We often hear the sentence "It is not about the destination, it's about the journey". Well, if we take this sentence literally, it describes well what you will experience when passing through Nirai Kanai Bridge! Even before arriving to whatever your destination is, just by passing through this bridge you will already feel a great sense of achievement! Jokes apart, Nirai Kanai Bridge is very famous in Okinawa for its incredible view on the ocean. It is the union of two bridges (Nirai bridge and Kanai bridge) and it runs for 1.2 kilometers on route 86, heading east towards route 331 in Nanjo area. Just by passing on the bridge with the car, the splendid view on the Pacific Ocean opens up in front of the eyes. However, the best way to enjoy the amazing panorama is from the observatory on the top of the small tunnel that gets you to the bridge. Before the road starts to go downhill to reach the tunnel, you will see two side roads going uphill. You can park your car on the left side of the road and walk up to the observatory. On clear days, it is possible to see Komaka island and Kudaka island, the "Island of God". The second island is strictly related to the name of the bridge. In fact, the name comes from the ancient belief of "Nirai Kanai". Nirai Kanai is the land of the Gods, an utopia beyond the sea, a place similar to heaven where all life originated. It is fabled to be somewhere looking East in the Pacific Ocean. This is why Nirai Kanai Bridge, that is standing right in that direction and from which both islands can be seen, takes this name. Okinawan people, always having the concept of Nirai Kanai in their heart, are said to often look at the sea to find strenght and hope in difficult times. Nirai Kanai Bridge is one of the highlights of our Southern Okinawa Bus Tour. Do you want to discover more about it? Just click on the link below! Admission Free Opening Hours Always open TEL - Address Nirai Kanai Bridge, Chinen, Nanjo, Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture 901-1400 Near Nirai Kanai Bridge Observatory:
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