Kouri bridge is one of the popular place to visit in Japan which is located in Okinawa main island. It is one of the longest toll free bridge in Japan with a length of 1,960 meters. The beautiful cobalt blue sea and small mountains around the bridge makes it a well known location for local residents as well as for photographers and tourists who are traveling around Okinawa main island.
Opened in 2005, this bridge connects the northern part of main island with Kouri Island and Yagaji Island. The bridge can be crossed in less than 5 minutes by vehicle. You can also cross the bridge by foot walk or bicycle and take photos at your own pace. Enjoy the bridge and its beautiful surroundings.
Before entering the bridge, you can stop at the bridge entrance side, park your car and spend some time for photo shooting or just exploring around. Visitors can go down from the entrance side of the bridge and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the sea and small mountains around the bridge.
The stunning atmosphere around the bridge makes it one of the beautiful and best place to visit in Japan. There is a small sea beach “Kouri Beach” on the other side of the bridge where visitors can enjoy some beach time. It is a 7~12 minutes walk from the parking lot.
While you can visit Kouri bridge any time of the day, to get the best view of the bridge and its eye catching surroundings, go to Kouri Ocean Tower located on the other side of the bridge. Depending of the time of the day, the color of the sea changes from emerald green to cobalt blue.
How to visit this bridge?
From Naha domestic airport, by car it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Kouri Bridge. By bus it takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes. If you use bus it is between 3000 yen ~ 4000 yen one way. Parking or stopping car on the bridge is not allowed.
Kouri Bridge – Entry Fees and Address
You can cross the bridge free of charge. Parking space at the entrance is small but it gets freed in short time. Parking is also available on the other side. All are free of charge. Kouri Ocean Tower entrance is not free.
Address: Sumuide, Nago, Okinawa 905-1635.
Website: https://okinawaclip.com/en/detail/1
Look at the picture… the scenic view of the sea and the bridge says it all. For sightseeing lovers and photographers this site becomes one of the must place to visit in Japan while traveling around Okinawa Main Island.
When To Visit Kouri Bridge Okinawa?
While you can visit the bridge on any season at any time, to get the best experience and enjoy the scenic view, try visiting the bridge on a sunny day. Perhaps any time except Winter is recommended for a better view. On a good day with clear sky you can enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset from this spot.
Some Handy Tips
Some handy tips before visiting this location are – Check the weather forecast for rain and Typhoon. A sunny day is highly recommended and cloudy day should be avoided. Except Kouri Beach, it is a wise idea to not enter the water.
Now that you know about this beautiful spot, why not visit this bridge when you get a chance? On a sunny day, the harmonic view of the bridge over blue sea will give you a pleasant experience. If you are looking for place to visit in Japan and have travel itinerary around Okinawa prefecture, keep Kouri Bridge and Kouri Island in your bucket list.
