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

It is a 1960-meter-long bridge connecting Kouri Island and Yaga Jinoshima, and opened in 2005. The charm of Kouri-ohashi Bridge is the blue sea spreading on both sides and the exhilaration of driving through it by car. You can enjoy the mysterious feeling of floating on the sea. It is also one of the best scenic spots in Okinawa that is popular as a drive course.

A natural beach at the base of Kouri-ohashi Bridge, the sandy beach is smooth and white, and the transparency of the sea is outstanding. It is a beautiful beach unique to remote islands. There is "Kourishima Fureai Plaza" near the bridge, which is equipped with shops, showers, toilets, etc., so you can easily enjoy swimming. In the season when you cannot enter the sea, it is recommended to take a walk while watching the clear sea. Not only tourists but also locals, it is crowded regardless of the season.

A small beach located about a 3-minute drive from Kouri-ohashi Bridge. There are no signs, etc., and Chigunu Beach is under a large rock (Cape Shirasa) towering near the breakwater near Kori Port. On the rocky shore called Cape Shirasa, there is a stone sign that says that the god of fire has descended from heaven. In addition, it is said that men and women in the myth of human origin passed on to Kouri Island first lived here. It is also the place where the Sea God Festival (Unjami) is held on the first day of the Boar after the old Bon Festival, and it is still cherished as a sacred beach, so let's enjoy observing the rules.

Located on the north side of the island on the opposite side of Kouri-ohashi Bridge, Teine Beach is about 10 minutes by car from Kouri-ohashi Bridge and about 8 minutes by car from Chigunu Beach. It became famous because it became the stage of TV commercials of airlines where popular groups appeared.
Many visitors to Tiine Beach are looking for a heart-shaped rock called "Heart Rock". The fact that the heart-shaped rock and Kouri Island are called "Koi no Shima" are mixed together, and it has come to be said to be the sacred place of love. It has gained popularity among couples as a power spot for love.

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

If you want to eat at the best location overlooking Kouri-ohashi Bridge, go to the restaurant Nishikiya. On the rooftop terrace seat, emerald blue spreads to the height of your eyes.

Not only the superb view, but also the dishes are outstanding. The rich sea urchin bowl made with fresh sea urchins carefully selected by the landlady is filled with 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 full of vivid blue Irabu Char like Hamadai and tropical fish called gussets in Okinawa, stiff chewy island octopus, and sea grapes that are irresistible with a petit feeling. And the conversation with the famous landlady who gives energy is one of the attractions of Nishikiya. It fills not only the stomach but also the heart.

"KOURI SHRIMP" is a white wagon car with eye-catching pink and light blue logo marks parked in the parking lot. It is a specialty restaurant specializing in garlic shrimp, a specialty of Oahu in Hawaii.

There are four flavors of garlic shrimp: original, spicy, butter lemon, and mix. Each taste goes well with garlic, and if you put it on a shrimp, the aroma and moderate saltiness will spread throughout your mouth. The cooking method and spices for this taste are original of the store. The shrimp preparation process is packed with the unique commitment of Kouri Island, such as using the local awamori of Nakijin Village.
Kouri Island has a particularly tropical atmosphere in Okinawa. Garlic Slimp is the perfect food to excite the tropical mood.

How was it? Even though it is a small island, Kouri Island is packed with the goodness of Okinawa. It's nice to be able to enjoy gourmet food as well as the sea. Visit from the morning when there are few people to enjoy the quiet sea, have a delicious lunch in the daytime, and watch the sunset in the evening. Kouri Island is an island full of charm that you won't get tired of at least one day.

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