Driving the Bizen♡Hinase Bridge Winter Oyster Rafts and a 765 m Crossing to the Island

January in Hinase. When I met my friend, she asked what we should have for lunch today. I’d already decided: oyster okonomiyaki. “Let’s cross the sea first,” I said, climbing into my red car and pulling my coat closed.

As I passed the harbour buildings, the bridge tower came into view ahead. The Bizen♡Hinase Bridge is 765 m long. The island looks right next door on the map, but as I climbed onto the bridge, it felt like the real start of a journey across the sea.

I drove with both hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road. The sea around Hinase stretched out on both sides of the bridge. As I looked forward to reaching the island, I kept thinking about the oyster okonomiyaki I’d chosen for lunch.

Once we reached Kakui Island, my friend told me about the oyster rafts spread across the sea. We talked about carrying on to Kashira Island next. The bridge opened in 2015, making it possible to drive from Hinase to the island. I loved being able to drive my own car out to an island I’d only ever seen from a boat.

After driving around the island and returning to Hinase, I ordered oyster okonomiyaki. Hinase’s version is packed with oysters, and every bite tastes of the sea. As my friend and I talked about the bridge over lunch, I found myself remembering our conversation about the oyster rafts that morning.

After lunch, I took another walk towards the harbour. I’d driven out to the island, then come back into town for a meal. That round trip felt just right today. Next time I visit Hinase, I’ll pair the bridge drive with lunch again.