A Drive to Ou Island Cross a short bridge, then enjoy tempura by the sea

On a July afternoon, I crossed a short bridge onto Ou Island. It’s nice to be able to get to an island without setting out on a long boat trip, especially when it’s just a stop on a drive. When I parked and stepped out, I could see a channel beneath the bridge. I’d only just crossed it, but seeing the bridge from this side of the water made me feel like I’d really arrived on an island.

I’d come for a snack of mozuku tempura. I opened the paper bag of tempura I’d bought on the island and picked up one piece. I could see thin strands of mozuku seaweed peeking through the batter, and before I even took a bite, I was curious about what was inside. The sea was to my left, my red car behind me. I could take a break from driving and make this my snack stop.

I bit into one end, and the batter’s toasted aroma bloomed. Inside, the mozuku seaweed was softer than the coating as I chewed. I turned the tempura a little, checking where to take my next bite. I thought I’d finish it in no time because I was hungry, but I found myself wanting to slow down and really taste it.

The breeze lifted the hem of my pale purple floral dress. I held the paper bag with one hand so it wouldn’t blow away and turned toward the bridge. The sea stretched beneath the low bridge, and I could see trees on the far shore too. As I ate tempura near the channel and took in the view of the water and bridge, I began to notice the kind of island scenery I’d miss if I simply drove through.

I’ve heard Ou Island has long been a thriving fishing island, and that in summer you can see flying squid drying in the sun there. Once I’ve finished eating, I’d like to take in a little more of the island. I couldn’t see any squid drying beside the bridge where I stood, but by the time I put the tempura bag away, I’d started wondering about life on the water.

I picked up what was left of my tempura and took one slow bite. Next time, I’d like to try fish or squid tempura, though part of me wants to come back for the mozuku too. I went back and forth for a while before deciding to look forward to both. I’ve found one more reason to cross that short bridge again.