
Kouri Ocean Tower: Experience Okinawa’s Nature, Local Flavors, and Panoramic Ocean Views from 82 Meters above Sea Level
Cross Kouri Bridge off the northern coast of Okinawa’s main island to reach Kouri Island.
Standing on a hill, Kouri Ocean Tower is an island landmark offering panoramic views of Okinawa’s ocean and Kouri Bridge from 82 meters above sea level.
Beyond the views from the observation tower, attractions include a cart ride through subtropical plants, a Shell Museum displaying more than 10,000 seashells, exhibits exploring Kouri Island’s history, and delicious food.
You will also find restaurants with spectacular views and souvenirs unique to the island.
This article introduces Kouri Ocean Tower’s highlights, photo spots, ways to enjoy your visit to suit your interests and travel companions, food, and souvenirs.
Enjoy the ocean panorama as you discover the nature and culture that make Kouri Island special.
What Is Kouri Ocean Tower? Spectacular Views from 82 Meters above Sea Level
Kouri Island lies off the northern coast of Okinawa’s main island, surrounded by emerald-green waters.
Connected to Yagaji Island by the approximately two-kilometer Kouri Bridge, it is also known for the beautiful sea views along the crossing.
On a hill overlooking the island stands Kouri Ocean Tower, a local landmark with panoramic views of Kouri Bridge and Okinawa’s ocean from 82 meters above sea level.
The white observation tower has indoor observation floors and an Ocean Deck, offering sweeping views from its elevated setting.
The grounds also feature a scenic cart ride through gardens filled with subtropical plants, the Shell Museum with seashells from around the world, and exhibits introducing Kouri Island’s history and culture.
With restaurants and shops on-site, this attraction offers opportunities to discover the island’s nature, culture, and food alongside its spectacular scenery.
You can also enjoy treats available only here.




Tickets and Admission Prices for Kouri Ocean Tower
An admission ticket is required to enjoy Kouri Ocean Tower’s attractions.
Admission costs 1,000 yen for adults ages 16 and over and 500 yen for children ages 6-15; children under 6 enter free.
The price includes the scenic cart ride, Shell Museum, observation tower, and other attractions.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance through the official website.
Discounted advance tickets are also available, so check the official website below.
- Name in Japanese
- 古宇利オーシャンタワー
- Postal Code
- 905-0406
- Address
-
538 Kori, Nakijinson, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Google Maps - Telephone
- 0980-56-1616
- Closed
- Open every day ※May be temporarily closed in case of bad weather
- Business Hours
- 10:00am - 6:00pm (Admission allowed until 5:30pm)
- Admission
- Admission fee Adults(Older than 16)1,000yen, Age 6 to 15 500yen, Free for children under elementary school age
- Access
- Approximately 90 minutes from Naha Airport via Naha Airport Expressway and Okinawa Expressway.
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)
More than Spectacular Views! 5 Experiences to Enjoy at Kouri Ocean Tower
There is more to Kouri Ocean Tower than the views from its observation tower.
As you explore the grounds, you can travel through subtropical greenery, discover the world beneath the sea, and learn about Kouri Island’s culture.
Here are five experiences to enjoy during your visit.
1. Explore Subtropical Nature on a Scenic Cart Ride
After entering, board an automated cart for a scenic ride toward the observation tower.
The route winds through gardens filled with colorful flowers and subtropical plants.
Enjoy the slowly changing scenery, with more of Kouri Island’s distinctive landscape unfolding as you approach the tower.
The journey itself is part of the experience, surrounded by the natural beauty of this southern island.

2. Take In Okinawa’s Ocean and Kouri Bridge from the Observation Tower
The tower has indoor observation floors on the second and third floors, with the Ocean Deck on the rooftop.
After enjoying the views through the windows indoors, head up to the rooftop to find blue sea and sky stretching out before you.
You can see Kouri Bridge, which links the island to Yagaji Island on the route to Okinawa’s main island, as part of the expansive panorama from 82 meters above sea level.
The rooftop Ocean Deck also has a Bell of Happiness, where you can ring the bell and take a souvenir photo against the blue sea and sky.
Feel the sea breeze as you take your time admiring Kouri Island’s scenery.



*Access to the rooftop Ocean Deck may be restricted depending on the weather.
3. Discover Seashells from around the World at the Shell Museum
On an island surrounded by the sea, the Shell Museum is a fitting place to discover the world of seashells.
More than 10,000 seashells collected from around the world are displayed inside, in a remarkable variety of colors and shapes, including hearts.
After looking out over the ocean from the tower, turn your attention to the beauty and wonder of the shells found beneath its surface. As an indoor attraction, the museum can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
On the tower’s first floor, the Kouri Island Museum also has exhibits introducing the island’s history and culture.
Learning about the island can help you appreciate its beautiful ocean scenery even more.



4. Capture Your Travel Memories at the Photo Spots
Located on Kouri Island, also known as “Love Island,” Kouri Ocean Tower has a variety of spots for memorable travel photos.
These include a sculpture featuring “WE,” “KOURI,” and a heart, as well as heart-shaped designs and frame-shaped installations that showcase the island scenery.
Find your favorite as you explore the grounds, and capture your time on Kouri Island in photographs.



5. Admire the White Kouri Island Sky & Ocean Chapel
The Kouri Island Sky & Ocean Chapel, adjacent to Kouri Ocean Tower, is another sight to look out for during your visit.
Its white exterior stands out against the blue sky and sea, complementing the island’s open, spacious scenery.
Take a moment to admire the beautiful building as you stroll through the grounds.

5 Sweets and Drinks to Enjoy with Spectacular Views at Restaurant Ocean Blue and Ocean Cafe
At Kouri Ocean Tower, you can gaze out at the island’s brilliant blue waters while enjoying sweets made with locally grown pumpkin, a Kouri Island specialty, and tropical drinks.
Here are five distinctive sweets and drinks to try alongside the beautiful ocean views.
1. Kouri Island Pumpkin Heart Waffle
This cute, crisp, heart-shaped waffle features pumpkin grown on Kouri Island in its batter.
The vivid blue jelly spread across the plate represents the island’s beautiful sea.
Enjoy this tropical treat as you compare its colors with the real ocean view in front of you.

2. Ocean Tower Parfait
The Ocean Tower Parfait takes its inspiration from the tower rising above the sea.
Its tall glass holds layers of cream and tropical fruit, including mango, with vivid blue jelly adding a splash of color.
Enjoy it while gazing out over the sea around Kouri Island; its colorful presentation adds to the tropical feel.

3. Kabowassan (Pumpkin Cream Croissant)
Kabowassan combines croissant pastry with cream made from pumpkins grown on Kouri Island.
Available only at Kouri Ocean Tower, this sweet treat pairs the pumpkin’s mild, natural sweetness with the flavor of the croissant.

4. Pumpkin Cream Puff
The Pumpkin Cream Puff features a light pastry shell generously filled with cream.
Made with pumpkins grown on Kouri Island, it brings out the ingredient’s mild, natural sweetness.
This is another exclusive sweet available only at Kouri Ocean Tower.

5. Tower Drink
The Tower Drink catches the eye with its 45-centimeter-tall glass.
Nonalcoholic options come in tropical flavors such as shikuwasa, an Okinawan citrus fruit, and acerola.
Its distinctive appearance against Kouri Island’s blue ocean makes it a drink to enjoy with the view.

*Food and drink menus are subject to change.
Take Home a Memory: 4 Souvenirs to Look for at Kouri Ocean Tower’s Shops
Finish your visit by browsing for souvenirs unique to Kouri Island. The Shop & Factory carries original sweets made with island-grown pumpkin, treats inspired by “Love Island,” and a range of Okinawan items.
Here are four souvenirs to help you take a little of your trip home.
1. KABONEE: The Shop’s Most Popular Sweet, Made with Kouri Island Pumpkin
The shop’s most popular sweet is KABONEE, made with pumpkins grown on Kouri Island.
A Western-style take on manju, a traditional Japanese confection, it showcases the flavor of the local pumpkin and makes a distinctly local souvenir.
This original sweet is one of the first things to look for when you visit the shop.

2. Hearshell: Heart-Shaped Cookies from “Love Island”
For a souvenir that captures Kouri Island’s reputation as “Love Island,” look for Hearshell.
These heart-shaped cookies are inspired by seashells, with a design that recalls a visit to the island.
They make a lovely memento of a couple’s trip or a gift for someone special.

3. Pineapple Charcoal Soap: A Practical Okinawan Souvenir
If you are looking for a souvenir other than sweets, consider Pineapple Charcoal Soap, inspired by one of Okinawa’s signature fruits. Its tropical design makes it a practical way to bring memories of your trip into everyday life.

4. Find Your Favorite Okinawa-Inspired Accessories
Accessories featuring Okinawan motifs are another option if you are looking beyond sweets. The shops carry items you can wear during your trip and enjoy afterward as reminders of your time on Kouri Island.
Compare the designs and find a favorite for yourself or someone special.


Create a Souvenir with Shisa Painting or a Bracelet-Making Workshop
To turn your memories of Kouri Island into a keepsake, try shisa painting or bracelet making.
During the shisa painting experience, decorate an Okinawan guardian lion figure with your choice of colors and patterns to create a piece that is uniquely yours.
In the bracelet-making workshop, combine your favorite components to design your own accessory.
You can take your finished creation home that same day as a memento of your trip.
Create a one-of-a-kind souvenir as you reflect on your time on Kouri Island.


3 Things to Know before Your First Visit
To make the most of Kouri Ocean Tower, check how much time to allow and how the weather may affect your visit.
1. Allow Around One Hour
Allow around one hour for the scenic cart ride and a visit to the Shell Museum, observation tower, photo spots, and shops.
If you also plan to eat at a restaurant or stop at a cafe, give yourself some extra time.

2. Enjoy Plenty of Indoor Attractions on Rainy Days
Alongside the tower’s indoor observation floors, the Shell Museum, shops, and restaurants offer places to enjoy your visit regardless of the weather.
However, access to areas such as the rooftop Ocean Deck may be restricted depending on conditions, so check on the day.

3. Check Facilities for Wheelchair and Stroller Users
Parts of the grounds are accessible to wheelchair and stroller users, and both wheelchairs and strollers are available to borrow free of charge.
Available routes and facilities vary by area, so check in advance if needed.

Access to Kouri Ocean Tower
Kouri Island, home to Kouri Ocean Tower, is accessible from Okinawa’s main island via Yagaji Island and Kouri Bridge.
By car, it takes approximately 40 minutes from Kyoda Interchange on the Okinawa Expressway.
Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours from Naha Airport.
Cross Kouri Bridge onto the island, then head toward Kouri Ocean Tower on the hill.
You can also combine your visit with other attractions in northern Okinawa.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kouri Ocean Tower
Q
Can I visit just the restaurants or shops?
Yes. Let the staff at the main reception desk know that you would like to visit only the restaurants or shops. You will not be able to enter the paid attractions, including the observation tower, Shell Museum, and scenic cart ride.
Q
Can I get there without a rental car?
Yes. You can take the Yanbaru Express Bus 3 Islands Line to the Kouri Ocean Tower bus stop. Check the bus operator’s official website for connections and timetables. A rental car is also a convenient option for visitors coming from Okinawa’s main island.
Summary
Kouri Ocean Tower offers panoramic views of Okinawa’s ocean and Kouri Bridge from 82 meters above sea level.
Alongside a scenic cart ride through subtropical nature, seashells from around the world, and opportunities to learn about Kouri Island’s culture, you will find photo spots, food, and shopping.
Couples, families, and groups of friends can each find a way to enjoy their visit.
Make the most of your time discovering Kouri Island’s nature, culture, and food, with Okinawa’s spectacular ocean scenery as the backdrop.