Okinawa Kouri Island Scenic Hotel “One Suite THE GRAND” – Michelin-Listed Restaurant and Ultimate Hospitality

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Kouri Island, an Okinawan remote island accessible by car

Kouri Island is a popular remote island accessible by car from Okinawa’s main island. This time, we report on a stay at the luxury hotel One Suite THE GRAND, where all rooms offer ocean views. We share the ultimate experience at this adult gourmet resort overlooking the East China Sea ✨

What is Kouri Island?

Kouri Island is a small remote island in Nakijin Village, northern Okinawa 🏖️. With a circumference of about 8 km and a population of around 350, it is a beautiful little island. The 2 km-long Kouri Bridge, completed in 2005, connects the main island with Kouri, making it a popular tourist spot accessible by car. The crystal-clear emerald green sea is home to sea turtles, and the island is also called “Love Island” and “Island of the Gods” for its mystical charm 🏝️.

🚗How to Get There

From Naha Airport to Kouri Island

• About 1 hour 30 min – 2 hours by car
• Take Okinawa Expressway, exit at Kyoda IC, via Route 58
• Pass through Nago City, then Route 505 to Prefectural Road 247 to Kouri Bridge

Detailed Route

1. Naha Airport → Okinawa Expressway
2. Kyoda IC → Route 58 (toward Nago)
3. Nago City → Route 505
4. Prefectural Road 247 → Kouri Bridge → Kouri Island

Driving a rental car is the standard option. Along the way, you’ll find many attractions such as “Churaumi Aquarium,” the newly opened “Junglia Okinawa,” and “Nakijin Castle Ruins”! Enjoy the drive with Okinawan soba or ice cream from “BLUE SEAL,” an Okinawa-born brand from America.

Kouri Bridge - A 2 km Drive Over the Sea Surrounded by Sugarcane Fields and Nature

The most striking part of the journey to Kouri Island is crossing the 1,960-meter (about 2 km) Kouri Bridge. The straight road running across the emerald-green sea feels like flying above the ocean. The view from the bridge is breathtaking, and if lucky, you may spot sea turtles gracefully swimming below. Crossing this bridge feels like entering a whole new world.

A Scenic Drive After Reaching the Island

After arriving at Kouri Island, the drive to the hotel is also exceptional. Lush sugarcane fields spread on both sides, letting you fully feel Okinawa’s rich nature. The swaying green sugarcane in the sea breeze creates a healing scene you cannot find in urban areas. Even before arriving at the hotel, you will already be embraced by Okinawa’s great nature. At night, you can enjoy a sky full of stars.

One Suite THE GRAND - A Luxury Hotel Surrounded by Stunning Views

Outstanding Location

The hotel is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Kouri Island. In front stretches the endless blue East China Sea, and all rooms are ocean-view. The dramatic approach across the coastline makes this hotel stay truly special.

Guest Rooms - Stylish Interiors and Thoughtful Hospitality

Stepping into the guest room, the first thing that catches the eye is the sophisticated interior design. The space harmonizes with Okinawa’s nature while being modern and refined. Okinawan brown sugar snacks, Mitarashi dango, and chilled craft beer 🍻 welcomed us. Thanks to the heartfelt hospitality, we were able to enjoy local flavors right after arrival.

The amenities are organic and well-prepared. The shell ginger-scented sachet, known for its sleep-enhancing effect, can be tucked under your pillow or placed in the bath—perfect for nature-conscious guests. This lineup balancing environmental consideration and luxury speaks volumes about the hotel’s class.

Exquisite Dining - Michelin-Listed “La BOMBANCE”

Creative Japanese Cuisine Listed in Michelin for 10 Consecutive Years

The highlight of this stay was dining at the hotel’s restaurant “La BOMBANCE.” The flagship is in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo, and it has been featured in the Michelin Guide Tokyo for 10 consecutive years.

The course menu uses plenty of fresh Okinawan ingredients, with each dish beautifully crafted like a work of art. The dishes delighted not only the palate but also the eyes. Just like the main restaurant, the menu is presented as riddles, making guests guess and imagine the dishes for added excitement. I wanted to fully enjoy Okinawan cuisine, and the experience exceeded expectations—a “culinary journey through Okinawa” that made me grateful for nature’s bounty.

Breakfast - A Luxurious Choice of Japanese or Western

Breakfast can be chosen between Japanese and Western styles. Either way, the quality is superb and makes the start of the day special. Using local ingredients, breakfast highlighted Okinawa’s rich food culture once again. Photos speak louder than words!

Infinity Pool - Where the Sea and Sky Become One

The hotel’s infinity pool is truly breathtaking. The water surface merges with the horizon of the East China Sea, creating the illusion of floating on the ocean. While the blue sea in the daytime is beautiful, the sunset view in the evening is beyond words.

Starry Sky - A Unique Nature Experience on Kouri Island

Far from urban light pollution, Kouri Island’s night sky is filled with stars. The sky above the hotel is a deep jet-black canvas where countless stars sparkle ✨✨✨—a sight you can never experience in daily life.

Staff Hospitality - Heartwarming Service

Kind and Attentive Service

Throughout our stay, the staff’s kindness and attentiveness were impressive. They shared updates on traffic conditions from the airport and gave tips about visiting Junglia Okinawa, which my wife visited (apparently it was very hot and challenging!). Their personalized, warm service is the charm of a small luxury hotel.

A Special Experience Until the Very End

I won’t forget the check-out service. When our rental car was brought to the front, cold water and aromatic towels were prepared inside. This thoughtfulness for guests’ comfort until the very last moment moved me deeply. I left thinking, “I want to come back again!”

One Suite THE GRAND

Facility: One Suite THE TERRACE<Kouri Island>

Address: 281 Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0406

Conclusion - An Exquisite Adult Resort Experience on Kouri Island

Our stay at One Suite THE GRAND far exceeded expectations. From the dramatic approach across Kouri Bridge to the Michelin-starred dining, the heartfelt hospitality of the staff, and the island’s natural beauty, everything harmonized into a supreme resort experience.

This hotel, where Okinawa’s beautiful nature and premium service merge, is the perfect place to spend a special anniversary or time with loved ones. While easily accessible by car, it offers an extraordinary atmosphere as if being at an overseas resort. It is truly one of Okinawa’s top luxury hotels.