Kouri Island
Kouri Island is a small island connected to Okinawa's main island (near the Motobu Peninsula) by the roughly 2-kilometer Kouri Bridge, a scenic causeway that's become one of the most photographed drives in Okinawa, running low across turquoise water between the two islands. The island itself is small, with a handful of beaches, seaside cafes, and a local legend positioning it as an Okinawan Adam-and-Eve creation myth site, giving it the nickname 'Island of the Gods' locally.
Most visitors combine Kouri Island with the nearby Churaumi Aquarium and other northern Okinawa sights as part of a single day of driving around the Motobu Peninsula, rather than visiting it as a standalone destination. The beaches here are generally quieter and less developed than those directly on Okinawa's main island near Naha, which is part of the appeal for those seeking a simpler beach stop.
Kouri Island FAQs
Yes, essentially — the Kouri Bridge connecting it to the main island has no public bus service across it, so a rental car, taxi, or bicycle is required to cross.
It's almost always combined with the Churaumi Aquarium and other northern Okinawa (Motobu Peninsula) sights as part of a single day trip, since it's a relatively small island without enough on its own to fill a full dedicated day.
About 1.5-2 hours by car, making it a longer day trip that's usually paired with an overnight stay in northern Okinawa or combined with the aquarium visit on the way to or from that area.
It's one of Okinawa's most scenic drives, a roughly 2-kilometer causeway running low across clear turquoise water, popular for both daytime photos and sunset drives.
Generally less crowded than beaches directly on Okinawa's main island near Naha, though they do see a steady flow of day-trippers combining the island with the aquarium visit.
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