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Amakusa Gokyo (Pearl Line)

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Amakusa Gokyo (Pearl Line)

A popular driving route connecting the mainland to the Amakusa Islands via five scenic bridges.

Last update :
Head Editor : Kami-Amakusa City Tourism Omotenashi Department

Opened in 1966, the Amakusa Gokyo is a 12 km-long series of five bridges connecting the mainland to the Amakusa Islands. These bridges include the Tenmon Bridge (connecting Misumi to Oyano Island), the Oyano Bridge (connecting Oyano Island to Nagashima), the Nakano Bridge (connecting Nagashima to Oike Island), the Maejima Bridge (connecting Oike Island to Maejima), and the Matsushima Bridge (connecting Maejima to Kamishima in Amakusa). The route is affectionately known as the "Amakusa Pearl Line," reflecting the region's flourishing pearl cultivation.

The Amakusa Islands, part of the Unzen-Amakusa National Park, offer a breathtaking natural landscape, making this a popular scenic drive. Along the route, you can stop at various viewpoints and mountains like Takabutoyama and Sengan-san to enjoy the stunning views of the Amakusa archipelago. The sunset from the Takabutoyama Observatory, recognized as one of Japan's top 100 sunset spots, is particularly remarkable, bathing the landscape in a beautiful orange glow.

Highlights

  • Five bridges connecting Kyushu mainland to the Amakusa Islands.
  • Located within the Unzen-Amakusa National Park, offering beautiful natural scenery along a popular drive route.
  • Spectacular views from observatories near each bridge.

Photos

  • Sengan-zan offers a panoramic view of the Amakusa Gokyo.

    Sengan-zan offers a panoramic view of the Amakusa Gokyo.

  • Takabutoyama is a stunning spot recognized among Japan's top 100 sunset views.

    Takabutoyama is a stunning spot recognized among Japan's top 100 sunset views.

  • Enjoy a refreshing drive along the Amakusa Gokyo.

    Enjoy a refreshing drive along the Amakusa Gokyo.

  • A multilingual information sign is available next to the restroom at the park by the second bridge.

    A multilingual information sign is available next to the restroom at the park by the second bridge.

Official FAQs

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

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If possible, please also let us know the language you speak)
A

Yes.
Brochures: "LET'S GO TO AMAKUSA" (English/Chinese) and "KUMAMOTO KAMIAMAKUSA" (Chinese - Simplified/Traditional).
Signs: Comprehensive Amakusa guide (English/Korean/Chinese) located next to the restroom at the park by the second bridge.

Q

Is there parking available?
A

Yes, parking is available at all five bridges.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Q

What is the correct pronunciation of the Amakusa Gokyo bridges?
A

Tenmon Bridge (てんもんきょう)
Oyano Bridge (おおやのばし)
Nakano Bridge (なかのばし)
Maejima Bridge (まえじまばし)
Matsushima Bridge (まつしまばし)

Q

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

Takabutoyama (a 10-minute walk from the parking lot), Sengan-zan (a 10-minute walk from the parking lot; priority parking for two cars at the second observation deck), and Matsushima Observatory.

Q

Can you walk on the bridges?
A

Yes, you can walk on bridges 1 to 5. However, Tenjo Bridge (completed in 2018) is a vehicle-only road and cannot be walked on.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
阿蘇パノラマライン
Address
Oyano – Matsushima, Kamiamakusa City, Kumamoto
Telephone
0964-26-5512 (Kami-Amakusa City Tourism Omotenashi Department)
Hours
Always open to traffic.
Admission
Free
Access
A 10-minute taxi ride from JR Misumi Station on the Amakusa Misumi Line.
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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