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Amakusa Gokyo (Pearl Line)

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Amakusa Gokyo (Pearl Line)

A popular driving route linking the Kyushu mainland with the Amakusa Islands via five bridges.

3.32 5

Last update :
Supervised by :  Tourism and Hospitality Division, Kamiamakusa City

Opened in 1966 (Showa 41), the Amakusa Five Bridges span a total of 12 km. The five bridges are Tenmon Bridge, connecting Misumi on the Kyushu mainland with Oyano Island; Oyano Bridge, connecting Oyano Island with Nagaura Island; Nakano Bridge, connecting Nagaura Island with Oike Island; Maejima Bridge, connecting Oike Island with Maejima Island; and Matsushima Bridge, connecting Maejima Island with Amakusa Kamishima Island. Together, they allow travelers to drive between the Kyushu mainland and the Amakusa Islands. The route is also affectionately known as the Amakusa Pearl Line, a name inspired by the area's thriving pearl-farming industry.

The Amakusa Islands, where the bridges are located, form part of Unzen-Amakusa National Park. The route is popular for refreshing drives through magnificent natural scenery. Stop at the observation decks near the bridges, Mt. Takabuto, or Mt. Sengan to take in Amakusa's distinctive seascape dotted with numerous islands. The sunset views are also remarkable, bathing everything in orange, particularly from Mt. Takabuto Observatory, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Sunset Spots.

Highlights

  • Five bridges connecting the Kyushu mainland with the Amakusa Islands.
  • A popular driving route through the beautiful natural scenery of Unzen-Amakusa National Park.
  • Exceptional views from the observation decks near each bridge.

Photos

  • Mt. Sengan offers views of the Amakusa Five Bridges

    Mt. Sengan offers views of the Amakusa Five Bridges

  • Mt. Takabuto, a scenic spot selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Sunset Spots

    Mt. Takabuto, a scenic spot selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Sunset Spots

  • The Amakusa Five Bridges make for a refreshing drive

    The Amakusa Five Bridges make for a refreshing drive

  • A comprehensive Amakusa information board in English, Korean, and Chinese is located beside the restroom at Bridge No. 2 Park

    A comprehensive Amakusa information board in English, Korean, and Chinese is located beside the restroom at Bridge No. 2 Park

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Yes, parking is available at all five bridges.

Q

Are coin-operated lockers available?
A

No.

Q

How are the names of the Amakusa Five Bridges pronounced?
A

1. Tenmon Bridge (Tenmon-kyo), 2. Oyano Bridge (Oyano-bashi), 3. Nakano Bridge (Nakano-bashi), 4. Maejima Bridge (Maejima-bashi), 5. Matsushima Bridge (Matsushima-bashi)

Q

Where can I get a panoramic view of the Amakusa Five Bridges?
A

Mt. Takabuto, about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot; Mt. Sengan, about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, with two accessible parking spaces beside the second observation deck; and Matsushima Observatory.

Q

Can I walk across the bridges?
A

Yes. You can walk across Bridges No. 1 through No. 5. However, Tenjo Bridge, completed in 2018 (Heisei 30), is a motor-vehicle-only road and cannot be crossed on foot.

Reviews

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    To ride the special sightseeing train “A-Train,” I set aside an afternoon to explore Misumi Port in Kumamoto Prefecture. You can see the Amakusa Five Bridges from the harbor. The five bridges connect mainland Kyushu with the Amakusa Islands, and islands of all sizes dot the water, creating a charming bay view. This route is also known as the “Amakusa Pearl Line,” named after the pearl farming that once flourished in the area. The scenery along the route has also earned it a place among Japan’s 100 Best Roads. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t very good that day, so I had to cancel my boat trip at the last minute. Instead, I took a leisurely stroll around the station and found a place for afternoon tea. Travel plans don’t always work out, so you just have to find another way to enjoy the moment~

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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    On the boat trip from Misumi Port, the weather was absolutely beautiful, and we had clear views of the magnificent Amakusa Gokyo along the way. These beautifully designed bridges stretch gracefully across the blue sea, linking islands of all sizes and creating a captivating seascape. Sitting on the deck with the sea breeze, gazing at the bridges in the distance and the sea blending into the sky, made me feel more open and relaxed. It’s a soothing view you shouldn’t miss when visiting Amakusa.

  • 賈璟祺
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    The weather was beautiful, and before boarding, I had a great conversation with a handsome Coast Guard officer. Once we set sail, we quickly found the dolphins. The dolphin family was incredibly lively, darting through the water, and the sea conditions were excellent.

  • Jimmy
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    The drive is all about blue ocean views and little islands, with one bridge after another. The scenery changes just enough, making it a dream route for a road trip. It really feels like you're floating above the sea, especially on a sunny day—every photo looks like a postcard! It's the perfect route to relax and unwind.

  • 陳國順
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    Driving across the Amakusa Gokyo bridges is just awesome! The ocean views along the way are stunning, especially at sunset. The vibe is amazing, and snapping photos while driving feels like being in a movie!

Details

Name in Japanese
天草五橋（パールライン）
Postal Code
869-3601–861-6102
Address
Oyano-machi to Matsushima-machi, Kamiamakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Phone
0964-26-5512 (Tourism and Hospitality Division, Kamiamakusa City)
Closed on
No closures
Hours
Open 24 hours
Admission
Free
Access
10 minutes by taxi from Misumi Station on the JR Amakusa Misumi Line
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa