Some bridges connecting islands have become popular as scenic spots offering breathtaking views of Okinawa's beautiful ocean.
This article summarizes the characteristics and locations of bridges in Okinawa!
We'll introduce six of Okinawa's most representative bridges: three on Okinawa Island and three connecting Miyako Island to other islands.

<Table of Contents>
1. Kouri Bridge
2. Underwater Road
3. Nirai Kanai Bridge
4. Irabu Bridge
5. Kurima Ohashi Bridge
6. Ikema Ohashi Bridge

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Kouri Ohashi Bridge is a bridge located in the northern area of ​​Okinawa Island, connecting Kouri Island and Yagaji Island. It boasts an exceptional location among Okinawa's bridges and is a very popular bridge.

As you cross the bridge, you can see the sparkling cobalt blue sea, a sight that practically screams, "This is Okinawa!" It's so beautiful that you'll often see people gazing at the sea from the bridge's walkway—a sight unique to Kouri Bridge.

At Kouri Beach, located on Kouri Island after crossing the bridge, you can enjoy swimming and it's bustling with many people, from locals to tourists.

Also, Kouri Island has a heart-shaped rock called "Heart Rock," which was used as a filming location for a commercial featuring a famous idol, making it a recommended route for a drive.

2. Underwater Road

The Kaichu Road is a bridge located in the central area of ​​Okinawa Island, connecting the Yokatsu Peninsula with four outlying islands. Its distinctive red color stands out even against the backdrop of blue skies and blue seas.

At night, the red overpass is lit up, creating a completely different atmosphere from the daytime, with a distinctly more atmospheric feel. It presents a different side of the place than during the day.

Because it's a spacious road with two lanes in each direction, you often see people parked on the shoulder, taking pictures with the ocean as a backdrop, or simply relaxing.

There's a parking area and a gazebo in the middle of the bridge, making it perfect for a break during your drive! There's also "Ayahashi-kan," a facility with souvenir shops and restaurants.

3. Nirai Kanai Bridge

Nirai Kanai Bridge is a 660-meter-long bridge located in Nanjo City, in the southern area of ​​Okinawa Island. Its unique, large-curve structure, combined with the sparkling cobalt-blue sea in the background, creates a truly one-of-a-kind landscape.

While bridges in Okinawa are generally imagined as connecting islands, this particular bridge is noteworthy for connecting lower and higher areas within the region.

The area around Nirai Kanai Bridge is lined with wonderful restaurants, including the famous Okinawa soba restaurant "Okinawa Soba Mine" and the stylish cafe "Hamabe no Chaya." After enjoying the bridge, why not enjoy a delicious meal or some sweet treats!

Incidentally, Nirai Kanai means "an ideal land beyond the sea," so the beautiful name of the bridge is also worth noting.

4. Irabu Bridge

The Irabu Ohashi Bridge is a relatively new bridge that opened in January 2015, connecting Irabu Island and Miyako Island. The most distinctive feature of the Irabu Ohashi Bridge is its "length."

True to its name, "Ohashi" (meaning "Great Bridge"), this is a very long bridge, stretching 3540 meters in length. It is said to be "the longest bridge in Japan that you can cross for free."

The location is absolutely fantastic. You can enjoy views of Miyako Island's ocean, which is renowned even within Okinawa, while speeding across the sea.

Located beyond the Irabu Bridge, which crosses from Miyako Island, is the "Irabu Ohashi Sea Station," which opened in 2020. It's a great place to shop or take a break during your drive after enjoying the spectacular scenery.

5. Kurima Ohashi Bridge

The Kurima Ohashi Bridge is a 1,690-meter-long bridge connecting Kurima Island and Miyako Island. Its symmetrical structure, which rises towards the center, is so beautiful that it will take your eyes off it.

One of the distinctive features of the Kurima Bridge is that it is a perfectly straight bridge connecting Miyako Island to Kurima Island, almost as if a single line has been drawn across it. From the bridge, an emerald green landscape unfolds, and you will be captivated by the gradation of colors in the sea created by nature.

Nearby is Yonaha Maehama Beach, a natural beach stretching 7 kilometers and hailed as "the most beautiful in the Orient," where you can enjoy not only a scenic drive but also swimming.

Additionally, the area near the bridge to Kurima Island is home to many popular cafes and the Ryugu-jo Observatory.

6. Ikema Ohashi Bridge

The Ikema Ohashi Bridge is a 1425-meter-long bridge connecting Ikema Island and Miyako Island. Like the Kurima Ohashi Bridge, its distinctive feature is its symmetrical structure, which rises towards the center.

The location is absolutely stunning, offering breathtaking views of emerald green, resort-like scenery.

There's a parking area called "Ikema Ohashi Parking" on the Miyako Island side, so it might be a good idea to stop briefly there and take some photos.

For a break during your drive, we recommend "Umi Mirai," a restaurant located across the Ikema Bridge from Miyako Island! Not only is the food delicious, but you can also enjoy a spectacular view of the Ikema Bridge and the sea from the rooftop.

Final thoughts

Even though they're all called bridges, the interesting thing about Okinawa's bridges is that each one is different. Every bridge offers a spectacular view and is perfect for a scenic drive.

However, while they have become increasingly recognized as tourist destinations in recent years, many bridges originally served the purpose of "connecting islands to improve convenience for the local community."

By following travel etiquette and being considerate of local residents, you'll have a more enjoyable trip to Okinawa!