A driving course that crosses over the emerald blue sea
Kaichu Road is a 4.7km thoroughfare that links the northern shore of Yona Peninsula to Henza Island over Kin Bay. It isn’t anything like an undersea tunnel but a road built to glide over the sea. Built in a straight line, driving over it is pure exhilaration. Going from the main island via Kaichu Road to Henza Island, you can enjoy various scenes along the way as a scenic driving course including Miyagi and Ikei Islands, and Hamahiga Island which is to the south of Henza Island.
Easy to arrive at Sea Station Ayahashi Hall
Midway on Kaichu Road is the Sea Station Ayahashi Hall. There is a sandy beach which can be walked upon during low tide and it’s ideal for clam digging with enjoyable swimming in the summer. Within the hall, there are special local products such as Katsuren mozuku seaweed and ogon sweet potatoes along with other specialty souvenirs that cannot be bought anywhere else including folkcraft using rush grass. There is also a restaurant in the hall. Okinawan tempura is also recommended to be tried in lieu of the usual snacks and noshed on outside. The 2nd floor is a museum devoted to marine culture with models of Maran boats which thrived during the days of Ryukyuan trade and displayed information about the seas around Okinawa.
4 islands each with their own charms
Hamahiga Island which is connected to Henza Island by the bridge is said to have a link with the progenitors of the Ryukyus, the goddess Amamikiyo and the god Shinerikiyo. It has a lot of mysterious sites to see including the grave of Amamikiyo and the place where the two gods had their children. On Miyagi Island, which is just before Henza Island, there is the Mechiuna salt factory which has been recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for producing salt with the largest amount of minerals in the world. And there is Ikei Island which is famous for Kaho Banta with its superb views and Odomari & Ikei Beaches. You can fully enjoy the different charms of the islands.