tourism 2023.12.14

Enjoy the natural beauty of Okinawa! Spectacular drive spot “Niraikanai Bridge”

#partner#sea#Southern area#lighthouse#driving#spectacular-view

Writer

三好優実

A web editor and writer from Kagawa Prefecture. Sometimes public relations. Since 2014, he has moved to Okinawa (where he would like to live forever if possible). He is the author of the book ``Kagawa Prefecture Aru Aru''.
https://note.com/yumi03

Photographer

小橋川恵里奈

A photographer from Okinawa Prefecture. He moved to Tokyo in 2006 to study under Tomohiko Tagawa, and became independent in 2008.
He mainly shoots magazines, advertisements, portraits, etc.

List of articles

An exhilarating drive surrounded by nature

Niraikanai Bridge is a bridge that spans a prefectural road in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. The combination of “Nirai Bridge” and “Kanai Bridge” is called Nirai Kanai Bridge. Driving past the endless blue sea and sky and the lush trees is a luxury! Enjoy a drive surrounded by Okinawa’s magnificent nature.

Aiming for a utopia across the sea

Nirai Kanai Bridge, which is 1200m in total, is separated by a large U-shaped curve into Nirai Bridge on the mountain side and Kanai Bridge on the sea side. It is a place where you can enjoy a drive that will make you feel like you are flying through the sky while enjoying the scenery with your eyes.

The name “Niraikanai” means a utopia across the sea. Kudaka Island, floating in the sea that can be seen from the bridge, is said to be the place where the Ryukyuan god of creation, Amamikiyo, descended from a point, and is commonly known as the “Island of the Gods.” There is a space called Niraikanai Bridge that serves as a bridge leading to the island of the gods.

The natural beauty and fantastic scenery is worthy of the name Utopia, and the beauty of the sky and sea that jumps right in front of you the moment you exit the tunnel is especially eye-opening. Once you exit the tunnel, be sure to open the windows fully and enjoy the pleasant breeze.

Relax and enjoy the spectacular view from the observation deck

There is an observation deck above the tunnel that spans the bridge, and there is a path leading to the observation deck before passing through the tunnel. While driving, you cannot stop your car and take your time to admire the scenery, so if you want to enjoy the spectacular view or take photos, we recommend relaxing at the observation deck before crossing the bridge.

Please note that there is a barricade near the observation deck, so please park on the street near the entrance. It takes about 2 minutes to walk, and there are no stairs or large steps, so it can be accessed in a wheelchair or with a stroller.

Recommended to visit along with other spots!

Niraikanai Bridge is an impressive scenic spot that you should definitely visit when you go to Nanjo City, but there are no shops or activities for tourists, so we don’t recommend making it your only purpose. However, there are many wonderful spots just a short drive from the bridge!

For example, Cape Chinen Park is located about 5 minutes down the Niraikanai Bridge, where you can enjoy spectacular views and marine activities. You can enjoy shopping at Ganju Station/Nanjo, a residential exchange center located right next to Cape Chinen Park, and the Nanjo City Regional Product Center, and if you drive another 5 minutes, you can see beautiful art at Japan’s first scenic art museum, Nanjo Art Museum. can be viewed. Please make sure to plan your sightseeing and enjoy all of Nanjo City’s charms.

While looking at the houses that retain the old-fashioned charm

After going down the bridge, you can get a glimpse of the traditional Okinawa atmosphere amidst the beautiful natural scenery. Houses with red or white tiled roofs are filled with plants and flowers grown by the people who live there. People pedaling bicycles and elderly people taking a walk. After marveling at the spectacular scenery, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this place while admiring the lifestyle of the people who carefully preserve the Okinawan character.