Kouri Ohashi is a 1,960-meter-long bridge connecting Kouri Island and Yagaji Island, a remote island famous as the “Island of Love” in the legend of Adam and Eve in Okinawa.
Yagaji Island is connected to Motobu Peninsula by a bridge, and can be reached by car from Naha.
Crossing the bridge, you will feel as if you are driving on the sea.
The bridge opened in 2005, and at the time of its opening, it was the longest free bridge among all the bridges over remote islands in Japan.
It is currently the second longest free bridge in Okinawa Prefecture after the Irabu Bridge connecting Miyako and Irabu islands.
The emerald green ocean stretches out on both sides of the bridge, making it a popular driving course with spectacular views.
On the left side of the Kouri Bridge is Kouri Beach and Kouri Fureai Hiroba, where tourists can enjoy local specialties.
The bridge is the second longest bridge in Okinawa Prefecture, and when wind speeds exceed 20 mph, the gate at the foot of the bridge is sometimes closed and traffic is restricted for safety reasons.
On the Yagaji Island side is the Minamizume Observatory, which offers a view of the small, grassy green islet of Frog Island, the Kouri Bridge, and the azure sea from the shore.
The Kouri Bridge was used for filming dramas and movies soon after its opening, and its beautiful scenery attracted much attention.
At night, the green lights embedded in the slits of the male pillars create a mysterious atmosphere.
The Oyabashira, consisting of a male and female pillar, is another highlight of the bridge, named after the legend of the birth of mankind on Kouri Island.
From Okinawa Expressway, take Route 58 north from the Shuta IC, then Prefectural Road 110 to Yagaji Island and Kouri Bridge.
About 26 km from the Kushida IC, about 40 minutes by car.