mainland.
Ancient religious ceremonies and traditional beliefs have survived on the island, adding a sense of mystery to its natural beauty. The local legend of the first human beings, sometimes described as an Okinawan version of Adam and Eve, is particularly well known.
For generations, the people of Kouri Island have supported themselves through a combination of fishing and farming. The island’s relationship with the surrounding sea remains an important part of local life.
Kouri is particularly known for its sea urchins and mozuku seaweed. Sea urchin fishing and mozuku cultivation are traditional local industries, while agriculture produces crops such as sugarcane and purple sweet potatoes.
With its heart-shaped rock, beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and legends of the island’s origins, Kouri Island has developed a strong reputation as a romantic destination. Its spectacular scenery has also made it a popular location for television commercials and Japanese television dramas.
For couples, the island offers plenty of memorable moments, from driving across the Kouri Bridge to watching the changing colors of the sea and discovering secluded corners of the coastline.
Kouri Island combines the natural beauty of a tropical island with the history, traditions, and mythology of Okinawa. Its compact size makes it easy to explore, while the surrounding sea provides endless opportunities to enjoy the landscape.
Whether you come for the famous Kouri Bridge and Heart Rock, spend time swimming and snorkeling, or simply drive around the island taking in the ocean views, Kouri Island offers an unforgettable glimpse of Okinawa’s romantic and mysterious side.
30 minutes by bus from Nago Bus Terminal [20km] *30 minutes by route 72 bus, 30 minutes walk (about 3KM) or 5 minutes by car from Yaga Untenhara bus stop