Gateway to Kesennuma Oshima, Miyagi Prefecture
Kesennuma Oshima Bridge Looking back at the bridge from the island gateway
I crossed the Kesennuma Oshima Bridge in July and stopped nearby for a breather. Holding my hat against the sea breeze as I took in the white arch, I felt the excitement of arriving on the island all over again.
Here’s the story of my July trip, along with a few highlights. Come explore with me—start wherever catches your eye.
SummerJuly
Looking back at the bridge in the sea breeze
In July, I drove across Kesennuma Oshima Bridge, with its white arch. Through the car window, Oshima drew closer, and I was already looking forward to exploring the island. I parked and walked over to get a better look at the bridge. A moment earlier I’d been driving over it; from here, it looked like a single bridge stretching across the sea.
When I reached the wooden railing, the sea breeze lifted the brim of my straw hat. I held it down with one hand and rested the other on the rail. The hem of my white dress fluttered, and my driving friend laughed, “The wind’s picked up.” Still holding on to my hat, I turned to face the bridge.
Up close, the arch sweeps high over the roadway. When I crossed by car, I was focused on the road ahead, so it was fun to take in the shape from here. I followed the slender supports with my eyes, then looked down at the water. Sunlight flashed across it, and I found myself wanting to look all the way down to the base of the bridge.
This bridge linking the mainland and Oshima is also known as Tsurukame Ōhashi. I looked from the trees on one shore to those on the other and felt that this really was the gateway to the island. The crossing is over in a moment, but once I’m on foot, I can slow down and really take in the view at the island entrance.
My friend and I talked about where to stop next on the island, and souvenirs came up too. I’ve got my eye on “Oshima Yuzu Chocolat,” a treat that combines chocolate dough with yuzu grown on Oshima. If we have time, I’d love to drop by a confectionery shop in Kesennuma. I want to remember the sea and take home a taste of the island, too.
My friend took a photo while I kept one hand on my hat. Seeing the road continue beyond the white arch in the picture made me even more excited about exploring the island.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
A local treat to try
Oshima Yuzu Chocolat
A treat pairing Oshima-grown yuzu with chocolate dough. It’s sold at confectionery shops and other outlets in Kesennuma, and I’m adding it to my list of possible souvenirs from the island.
Highlights
A white arch above the sea
This bridge links the mainland and Kesennuma Oshima. After crossing, you can enjoy a different view of its shape than the one you get from inside the car.
Looking back at the bridge in the sea breeze
Take a moment to feel the sea breeze and compare the bridge with the trees on both shores. I’d love to capture the beginning of my island trip in a photo here.
Road and location information
Kesennuma Oshima Bridge (Tsurukame Ōhashi)
- Total bridge length
- 356m
- Arch span
- 297m
The figures show the total bridge length and the arch span. The bridge carries you across Oshima Strait to the island.
The bridge is 356m long, with an arch span of 297m. I’d like to enjoy the crossing and pause to admire the white arch.
More Spot Guides
If you enjoyed this story, you might like these places too. I've gone back to each of them in different seasons, again and again.
