Sight guide · Okinawa · Japan
Visiting Kouri Island
A road bridge about 2 km long crosses turquoise shallows to this small island, where Tinu Beach has the well-known Heart Rock formation.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA - Johnson Space Center. "The Gateway to Astron, Public domain
Quick answer
Kouri Island is an island in Motobu Peninsula, Okinawa. Allow 2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Island
- Area
- Motobu Peninsula
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- views, couples, photo spot and free
- Best months
- April and October–November
About Kouri Island
A road bridge about 2 km long crosses turquoise shallows to this small island, where Tinu Beach has the well-known Heart Rock formation. The beach by the bridge is a good place to paddle, and the island's restaurants serve sea-urchin rice bowls.
Tip: Stop at the beach at the island end of the bridge for the classic photo looking back over the water.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Motobu Peninsula, northern peninsula with the aquarium, Bise's tree-lined lanes and island bridges.
Best time to visit Kouri Island
Kouri Island is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- November: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-November the sun sets at about 17:40 local time (calculated for Okinawa).
When to visit Okinawa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Okinawa itinerary visits Kouri Island on day 1, together with Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Nakijin Castle and Kokusai-dori.
- No. 15 of the 18 sights in our Okinawa things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Okinawa.
- A family favourite in Okinawa with kids.
Near Kouri Island
Also in Motobu Peninsula, so you can walk between them:
- Bise Fukugi Tree Road — 1 hour, free
- Nakijin Castle — 1 hour, low cost
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium — half a day with the park, mid-priced
If you like Kouri Island
- Okinawa Peace Memorial Park — Nanjo and the south, 2 hours
- Zakimi Castle — Yomitan, 45 minutes
- Cape Manzamo — Onna, 30 minutes
- Mihama American Village — Chatan, 2–3 hours
Staying near Kouri Island
Stay in Motobu Peninsula ($$$) to walk here: northern peninsula with the aquarium, Bise's tree-lined lanes and island bridges. All areas to stay in Okinawa.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Kouri Island?
Plan 2 hours. With Bise Fukugi Tree Road nearby, it fits a half-day in Motobu Peninsula.
+Is Kouri Island free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Kouri Island?
April and October–November for the most comfortable weather. Stop at the beach at the island end of the bridge for the classic photo looking back over the water.
+Do I need to book Kouri Island in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Kouri Island good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Okinawa. Okinawa is one of Japan's top family destinations: calm, netted beaches, a world-class aquarium, caves and short drives.