Kouri Ocean Tower

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Kouri Ocean Tower

A popular sightseeing attraction on Kouri Island, offering panoramic views from the tower of the blue sea and sky and the bridge spanning the water.

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Supervised by :  Kouri Ocean Tower

Located on a hill on Kouri Island, Kouri Ocean Tower is a sightseeing attraction known for its white tower, which contrasts beautifully with the sea known as “Kouri Blue.”

Designed to resemble the sail of a sailing ship, with the island representing the ship itself, the tower stands 269 feet above sea level. It has indoor observation floors on the second and third floors and an Ocean Deck on the rooftop, offering panoramic views of the emerald-green sea, the straight span of Kouri Bridge, Kouri Island, and Okinawa’s main island. Highlights include the open-air Ocean Deck, where the sea breeze and expansive setting make you feel as though you are standing at the bow of a large cruise ship, and the indoor observation floors, where the scenery framed by large windows resembles a painting.

There is plenty more to see inside, including the Shell Museum, which displays over 10,000 shells representing 1,500 varieties collected from around the world, and the Kouri Island Museum, featuring exhibits on the island’s history. The tower also has a restaurant known for its excellent views and Neapolitan pizza, with dough stretched to order and baked in an oven, as well as a shop with an on-site confectionery. An automated cart takes visitors to the tower through a tropical garden filled with Okinawan plants such as screw pines and cycads. During the ride, an audio guide introduces the island’s history and sightseeing attractions.

Highlights

  • A sightseeing attraction on Kouri Island, a remote island accessible by bridge.
  • Views of Kouri Bridge and the Okinawan sea from an observation tower standing 269 feet above sea level.
  • The tower also houses a shell museum, restaurant, and shop.
  • Visitors reach the tower aboard an automated cart.

Photos

  • Indoor observation floor with panoramic views through the windows

    Indoor observation floor with panoramic views through the windows

  • The Ocean Deck offers expansive, unobstructed views

    The Ocean Deck offers expansive, unobstructed views

  • Ride an automated cart through the garden to the observation tower

    Ride an automated cart through the garden to the observation tower

  • The Shell Museum displays over 10,000 shells

    The Shell Museum displays over 10,000 shells

  • The restaurant also offers excellent views

    The restaurant also offers excellent views

  • Located on a hill on Kouri Island

    Located on a hill on Kouri Island

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available on the premises?

A

No.

Q

Are coin-operated lockers available?

A

No.

Q

Is reentry permitted?

A

Yes.
However, the automated cart may only be used once, so visitors reentering must use the walking path to reach the building.

Reviews

4

Some reviews are AI-translated.

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    Driving across Kouri Bridge was already beautiful, but I didn't expect the view from the Ocean Tower to feel completely different. The long bridge stretches across the turquoise sea, with the water on either side showing different shades of blue. It really feels like Okinawa.

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    When visiting Kouri Island in Okinawa, Kouri Ocean Tower is a great place to enjoy the island scenery. Along the road to the tower, you're surrounded by the deep blue sea and lush island landscapes, so you can already feel the strong island atmosphere before even going up the tower.
    From the observation deck, Kouri Bridge and the vast ocean come into view. The blue water sparkles in the sunlight, with islands in the distance creating a wide-open view. Taking in the beautiful scenery with the sea breeze makes you feel Okinawa's relaxed and comfortable pace of travel.

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    From the top of Kouri Ocean Tower, an endless gradient of “Kouri Blue” stretches out before you, with the magnificent Kouri Bridge running straight across the sea. The view is truly breathtaking! Ring the “Bell of Happiness” on the rooftop observation deck and look out over the gorgeous ocean as the sea breeze blows and the bell echoes around you. It’s romantic and soothing, and definitely a must-visit highlight of Kouri Island!
    Also, the air conditioning is nice and cool, and there are plenty of souvenir shops. If you’re visiting Okinawa in the summer, it’s a good place to escape the heat.

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    On this trip to Okinawa, I visited Kouri Island, and what I looked forward to most was going up Kouri Ocean Tower. Riding an automated cart through the grounds filled with tropical plants, with the sea breeze blowing along the way, I was already excited about the view before even reaching the top. Once I reached the observation deck 82 meters above sea level, Kouri Bridge and the entire deep-blue ocean came into view at once. The color of the water changed with the sunlight, making it impossible to stop taking photos.

    Kouri Island is also known as the "Island of Love," and a local legend about Okinawa's version of Adam and Eve gives this small island an extra touch of romance. The tower also has a shell museum with a collection of more than 10,000 shells from around the world. It also sells many shell- and pearl-related accessories at reasonable prices.

Details

Name in Japanese
古宇利オーシャンタワー
Postal Code
905-0406
Address
538 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone
0980-56-1616
Closed on
Open year-round; may close temporarily due to severe weather
Hours
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:30 p.m.)
Admission
Admission: ¥1,000 for adults ages 16 and over; ¥500 for children ages 6–15; free for children under elementary school age
Access
Approximately 90 minutes from Naha Airport via the Naha Airport Expressway and Okinawa Expressway
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa