Amakusa Five Bridges Sunset Drive

Published: Jun 1, 2026

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

bridge drivesunsetisland hoppingAmakusascenic route

The Amakusa Pearl Line is a 17km scenic route connecting five islands via five consecutive bridges, built in 1966 to end the islands' isolation. Each bridge offers different views: Bridge 1 overlooks Kumamoto Port, Bridge 3 spans the narrowest channel, and Bridge 5 (the longest at 502m) provides open-ocean views toward the East China Sea. Driving the route at sunset creates a sequence of changing light over water and island silhouettes.

The bridges are free (toll was abolished in 2003) and have parking areas at both ends of each span for photography stops.

Getting There

Access Information

Starts at Misumi (三角), 60km from Kumamoto City via Route 57. The five-bridge route ends at Matushima (松島). Drive time: 40 minutes non-stop, 2 hours with photo stops. Free parking at each bridge observation area.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Sunset timing:** The bridges run roughly northwest-southeast. Sunset from April to September sets directly over the channel between bridges 3 and 4 — position at the Bridge 3 parking area 30 minutes