Breathtaking scenery is one of Okinawa’s greatest charms. The sea is so crystal clear that you can see the grains of sand on the ocean floor, set against blue skies and picturesque bridges connecting the islands. From these bridges in Okinawa, you can gaze out at the brilliant, emerald-green ocean and take in refreshing panoramic views.
Even without entering the water, you can easily and dramatically appreciate the beauty of the sea from atop these bridges — an experience that will surely become an unforgettable highlight of your trip to Okinawa.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected seven beautiful bridges where you can fully enjoy Okinawa’s sea and sky. We’ll also provide access and nearby information for each location.
1. Kouri Bridge – Emerald Green Ocean Views
Kouri Bridge connects Yagaji Island to Kouri Island in northern Okinawa’s main island. This scenic bridge stretches about 2 kilometers and is consistently ranked as one of Okinawa’s top bridge attractions according to reviews.
The emerald green ocean beneath the bridge is crystal-clear and mystical in beauty. The straight span of the bridge gives you the illusion of driving right over the sea! There's a pedestrian walkway too, allowing you to stroll across and soak in the magnificent view at your own pace. Stop midway and enjoy the serene ocean view—it's the perfect way to relieve stress.
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The best way to access Kouri Bridge is by car. From Kyoda IC on the Okinawa Expressway, it's about a 30-minute drive via Route 58 and then Prefectural Road 110 through Yagaji Island.
Just across the bridge is the Kouri Fureai Plaza, where you can buy local produce and crafts. Don’t miss the Kouri Ocean Tower, a popular observation point on the island.
Name: Kouri Bridge
Address: Kouri, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
2. Sesoko Bridge – Ocean Gradient from Above
Located in Motobu Town in northern Okinawa, Sesoko Bridge connects the main island with the small Sesoko Island, which has a perimeter of around 8 km. Construction began in 1979 and was completed in 1985 after 5 years and 3 months.
The bridge is around 750 meters long and 25 meters high, with a gentle arch in the center. From the top, you can enjoy a stunning color gradient—from the white sandy beach to shallow turquoise waters, and then to deep blue sea. There's a pedestrian path as well, allowing for scenic photos from above. For a full view of the bridge, head to the observation point on Sesoko Island.
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No direct buses go to the bridge, so traveling by car is recommended. It's about a 30-minute drive from Kyoda IC. Nearby are Anchihama Beach and Sesoko Beach, both great spots especially during summer, but also scenic year-round.
Name: Sesoko Island
Address: Sesoko, Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Official Site: https://www.motobu-ka.com/tourist_info/tourist_info-post-696/
3. Kurima Bridge – Panoramic Horizon Views
Kurima Bridge connects Miyako Island and Kurima Island. Completed in 1995, the bridge is 1,690 meters long with a central elevation of about 14 meters. It’s the second-longest bridge on Miyako Island, following Irabu Bridge, and was originally built as a farm road.
It’s a popular scenic route perfect for driving, but you can also walk across it for a more leisurely experience. The view from the bridge is truly spectacular—the sunlit ocean sparkles in varying shades of blue.
Ryūgūjō Observatory on Kurima Island offers panoramic views of the bridge and the main island. It’s a top spot for photography and sightseeing.
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Kurima Bridge is about 10 km or a 13-minute drive from Miyako Airport. In addition to the bridge, Miyako Island offers many other breathtaking spots, plus marine activities like snorkeling. You might even see clownfish in the clear waters.
Name: Kurima Bridge
Address: Kurima, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
4. Nirai Kanai Bridge – A Bridge of Dramatic Curves
In Nanjo City, in southern Okinawa, you’ll find the stunning Nirai Kanai Bridge, famous for its bold curves and sweeping ocean views. The bridge is approximately 660 meters long and 80 meters high. "Nirai Kanai" is a mythical term meaning “paradise across the sea,” and on a clear day, you can see Cape Chinen and even the sacred Kudaka Island.
You can’t park on the bridge itself, but after crossing it, there’s a parking area with a walking path to an observatory that offers impressive views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. A pedestrian sidewalk runs along the bridge for a refreshing walk.
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From Haebaru-Minami IC, it's about a 25-minute drive via Prefectural Route 86 and Route 331.
Visit Cape Chinen Park for ocean views, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sefa-utaki, or the limestone cave attraction Okinawa World. You can also enjoy an aerial sightseeing tour with Blue Sky.
Name: Nirai Kanai Bridge
Address: Chinen, Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
Official Site: https://www.kankou-nanjo.okinawa/enjoy/246/
5. Irabu Bridge – Spectacular Ocean View
Irabu Bridge, which connects Miyako Island and Irabu Island, opened in January 2015 and stretches approximately 3,540 meters. It holds the record as the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. With a mix of straight paths, steep inclines, and gentle curves, the drive across feels almost like a thrilling attraction. It even once ranked No. 1 in the “Top Bridges in Japan” rankings.
From the bridge, you can enjoy expansive ocean views, the horizon ahead, and dynamic changes in the bridge’s slope—offering a dramatic scale not found on other bridges. For a perfect panoramic photo spot, visit Makiyama Observatory on Irabu Island, where you can view the entire bridge.
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About 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, and around 15 minutes from Shimojishima Airport.
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On Irabu Island, visit Sawada Beach, famous for its massive tsunami-borne rocks, and Blue Cave, a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Name: Irabu Bridge
Address: Kugai, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
6. Kaichu-doro (Undersea Road) – Drive Across the Sea
The Kaichu-doro, or “Undersea Road,” connects Katsuren Peninsula to Henza Island. Despite its name, it is not an underwater tunnel, but rather a road built atop a long causeway over shallow waters. It’s not technically a bridge, but driving here gives you the exhilarating feeling of soaring over the sea.
The total length is about 5 kilometers, with wide lanes and ample parking. There's a spacious sidewalk, making it easy to stop and take in the beautiful seascape. Built close to the water’s surface, you can truly feel the refreshing sea breeze.
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Roughly 1 hour by car from Naha Airport. In the middle of the route is “Umi-no-Eki Ayahashi-kan,” a roadside park with restaurants, souvenir shops, and the Marine Culture Museum showcasing model trade ships from the Ryukyu era. There are also barbecue facilities with advance reservations.
Name: Kaichu-doro (Undersea Road)
Address: Yonashiroyahira, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture
7. Tomari Bridge – Watch the Ships Sail By
Tomari Bridge in Naha City spans 1,118 meters across the Tomari Port pier. Designed tall enough to allow large vessels to pass underneath, the bridge stands at around 35 meters high, offering excellent views of both the sea and the surrounding port cityscape.
From the bridge, you can look down at the bustling Tomari Fishing Port, filled with colorful fishing boats, while gazing out at the vast horizon and passing ships. There is a pedestrian walkway, so walking across is also possible.
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About 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport. By bus, get off at the Tomari Takahashi (Tomarin-mae) stop.
Visit Tomari Iyumachi, a lively fish market just north of the bridge. You’ll find vibrant tropical fish, fresh seafood, and delicious kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) served in the market’s eateries.
Name: Tomari Bridge
Address: Between Wakasa and Akebono, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
◎ Summary: 7 Most Popular Bridges in Okinawa
Okinawa is famous for its clear, blue waters—and from the bridges that span its islands, you can gaze straight down to the seabed in places. With a rental car or bike, you can easily explore these scenic spots across the region. Why not plan a driving route that includes these beautiful bridges? Let the wind brush your skin and your soul be healed by the unforgettable harmony of sea and sky.