The Kouri Bridge South Observatory (Ohdouhara) is on Yagaji Island, a small island off Nago in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island.
From here you can look out over Kouri Island, and the combination of clear water and the Kouri Bridge makes for a genuinely spectacular view.
Most people stay around 15 minutes, stopping off on the way to Kouri Island to take a few photographs before driving on.
Kouri Bridge South Observatory (Ohdouhara) Ratings
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Kouri Bridge South Observatory (Ohdouhara) Essentials
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Hours | None in particular |
| Swimming fee | Free |
| Jellyfish net | None |
| Lifeguard | None |
| Showers | None |
| Lockers | None |
| Swimming gear rental | None |
| Activities | None |
| Shop | Chura Terrace |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Official site | None |
Below the Kouri Bridge South Observatory (Ohdouhara) is a beach, which is itself a fine spot for photographs.
There is no lifeguard and no jellyfish net, so it is not a beach suited to swimming
Highlights
A beautiful beach
There is a beach at the Kouri Bridge South Observatory (Ohdouhara), and it is a lovely one.
There is no lifeguard and no jellyfish net, so it is not a beach suited to swimming.
Kouri Bridge
Kouri Bridge runs about 1,960 m from Yagaji Island across to Kouri Island.
The view from the bridge is beautiful too, so do take it in as you drive.
Kouri Island
The island beyond the bridge in the image above is Kouri Island.
Kouri Island has a great many beaches and draws large numbers of visitors.
Activities on Kouri Island
Kouri Island has plenty of marine activities on offer.
Snorkeling tours, trips around the island, SUP, jet skis and more.
If activities on Kouri Island appeal, why not take a look at what is available?
Kaeru Island (Frog Island)
Kaeru Island is the small island visible from the Kouri Bridge South Observatory.
At low tide it is close enough to walk to.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 100 minutes by car from Naha Airport |
| Address | Sumuide, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | None |
The Kouri Bridge South Observatory (Ohdouhara) has a free car park.
There is space for around 25 cars.
As this is somewhere people stop briefly to take photographs and enjoy the view — around 15 minutes — finding a space is usually straightforward.
Nearby Information
Kouri Island
Kouri Island has a great many sights, among them Kouri Beach and Tinu Beach (Heart Rock).
We also have an article rounding up five beaches on Kouri Island, so do take a look.
Feliz Villa Suite Kouri Island View
Feliz Villa Suite Kouri Island View is a villa-style property where every room has a private pool and an ocean view.
Open the windows and Kouri Island is right there — an ocean view and a private pool whenever you want them.
If you are after an unhurried, indulgent stay in Okinawa, it is well worth considering.
For details of the car park, please check the map below.
Marine activities on Kouri Island
Kouri Island has plenty of marine activities on offer.
Snorkeling tours, trips around the island, SUP, jet skis and more.
If activities on Kouri Island appeal, why not take a look at what is available?
A rental car is the way to see Okinawa
For getting around Okinawa’s main island, a rental car is by far the best option.
Shuri Castle in Naha, the beautiful beaches of the north, American Village in Chatan — the sights are scattered across the island, and with a car you can take them in at your own pace. Local buses are infrequent and rarely run to time, so having a car makes a real difference to the trip.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
Summary
This article introduced the Kouri Bridge South Observatory (Ohdouhara).
The view of Kouri Island from the observatory is beautiful and genuinely restorative.
It is somewhere you can enjoy in around 15 minutes.
If you are heading to Kouri Island, do stop off at the Kouri Bridge South Observatory (Ohdouhara)!
Thank you for reading to the end.
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