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Kouri Island: Heart Rock
古宇利岛（古宇利島）·心形岩 · Nakijin, Okinawa
The heart-shaped rock of the 'Island of Love' and Kouri blue
Know before you go
- Taboos: leaving rubbish on the beach, making noise at utaki, and photographing ritual sites out of curiosity.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Why it’s popular
After the Kouri Bridge opened in 2005, this small island became famous in couples' vlogs on Instagram and Douyin for its jelly-like 'Kouri blue' sea and the Heart Rock; a JAL advert featuring Arashi made the Heart Rock a 'sanctuary of love', and it's a perennial on Xiaohongshu's 'must-see Okinawa' lists.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The heart-shaped rock on the island's Tinu Beach is a sea-eroded rock formation; legend says Kouri Island is where the ancestors of the Ryukyuan people descended and had their children, and it is nicknamed 'Kuijima' (island of love) — the name 'Kouri' is said to derive from this. The island has remains of utaki faith such as the 'cave of beginnings'.
Local customs
- The slope down to Tinu Beach, where the heart rock is, is steep, so wear non-slip shoes
- at low tide you can see the rock up close, but don't risk wading at high tide
- there are no lifeguards on the beach, so swim within your limits.
Religion & beliefs
- Ryukyuan Shinto (utaki faith): there are several 'utaki' (sacred sites) on the island — entering without permission or touching ritual objects is strictly forbidden
- passing by quietly and reverently is the etiquette.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
Taboos: leaving rubbish on the beach, making noise at utaki, and photographing ritual sites out of curiosity.
Locals appreciate DO
Islanders appreciate visitors who 'rent a car and spend money in local shops'
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Water activities April–October, and the heart rock is most beautiful at sunset |
|---|---|
| Getting there | About 1.5 hours' drive by rental car from Naha Airport (via the Kouri Bridge) |
Travel tips
- Water activities April–October, and the heart rock is most beautiful at sunset
- access: about 1.5 hours' drive by rental car from Naha Airport (via the Kouri Bridge)
- the 'Kouri Ocean Tower' on the island gives a panorama
- combine with the Churaumi Aquarium and Nakijin Castle ruins for a day in the north.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Umi-budō (sea grapes)
- Uni-don (sea urchin rice bowl)
- Okinawa soba
Umi-budō (sea grapes), uni-don (sea-urchin rice bowl — seasonal, depending on the catch), Okinawa soba, island banana / mango desserts (summer), garlic shrimp from Kouri shrimp food trucks (the island's food-truck area)
| Where to eat | Restaurants and food trucks at the bridge end of Kouri Island, island cafés, restaurants in Nakijin village |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Don't litter on beaches or in residential areas; return shrimp shells to the shop |
| Typical price per person | JPY 2,000–3,500 ≈ CNY 90–158 |
| Tips | Sea urchin depends on the fishing season — otherwise have sea grapes and a seafood bowl; shops on the island close early. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Judgefloro · CC0
Photos
Photos
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Nelo Hotsuma · CC BY 2.0
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Nelo Hotsuma · CC BY 2.0
Kugel~commonswiki · Public domain
Sources & verification notes
In-depth research on Japanese sights (2026-10-15). Sources: activityjapan.com.
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