Full of highlights such as superb views and cafes! Let's master Kouri Island, a popular drive spot in Okinawa.

This is a 160-meter-long bridge connecting Kouri Island and Yaga Jinoshima, and was opened in 2005. The charm of Kouri-ohashi Bridge is the blue sea spreading on both sides and the exhilaration of driving through the car. You can enjoy the mysterious feeling of floating on the sea. It is one of the most scenic spots in Okinawa, which is popular as a driving course.

It is a natural beach located at the base of Kouri-ohashi Bridge, and the sandy beach is smooth and the transparency of the sea is outstanding. It is a beautiful beach unique to a remote island. There is "Kourishima Fureai Plaza" near the bridge, where facilities such as shops, showers, toilets, etc. are equipped, so you can enjoy swimming casually. In the season when you can't enter the sea, it is recommended to take a walk while watching the clear sea. Not only tourists but also locals, and it is crowded regardless of the season.

A small beach located about 3 minutes by car from Kouri-ohashi Bridge. There are no signs, and Chigunu Beach is under a large rock (Misaki Cape Shirasa) that rises beside the breakwater near Kori Port. On the rocky area called Cape Shirasa, there is a stone sign stating that the god of fire descended from heaven, that is, the god of fire fell from heaven. In addition, it is said that men and women in the mythology of the origin of mankind transmitted to Kouri Island first lived here. It is also a place where the sea god festival (Unjami), which is held on the first day of the year of the Old Bon Festival, is held, and it is still cherished as a sacred beach, so let's enjoy the rules and enjoy it.

Located on the other side of Kouri-ohashi Bridge on the north side of the island, Teine Beach is about 10 minutes by car from Kouri-ohashi Bridge and about 8 minutes by car from Chignu Beach. It became famous for becoming the stage of the TV commercial of the airline where a popular group appeared.
Many visitors to Tinu Beach are looking for a heart-shaped rock called "Heart Rock". The rock in the shape of a heart and the fact that Kouri Island are called "Koi no Shima" have been mixed, and it has come to be called a sacred place of love. It has become popular among couples as a power spot for love.

It is possible to swim, but be careful because it is a complete natural beach, the sea is rugged with rocks and it may suddenly become deep.
Because the appearance of the heart rock changes with the ebb and flow of the tide, it is recommended that you check the time such as low tide in advance.

If you want to eat in the best location overlooking Kouri-ohashi Bridge, go to "Restaurant Kinya". On the rooftop terrace seat, emerald blue spreads to the eye height.

Not only the superb view, but also the dishes are excellent. The rich sea urchin bowl, made with fresh sea urchin carefully selected by the landlady, is full of sea urchins. The sashimi served around the sea urchin is also fresh fish caught locally. Sashimi, which changes from day to day, is a luxurious cup where you can enjoy vivid blue Irabu char like hamadai and tropical fish called gussets in Okinawa, and sea grapes with irresistible petit feeling. A conversation with a famous landlady who can get energy is also one of the attractions of Nishikiya. It fills not only stomach but also heart.

The "KOURI SHRIMP" is a white wagon car with a pink and light blue logo mark parked in the parking lot. This is a specialty garlic shrimp specialty store in Oahu, Hawaii.

Four kinds of garlic shrimp are original, spicy, butter lemon and mix. Each taste goes well with garlic, and if you put it on the shrimp and shrimp, the aroma and moderate salty will spread throughout your mouth. The cooking method and spices to bring out this taste are the original of the store. It is packed with special attention only to Kouri Island, such as using the local awamori of Nakijin Village.
Kouri Island has a particularly tropical atmosphere in Okinawa. Garlic shrimp is the perfect food to make you feel like a tropical country.

How was it? Although it is a small island, Kouri Island is full of Okinawa's goodness. It's nice to be able to enjoy not only the sea but also gourmet. Visit from the morning when there are few people and enjoy the quiet sea, eat a delicious lunch in the afternoon, and watch the sunset in the evening. Kouri Island is an island full of charm that you will never get tired of even if you stay in a day.

Post: May 23, 2017
Update: October 18, 2023