Heart Rock, Okinawa

Heart Rock, or Hāto Rokku as it's known locally, is a natural rock formation located in Kouri Island in northern Okinawa. The formation sits at Tīnu Beach, a small, secluded cove on the northern coast of the island. When viewed from certain angles, two adjacent rocks create the distinctive shape of a heart, which has made this spot increasingly popular among couples and tourists seeking a romantic destination.

The formation is purely geological, created over time through natural erosion and wave action on the limestone rocks that characterize much of Okinawa's coastline. Despite its relatively recent rise to fame as a tourist attraction, the rocks have existed for centuries as part of the island's natural landscape. Local legend suggests that couples who visit Heart Rock together will be blessed with eternal love, though this mythology appears to have developed alongside the site's modern popularity.

Visitors to Heart Rock can walk directly onto the beach and among the rocks during low tide, making it possible to stand next to the formation for photographs. The heart shape is most visible from specific vantage points on the beach, and many visitors time their arrival to coincide with lower water levels for better access. The surrounding beach area is quiet and relatively undeveloped compared to other Okinawan tourist sites, offering clear waters suitable for swimming and snorkeling when conditions permit.

Kouri Island is accessible from mainland Okinawa via the Kouri Bridge, a 1,960-meter span that opened in 2005 and connects the island to Yagaji Island, which in turn connects to the main island. The drive from Naha takes approximately 90 minutes. Parking is available near Tīnu Beach, though the lot is small and fills quickly during peak tourist seasons. No admission fee is required to access the beach or view Heart Rock, as it remains a natural public site.