Kouri Ocean Tower is one of the most popular attractions on Kouri Island, a small island off the northern coast of Okinawa Island. Known as the “Island of Love”, Kouri Island is associated with a local creation legend resembling the story of Adam and Eve.
To reach the island, visitors cross the 1,960-meter-long Kouri Bridge, which connects Kouri Island with the Yagaji Island side of Okinawa. As the road stretches across the turquoise sea, the drive itself feels like traveling directly over the ocean.
At Kouri Ocean Tower, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the endless blue sea and sky, making it an excellent viewpoint from which to appreciate the tropical scenery surrounding the island.
Kouri Ocean Tower stands approximately 82 meters above sea level. The first floor houses the Kouri Island Museum, where visitors can learn about the island’s history and cultural background.
The second and third floors feature indoor observation areas. Through the large windows, the surrounding scenery appears almost like a painting, with the blue sea extending toward the horizon and the landscape of Kouri Island spreading below.
For an even more open view, head up to the rooftop Ocean Deck. Here, you can feel the sea breeze while taking in a sweeping panorama of the surrounding ocean and islands.
The deck also features a Bell of Happiness. Ring the bell and capture a memorable photograph against the brilliant blue Okinawan sky and sea.
The Shell Museum displays more than 10,000 shells collected from around the world. The collection includes many rare and valuable specimens, making the museum an interesting stop for visitors who want to discover another side of the natural world.
The variety of shapes, colors, and patterns found among the shells offers a fascinating look at marine life far beyond the beaches of Okinawa.
The tower also has a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal while looking out over the beautiful Okinawan sea.
The terrace seating is particularly appealing on a sunny day, allowing you to combine local dining with the spectacular scenery that surrounds Kouri Island.
Visitors can also reach the observation tower aboard an automated “Scenic Cart”. The route winds slowly through a landscaped garden filled with subtropical Okinawan plants such as adan, sotetsu cycads, and fukugi trees.
Along the way, the cart passes viewpoints overlooking the Kouri Bridge and the emerald-green sea. The leisurely ride takes approximately eight minutes, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery without rushing.
The Scenic Cart ride is more than just a convenient way to reach the tower. An audio guide introduces passengers to the history and attractions of Kouri Island during the journey.
This makes the ride a pleasant way to learn more about the island while enjoying its tropical landscape, particularly for first-time visitors.
Kouri Island is famous for its beautiful sea, romantic legends, and spectacular coastal scenery. Kouri Ocean Tower brings these attractions together in one destination, offering visitors opportunities to learn about the island, admire panoramic views, explore an extensive shell collection, enjoy a meal, and experience a leisurely ride through a tropical garden.
With the turquoise sea stretching as far as the eye can see, Kouri Ocean Tower is an ideal place to appreciate the beauty and romantic atmosphere of Kouri Island.
10:00-18:00
Open all year round
Adults 1,000 yen (16 years and older)
Elementary/junior high school students 500 yen (6-15 years old)
Free for children under elementary school age
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours from Naha via Naha Airport Expressway and Okinawa Expressway (Toyomigusuku/Nakaji IC to Kushida IC)
Approximately 25 minutes from Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium