Amakusa Five Bridges — Pearl Line CoastalDrive.
Distance
180 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
600 m
Amakusa Five Bridges — Pearl Line Coastal Drive.
Five consecutive bridges span 12km across the Shiranui Sea, linking Kyushu's mainland to the Amakusa Islands — Japan's first continuous multi-bridge route, opened 1966. The islands hide a remarkable history: 37,000 Hidden Christians were massacred here in 1637, and the islands' clandestine Catholic culture is now UNESCO World Heritage. The Sakitsu church — a Gothic stone building at the waterline of a tiny fishing harbour — is among the most moving sights in all of Kyushu.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance180 km
Days1
Total climb600 m
DifficultyEasy
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The route.
Misumi — Pearl Line StartStart · Start at Misumi port on the Kyushu mainland. Fuel here — services become limited on the islands. The first bridge (Tenmon-bashi) begins just west of town.
Amakusa Gokyo — Five Bridge CrossingPhoto Spot · Five bridges linking four islands across the Shiranui Sea. Each bridge deck offers open ocean views. The Pearl Line is among Japan's most celebrated coastal drives — popular with touring riders and cyclists alike.
Amakusa City — Hidden Christian MuseumScenic Point · The museum tells the story of Japan's Hidden Christians who practised their faith in secret for 250 years, disguising crosses as Buddhist motifs to survive Tokugawa persecution.
Sakitsu Church — Hidden Christian VillagePhoto Spot · A 1925 Gothic stone church standing at the waterline of Sakitsu's tiny fishing harbour. UNESCO World Heritage since 2018. The village maintained secret Christian practice for over 200 years. Arguably the most moving sight in Kyushu.
Oe Church — Shiranuikai CoastScenic Point · White hilltop church overlooking the Shiranui Sea, built 1933. The coast road passes oyster farms and calm blue inlets. Almost no traffic south of Hondo.
Misumi — Return via Pearl LineEnd · Return north across all five bridges. Sunset over the Ariake Sea from the bridge decks is spectacular. Dolphin-watching boats operate from Itsuwamachi year-round.
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