Kouri Ocean Tower - Lighthouse at the beach in Portugal, Leca de Palmeira
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Kouri Ocean Tower

4.3
·12k reviews·Nakijin, Japan

Experience breathtaking 360° ocean views from Kouri Ocean Tower, accessed by a charming garden golf cart ride. Features a unique shell museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Kouri Ocean Tower - Lighthouse at the beach in Portugal, Leca de Palmeira

Kouri Ocean Tower

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience breathtaking 360° ocean views from Kouri Ocean Tower, accessed by a charming garden golf cart ride. Features a unique shell museum.

4.3
(12k reviews)

"The panoramic look over Kouri Bridge and the turquoise waters is stunning."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Free Parking Available

Parking is free and readily available, making it easy to access by car. :car:

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Consider booking tickets from the official website for an easier and faster entry. :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Ocean Views

Panoramic Ocean Views

Observation Deck

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Kouri Bridge and the turquoise sea. A photographer's dream!

Shell Museum

Shell Museum

Base of the Tower

Discover over 1,500 unique shells from around the world. A fascinating collection for all ages.

Golf Cart Ride

Golf Cart Ride

Path to the Tower

Enjoy a relaxing, unmanned electric cart ride through gardens with ocean views on your way up.

Bell of Happiness

Bell of Happiness

Top of the Tower

Ring the bell for eternal happiness and enjoy the stunning scenery. A romantic spot for couples.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for the Best Views

To truly soak in the panoramic ocean vistas and capture stunning photos without the hustle, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. This is when the light is softest and tour groups tend to be smaller. Consider visiting on weekdays if possible, as weekends can get busier.

Getting There & Parking

Kouri Ocean Tower is accessible by car, and many visitors mention free parking is available. The journey itself, especially crossing the Kouri Bridge, is part of the experience. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Okinawa's northern region.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

沖縄本島大人気ホテル #冬と春のホテルキャンペーン #沖縄 #沖縄旅行 #ホテル #hotel #emilnakijin
@oideyo_miyakojima
222.8K likes • 8M views

🚗 Free Parking Available

Parking is free and readily available, making it easy to access by car. :car:

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Consider booking tickets from the official website for an easier and faster entry. :ticket:

都会を離れて、静けさに包まれたホテルに泊まってきました。 EMIL NAKIJIN|沖縄・今帰仁にある“本当に教えたくない宿”。 少しだけ、この時間をシェアさせてください。 #沖縄移住 #今帰仁 #沖縄ホテル #Vlog #沖縄旅行
@yuki._.okinawa
45.8K likes • 2.4M views
貝博士になれるシェルミュージアム! 世界から集めた1万点もの貝たちと共に、海の不思議な世界を冒険しませんか? #沖縄 #沖縄観光スポット #自由研究 #古宇利オーシャンタワー #kourioceantower #okinawa #okinawatrip #shellmuseum
kourioceantower
61 likes • 1.9K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spots

The tower offers numerous photo opportunities, especially from the top floor and the scenic overlook. :camerawithflash:

🍍 Try the Pineapple Cakes

Don't miss the buttery and juicy pineapple cakes, a delicious local souvenir! :cake:

เคาะระฆังบนเกาะแห่งความรัก 🫶🏻🏝 นั่งรถกอล์ฟแบบไม่มีคนขับ ชมมุมสูง บนเกาะโอกินาว่า ญี่ปุ่น . ที่นี่ Kouri Ocean Tower อยู่บนเกาะ Kouri เป็นแลนด์มาร์คที่เห็นตั้งแต่เราขับรถข้ามสะพาน Kouri เมื่อขึ้นไปด้านบน จะเป็นจุดที่เห็นวิวสะพาน และสีน้ำทะเลสวย แบบ No filter สุดๆ ก่อนขึ้นไปด้านบน เราจะได้นั่งรถกอล์ฟไฟฟ้า แบบไม่มีคนขับด้วย เริ่ดเว่อร์ และบนนี้มีพิพิธภัณฑ์หอยด้วยนะ 😍 . ✨ จองผ่าน @klooktravel_th ได้ตั...
jigabphoto
0 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Free Parking Available

Parking is free and readily available, making it easy to access by car. :car:

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Consider booking tickets from the official website for an easier and faster entry. :ticket:

📸 Perfect Photo Spots

The tower offers numerous photo opportunities, especially from the top floor and the scenic overlook. :camerawithflash:

🍍 Try the Pineapple Cakes

Don't miss the buttery and juicy pineapple cakes, a delicious local souvenir! :cake:

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Cart Ride

The unmanned electric cart ride up to the tower is a unique and scenic experience. :electric_plug:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(12k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Kouri Ocean Tower for its breathtaking panoramic ocean views, especially of the Kouri Bridge, and the unique, relaxing golf cart ride to the top. The Shell Museum is a delightful surprise, and the pineapple cakes are a highly recommended treat. While some find the tower itself not exceptionally tall, the overall experience is considered well worth the entrance fee for its scenic beauty and enjoyable access.

"I always love walking a beach and looking at all the different shells and other things that wash up from the sea. When I heard about this museum I knew I needed to go. This place has 1,500 different shells from all around the world. Some of them I had never seen or heard of before. The layout is very easy to navigate and move around in. As you go up the tower you get a better view of the Kouri big bridge, the longest bridge in Okinawa. There is a nice photo spot at the top of the tower with a scenic overlook."

Michael Wesolowski

"Beautiful spot with a relaxing self-driving cart experience!Kouri Ocean Tower is definitely worth the visit if you’re in Okinawa. I loved how you get to ride an unmanned electric cart all the way up to the tower—it goes slowly so you can enjoy the beautiful ocean view and take photos along the way.
The tower itself is not super tall, but the view from the top is stunning, especially the panoramic look over Kouri Bridge and the turquoise waters. There’s also a shell museum and some cute souvenir shops.

Highly recommend trying their pineapple cakes—they’re so buttery and filled with juicy pineapple flavor. One of the best local souvenirs!
Easy to access by car and parking is free. The entrance fee is totally worth it since it includes the cart ride. Great for families, couples, or anyone who loves chill spots with a view."

Bel Zi

"Nice views, cute little golf cart tour that takes you to the base of the tower that contains a shell display. There's an elevator that will take you to the top floor or you can take the stairs which I think is faster."

Denise Martinez

What People Like

Stunning ocean views
Unique golf cart ride
Shell Museum collection

What People Dislike

Tower height

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kouri Ocean Tower is best accessed by car. Many visitors rent a car to explore Okinawa's northern region. The drive itself, especially across the Kouri Bridge, is scenic. Free parking is available at the tower. Instagram

Yes, parking is generally easy to find and is free of charge for visitors to the tower. Instagram

The drive to Kouri Island involves crossing the Kouri Bridge, which offers stunning views of the ocean and is a popular photo spot. Instagram

Public transport options to Kouri Ocean Tower can be limited and time-consuming. Renting a car is highly recommended for convenience and flexibility. Reddit

The drive from Naha to Kouri Ocean Tower typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is considered reasonable and often includes the golf cart ride. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Yes, purchasing tickets from their official website is recommended for a smoother and faster entry experience. Reddit

Tickets typically include access to the observation decks, the shell museum, and the unique golf cart ride up to the tower. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, looking for package deals or checking the official website for promotions is a good idea. Reddit

Kouri Ocean Tower is usually open until 6 PM, but it's always best to verify the exact hours on their official website before your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The observation decks offer stunning 360-degree views, perfect for capturing the Kouri Bridge and the ocean. The rooftop also provides a breathtaking panorama. Instagram

Absolutely! Visitors consistently rave about the amazing and beautiful views of the ocean, Kouri Bridge, and the surrounding islands. Instagram+1

Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the golden hour, offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds. TikTok

Yes, the golf cart ride is slow enough to allow you to enjoy the scenery and take photos along the way. Reddit

You'll see the iconic Kouri Bridge, the vast turquoise ocean, and the beautiful coastline of Kouri Island. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the focus is on the views and museum, there are souvenir shops that may offer snacks or drinks. It's advisable to check their current offerings. Instagram

The pineapple cakes are highly recommended for their buttery texture and juicy pineapple filling, making them a great local souvenir. Reddit

The tower primarily offers observation and museum experiences. For full meals, consider dining options on Kouri Island or nearby areas. Instagram

🎫 💡 Onsite Experience

It's a unique, unmanned electric cart ride that takes you through gardens to the base of the tower. It moves slowly, allowing you to enjoy the ocean views and take photos. Reddit

The museum houses a collection of over 1,500 shells from around the world, offering a fascinating glimpse into marine biodiversity. Reddit

Yes, it's a great spot for families, offering a fun golf cart ride, an interesting shell museum, and beautiful views. Reddit

It's a bell located at the top of the tower that visitors can ring, with a legend that it brings eternal happiness. Instagram

There is an elevator to take you to the top floor, but you can also opt for the stairs if you prefer. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kouri Ocean Tower is a fantastic destination for families. The unmanned electric golf cart ride up to the tower is a fun adventure for children, and the Shell Museum offers an engaging and educational experience with its vast collection of shells from around the world. Reddit

The panoramic views from the observation decks are also captivating for all ages, and the Bell of Happiness provides a sweet moment for the family to share. With free parking and a generally accessible layout, it's an easy and enjoyable outing for a family day trip in Okinawa. Instagram

💑 Couples

For couples, Kouri Ocean Tower offers a romantic setting with its stunning ocean views and the legend of the Bell of Happiness. The scenic drive across Kouri Bridge and the leisurely golf cart ride create a memorable shared experience. Instagram+1

Enjoying the panoramic vistas together, perhaps with a shared treat like the famous pineapple cakes, makes for a perfect date. The tower provides a beautiful backdrop for photos and a peaceful atmosphere to connect and enjoy Okinawa's natural beauty. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Kouri Ocean Tower to be a paradise. The 360-degree observation decks offer unparalleled views of the Kouri Bridge and the vibrant turquoise waters, especially during the golden hour. TikTokInstagram

Don't miss the opportunity to capture shots from the rooftop for an even more expansive panorama. The golf cart ride itself also presents unique photographic opportunities as you ascend through the gardens with the ocean as your backdrop. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Kouri Bridge and Island

Kouri Island is connected to the main island of Okinawa by the stunning Kouri Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Okinawa. The drive across offers breathtaking panoramic views of the turquoise ocean, making it a highlight for many visitors. Instagram The island itself is known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, providing a perfect escape.

Kouri Ocean Tower is strategically located to offer the most spectacular vantage points of this iconic bridge and the surrounding seascape. The tower's design emphasizes maximizing these views, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the area from a unique perspective. Many social media posts highlight the drive over the bridge as a must-do experience when visiting this part of Okinawa. Instagram+1

Beyond the tower, exploring Kouri Island offers opportunities for beach relaxation and enjoying the serene environment. The island's charm lies in its natural beauty and the sense of tranquility it provides, making it a popular destination for day trips and scenic drives. Reddit

Unique Access: The Golf Cart Ride

One of the most frequently mentioned and enjoyed aspects of visiting Kouri Ocean Tower is the unique method of reaching the observation decks: an unmanned electric golf cart ride. This slow-paced journey takes visitors through beautifully maintained gardens, offering a leisurely and scenic ascent. Reddit

Travelers often describe this ride as a relaxing experience, allowing ample time to soak in the ocean views and capture photos along the way. It adds an element of fun and novelty to the visit, distinguishing it from typical tower experiences. The cart's gentle pace ensures that you don't miss any of the picturesque scenery as you approach the tower. Instagram+1

This distinctive feature is frequently highlighted in social media content, with creators showcasing the enjoyable ride and the beautiful surroundings. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance the visitor experience, making the journey to the top as memorable as the views themselves. TikTok

The Shell Museum: A World of Wonders

Nestled at the base of the tower, the Shell Museum is a captivating attraction that houses an impressive collection of over 1,500 shells sourced from around the globe. This museum offers a fascinating journey into the diverse world of marine life, showcasing shells that many visitors have never seen before. Reddit

The layout of the museum is designed for easy navigation, allowing visitors to explore the intricate details and varied forms of these natural treasures. It provides an educational and visually engaging experience, complementing the panoramic views from the tower above. The sheer variety and beauty of the shells make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in natural history. Instagram

This unique collection adds significant value to the Kouri Ocean Tower experience, offering a different kind of wonder beyond the sweeping ocean vistas. It's a testament to the rich biodiversity of the world's oceans and a delightful discovery for visitors of all ages. Instagram

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