A drive to Kuronoseto Bridge An early-summer midday view of Nagashima from Uzushio Lookout

At midday in early summer, my friend and I stopped at Uzushio Lookout on our way to Nagashima. I stepped out of the car and onto the deck, and Kuronoseto Bridge looked so close. Even a quick look before crossing was enough to make me eager to get to the island.

I stood beside the railing in a white short-sleeved blouse, watching the bridge’s triangles stretch into the distance. “So a truss bridge is made of all these connected triangles,” I said to my friend. Seeing the green of the island beyond made me want to find out what lay ahead.

When I looked from the bridge down to the water, I could see lines in the current. I stayed there for a while, following the movement with my eyes. It’s fun not just to look for big whirlpools, but to watch the water right in front of me, too.

Kuronoseto is the strait between Akune and Nagashima, and on a spring tide you may even catch sight of a huge whirlpool from the lookout. Today was about taking in the bridge and the tide. As my friend and I talked about when to come back, I found myself wanting to visit again.

After crossing the bridge, I’d love to stop at Kuronoseto Dandan Market, too. You’ll find farmed Nagashima yellowtail and sashimi, as well as potatoes grown in the island’s red soil. I love browsing for something good to eat, so my friend and I chatted about what to pick up before heading back to the car.

Back in the driver’s seat, I kept my eyes on the road ahead and set off toward the bridge. The blue bridge I’d just admired from outside was now the road I was about to cross. That little stop by the sea made even the drive to Nagashima feel special.