Kouri Bridge
Over turquoise water.
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A small round island off northern Okinawa, about 7.9 kilometres around with a high point of 107 metres, ringed by a turquoise lagoon and the open ocean. The Kouri Bridge, opened on 8 February 2005, links it to Yagaji Island, and the drive across is one of the most beautiful in Okinawa. The bridge crosses clear water in shades of blue and green, with white sandy beaches and pull-ins for photos at each end. On Tinu-hama beach in the north of the island stand two rocks that look like a heart from one angle, made famous by a TV commercial. About 350 people live on the island, from farming, sea-urchin fishing and mozuku seaweed, and it has small cafés and restaurants and a tower with a view over the bridge and sea. Crossing and exploring are free, and a car is the best way to get there. Sunny mornings, when the water is at its clearest, are best; it is about 20 minutes' drive from Nakijin Castle.
Over turquoise water.
On Tinu-hama.
By the bridge.
Nakijin village, northern Okinawa
On Tinu-hama beach in the north of the island; they look like a heart from one angle.