Kouri: A Tiny Island at the Northern Tip of Okinawa

Okinawa

Okinawa, a southern island of Japan, has become a popular tourist destination since PEACH airline started offering direct low-cost flights.

With a flight time of only 3-4 hours, tourists can easily rent a car and explore the entire island upon arrival.

However, I did not take Peach Airline because I won a free ticket from HongKong Airlines through a Family Mart event. This fortunate opportunity allowed me to visit Okinawa sooner than expected.

Initially, I was not particularly interested in Okinawa because most reviews focused on a limited number of attractions.

The main attractions include Kokusai Street, Okinawa World, Churaumi Aquarium, and Shuri Castle. I was hoping to discover something more unique.

Kouri Island: A Hidden Gem in Northern Okinawa

This meticulously planned trip to Okinawa was filled with unique discoveries. Over five nights and six days, we ventured beyond the typical tourist hotspots, uncovering hidden gems that offered a fresh perspective on this beautiful island.

One such gem was Kouri Island, a small island accessible by bridge in northern Okinawa. Boasting a variety of attractions, Kouri Island is a must-visit for those seeking a unique island experience.

Kouri Bridge:

Our journey to Kouri Island began with a scenic drive from Naha, taking approximately two hours via expressway. Having stayed at an Airbnb near Kouri the night before, we were eager to explore the island's offerings.

The Kouri Bridge, stretching over two kilometers, connects Okinawa Island to Kouri Island. This impressive bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding turquoise waters and lush greenery.

Exploring Kouri Island:

Upon reaching Kouri Island, we embarked on a journey to uncover its hidden treasures. From the iconic Kouri Ocean Tower, offering panoramic views of the island and the vast ocean, to the charming Kouri Shrine, steeped in history and tradition, Kouri Island presented a diverse range of experiences.

Hidden Gems:

Beyond the well-known attractions, we stumbled upon several hidden gems. A secluded beach with crystal-clear waters provided a tranquil escape, while a local restaurant served up authentic Okinawan cuisine that tantalized our taste buds. These unexpected discoveries added a special touch to our Kouri Island adventure.

A Unique Perspective:

Kouri Island offered a unique perspective on Okinawa, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural richness, and hidden treasures. By venturing beyond the typical tourist destinations, we gained a deeper appreciation for the island's diverse offerings and its ability to surprise and delight.

Further Exploration:

For those seeking to uncover more hidden gems in Okinawa, we encourage you to follow our journey on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/seallygoround/ and search for #seallygoOkinawa. Let us guide you on an unforgettable exploration of this captivating island.

What a beautiful day! The sky is clear and the water is a stunning color.

There will be a designated stop before the crossing where you can get off and take pictures.

At the beginning of March, the weather was cool, around 20°C. We parked the car and took some photos.

After taking photos, we drove across to the Kouri side.

We will go up to see the beautiful view here at Kouri Tower.

A high-angle viewpoint of the sea. Park your car and purchase an entrance ticket for 800 yen per person.

After purchasing your ticket, board the automatic, driverless train and ascend to the observation deck.

After disembarking, you will enter the building, which houses a museum showcasing a variety of unusual shells.

Continue walking for two more floors to reach this viewpoint.

Oh my goodness... the view is so beautiful... the water is so incredibly clear.

In early March, the weather is unpredictable as it transitions from winter to spring. However, we were fortunate to experience beautiful blue skies and crystal-clear waters.

Go up one more floor to access the outdoor zone. The wind is strong, but the view is equally stunning.

The bell tolls ceremoniously, signaling our arrival at the Kouri viewpoint.

Before leaving Kouri Tower, we were inevitably forced to pass through the shopping zone.

If you're looking for souvenirs, feel free to browse the selection. This area, Nago, is known for its pineapple-based OTOP products.

As a result, there are numerous pineapple-derived goods available.

However, these may not be of much interest to Thai visitors, as pineapples are readily available in Thailand. ^^

Let's drive to the next point.

HEART ROCK

Another popular tourist spot in Kouri is Heart Rock, a heart-shaped rock in the middle of the sea.

Since we're already here, let's go take a look. It's only a short drive from Kouri Ocean Tower.

Just follow Google Maps and you won't get lost. When you arrive, park your car at the nearest parking lot, which costs around 300 yen (if I remember correctly).

There's an ice cream shop and restrooms at the parking lot. There's also a cute dog guarding the ice cream shop that you can play with.

Ouch, child! Why are you biting your mother's hand?

Walk down to the heart-shaped rock this way. It's not far. Walk well, be careful not to slip.

Here it is, we've arrived. It's not as big as I thought it would be.

The place was actually quite crowded, especially since it was a Saturday. However, I managed to find a quiet corner to myself.

The wave suddenly crashed in, leaving everything in a mess. Oh no, my friends!

The sky was clear, but suddenly clouds appeared. The weather here is unpredictable.

Let's go change into sandals in the car and continue.

(It's convenient to have a car. You can carry as many shoes, clothes, and luggage as you want, right? ^^)

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INN CAFE

A stylish cafe with a stunning ocean view on Kouri Island.

On the way to Heart Rock, I passed a peculiar building that looked like a 4-5 story black container. It had a sign that read "INN Cafe".

It turns out that this cafe was on my list, but I didn't expect it to be on Kouri Island.

So, after leaving Heart Rock, I decided to stop by. I arrived around 11 am, just as it was opening.

This stylish building, constructed from multiple black shipping containers stacked four or five high, creates a unique and modern structure. The cafe itself is located on the fourth floor, and visitors must remove their shoes before ascending. Slippers are provided for indoor use.

The text describes a space that resembles a furniture showroom or studio, located on the first, second, and third floors of a building. The speaker expresses surprise and confusion, questioning whether they have entered the correct location for a cafe.

Each room and zone boasts a stylish design, with a touch of vintage and some areas featuring a cool, industrial vibe.

Some rooms are beautifully decorated, resembling the chambers of a princess in a fairytale.

The camera in my hand is shaking.

But wait, I haven't paid for it yet. I can't just take a picture and leave.

But where is the seller? I've been walking for 3 floors and haven't seen anyone.

Oh... I found him. The old man is taking orders alone on the 4th floor.

The menu includes hot and iced coffee, drip coffee, and a variety of tea options.

Food, fruit juices, and desserts are also available.

While there are many items on the menu, please note that a minimum order of one item per person is required.

Order placed. While waiting, let's have some fun in other corners.

This building has a rooftop where you can have a barbecue.

Or from this angle, we can lighten the burden...

Ocean View Sukhawadi

Time for coffee

Oh, I wish I had a kitchen like this. I would spend all day in it.

This is a truly beautiful home. I would love to have a house like this myself. ^^

INN CAFE
- Located on Kouri Island, near Heart Rocks
- Open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Closed on irregular days. Check the holiday schedule and menu of INN CAFE at http://inn-cafe.com

It's time to move on. Today we have many more places to go.

But before we leave this small island called Kouri,

Let's stop by to feed the seals.

I've been eyeing this restaurant. I saw it on the Sugoi Japan show, where Mr. Hiro brought us to eat at this restaurant.

This restaurant is famous for its maguro rice bowl with seaweed salad.

However, due to a stomach condition similar to rotavirus, I couldn't eat anything from the moment I boarded the plane at Suvarnabhumi Airport until the day I returned.

I had planned to eat all sorts of things, but I couldn't eat anything at all. T-T

In particular, I couldn't eat even a single piece of raw fish.

I guess I'll have to go back and try again.

So I'm craving some soft food, pork rice with fried egg for now. Ugh, why did I get sick while traveling? >.<'

Another famous restaurant is Shrimp Wagon, a food truck on Kouri Island.

You have to park your car here and walk up to buy it over there.

This restaurant is very crowded with a long queue.

Kouri Island is another popular spot for Okinawans to visit and have picnics.

However, in March, the water may still be a bit cold, making swimming or diving too chilly.

So, we just sat by the sea and had a family picnic.

During the summer months, especially in late June and July, the number of visitors is expected to increase significantly.

I would love to visit during the summer as well. I would enjoy swimming and snorkeling to see the coral reefs in Okinawa.

Just look at how clear the water is.

Let's start the car and continue our journey to the next destination. We have a lot planned, so let's make sure we don't miss anything.

Okinawa's Hidden Gems: A Seal's Guide

There are still many interesting places in Okinawa that haven't been covered yet. The seal will be back to review them in the future!

Stay tuned for the next review!

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