Okinawa’s version of Adam and Eve? Romantic Mythological Sanctuary
Kouri Island, located in Nakijin Village in northern Okinawa, is popular as a remote island easily accessible from the main island. It is a small island with a circumference of about 8 km, but it is packed with attractions such as gourmet food, sightseeing, and lodging. To get to Kouri Island, first go to Yagaji Island, and then cross the 2-km Kourijima Ohashi Bridge. The Kouri Island Bridge is surrounded by emerald green ocean and offers a great sense of openness! It is said to be the longest bridge in Japan that can be crossed for free, making it a perfect place to visit on a road trip. The island is also known as the “Island of Love” where romantic myths are left behind and love is fulfilled.
Point 1: Heart Rock, the symbol of Love Island
On Tinu Beach of Kouri Island, there is an oddly shaped rock commonly called “Heart Rock. The rock is so named because it rises out of the ground and looks like a heart with the tip of the rock split in two. The beautiful ocean, the heart-shaped rock, and the beautiful beach have been used for filming commercials. The two heart-shaped rocks are aligned side by side, and many people visit this spot to find fulfillment of their love. Since swimming can be enjoyed at Tinu Beach, it is also a great place to visit with the family.
Point 2: The myth of Adam and Eve on Kouri Island
On the island of Kouri, there is a myth that has been passed down from generation to generation called “the Okinawan version of the Adam and Eve legend. It is a romantic story of a man and woman who fell from the sky and lived on the island, eventually acquiring knowledge and life skills, and their descendants became the ancestors of the Ryukyuan people. The island is said to be the “Island of Love,” and the name “Kouri Island” is said to be derived from the word “Koijima” (恋島). The cave where the man and woman lived is said to have been located on Chigunu Beach, and the entire island is a power spot as the place where life was born.
Point 3: Many cafes with spectacular views! A wide variety of gourmet island food!
There are many restaurants on the island where you can dine while enjoying a view of the ocean. Among them, “L LOTA” is a restaurant with a spectacular view of the Kouri Bridge. Surrounded by sugarcane fields, the restaurant is entirely made of glass. The blue sky and sea spread out beyond the greenery, allowing diners to enjoy the typical Okinawan scenery. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is great, and the Italian cuisine using locally caught fish is superb! There is also terrace seating and a rooftop, so take advantage of it when the weather is nice. The island has a road called the “one-round road” that takes about 15 minutes to drive around the island. You may find your favorite restaurant as you drive around.
