Amakusa Five Bridges (Amakusa Pearl Line) Islands Beyond the Bridges—and a Bite of Red Bean Paste

One bridge, then the next island. As I drove the Amakusa Pearl Line, the island I’d been looking at suddenly seemed close, with another just beyond it. I kept my eyes on the road and my hands on the wheel, saving the view for a slower look later.

From up high, I could see the sea winding between the islands and a low bridge beyond. The bridge I’d just crossed looked like a fine line in the landscape. It was strange to think I’d been on that very line only moments ago.

I’d brought an Amakusa dorayaki to enjoy with the view. When I unwrapped it and held it gently in both hands, the first thing I noticed was the cross-section, packed with chunky red bean paste. I’d come for the scenery, but I was taking my time looking at my snack, too.

The first bite was full of chunky red bean paste. I closed my eyes and savored it slowly. I wanted to see the islands and bridges, but just then all I wanted was to focus on my dorayaki. I held it close to my face in both hands and stayed like that for a while.

When I opened my eyes, the round islands filled the view again. More islands lay beyond them, connected by bridges. Looking at what was left of my dorayaki, I suddenly wanted to make it last.

I took one last small bite, then looked out towards the sea once more. The dorayaki was gone, but there was still time to take in the view of the bridges and islands. On the drive back along the same road, I felt I had a slightly better idea of which island lay beyond each bridge.