Amakusa Gokyo Bridges

The Amakusa Gokyo (Five Bridges) were constructed between 1966 and 1974 to connect the scattered islands of the Amakusa archipelago with the Kyushu mainland. Before these bridges, island residents relied entirely on ferry services, making transportation difficult and isolating the communities. The completion of these bridges revolutionized life in Amakusa, enabling economic development, easier access to education and healthcare, and opening the beautiful islands to tourism.

Each of the five bridges has its own name and character: Bridge No.1 (Tenmon Bridge), No.2 (Ooyano Bridge), No.3 (Nakano Bridge), No.4 (Maeshima Bridge), and No.5 (Matsushima Bridge). Together they span approximately 5 kilometers, leaping between islands across the crystal-clear waters of the Ariake Sea. The bridges were engineering marvels of their time, and their graceful designs harmonize beautifully with the natural seascape.

The Amakusa Islands hold significant historical importance as a refuge for Hidden Christians during Japan's period of Christian persecution in the 17th-19th centuries. The region was the site of the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion in 1637-38, one of the largest uprisings in Japanese history. Today, several Hidden Christian heritage sites in Amakusa are part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing 'Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region,' and the bridges provide access to these historically important locations.