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Kouri Island is a small, round island easily accessible by car on this scenic highway bridge over the ocean from Yagaji Island off the coast of Motobu Peninsula.
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Kouri Ohashi Bridge to Kouri Island goes right over the ocean. Built in 2005, the bridge is 1,960 meters long, the longest bridge near Okinawa island. 古宇利大橋
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Kouri Island's best beach is Kouri Beach next to Kouri Bridge. There's a parking lot and snack bar and gift shop. Also shower faciilties. This was autumn, so too cold to swim. Beach is 300m long. 古宇利ビーチ
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Kouri Bridge 古宇利大橋
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Kouri Bridge at Kouri Beach.
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Dangerous sea creatures to look out for.
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We started driving around the island.
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We drove around Kouri island, taking only 10 min. Island's circumference is about 8 kilometers
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The road going around the island doesn't go along the coast, so there's almost nothing to see.
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We didn't see any signs to turn into side roads to see local sights like the heart-shaped rocks on the beach. We missed it.
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Kouri Ocean Tower has three lookout decks and the top deck on the 4th floor is outdoors.
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Map of Kouri Ocean Tower.
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Kouri Ocean Tower's admission fee includes a cart ride up the hill to the tower.
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The cart drives by itself along this path up the hill.
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Impressive how the cart is automated. One-way only. Return path is different and much shorter.
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There's the tower.
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The cart path is lined with Okinawan plants and flowers.
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The cart path has a few scenic views.
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View from cart path to Kouri Ocean Tower.
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Here's a cart going up to Kouri Ocean Tower. The cart is also narrated with scenic points. This was after our cart.
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Approaching Kouri Ocean Tower.
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Arrival cart station at Kouri Ocean Tower.
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Kouri Ocean Tower includes a shell museum.
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Pink coral.
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Kouri Island's best lookout point is here, Kouri Ocean Tower's top deck which is outdoors on the 4th floor.
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Views from Kouri Ocean Tower's top lookout deck.
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Kouri Ohashi Bridge as seen from Kouri Ocean Tower's top deck.
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The top deck also has this "Happiness Bell," but the rope to ring it has been removed to prevent Covid infections.
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Kouri Ocean Tower's top lookout deck.
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Beautiful ocean views from Kouri Ocean Tower's top lookout deck.
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Beautiful ocean views from Kouri Ocean Tower's top lookout deck.
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View of Yagaji Island.
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Lower floors have exhibition panels explaining about Kouri Island.
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About Kouri Island.
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Event calendar on Kouri Island.
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About the Kouri Bridge.
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A few historical spots on the island.
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Some natural formations on Kouri Island.
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Main side of the island near the bridge.
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Island's main neighborhood has a few cafes.
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Had lunch here at Airando FIJI Restaurant & Cafe. It had a view of the bridge and ocean on the roof too.
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Lunch at Airando FIJI Restaurant & Cafe.
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Tacos at Airando FIJI Restaurant & Cafe.
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