Ushibuka Haiya Bridge is an impressive bridge spanning Ushibuka Bay in Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Measuring 883 meters in length, it is the longest bridge in Kumamoto Prefecture. Its elegant design and beautiful coastal setting have made it a symbol of the Ushibuka area and a popular attraction for visitors.
The bridge is located at Ushibuka Port in the former city of Ushibuka. Its roadway and pedestrian walkway are arranged at different levels, allowing both drivers and pedestrians to enjoy the surrounding scenery. It was built as part of the Kumamoto Artpolis project and has become one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in southern Amakusa.
The name “Haiya” comes from the traditional local folk song known as Ushibuka Haiya-bushi. This lively song is closely associated with the port town of Ushibuka and its maritime culture.
By incorporating the name of this traditional music into the bridge’s name, the structure reflects the cultural identity of the local community. The bridge is not simply a transportation facility but also a landmark that expresses the history and traditions of Ushibuka.
Ushibuka Haiya Bridge was designed by the internationally renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. The design work was undertaken by Renzo Piano Building Workshop Japan in collaboration with architect Noriaki Okabe and engineer Peter Rice.
The central design concept was “a single line floating above the sea.” Particular attention was paid to the relationship between the bridge and the surrounding coastal landscape. Its simple, continuous structure and minimized number of bridge piers help create the impression of a slender line extending gracefully over the water.
The bridge’s design was intended to harmonize with the natural environment rather than dominate the scenery. Its sweeping form and gentle curves make it an architectural feature that can be appreciated from the waterfront as well as from the bridge itself.
The bridge incorporates several technical features designed to maintain structural stability while preserving its elegant appearance. Flaps, or wind deflectors, were installed to reduce vibrations caused by strong winds. The underside flanges of the bridge girders also have curved surfaces, contributing to both the structural performance and the visual design.
The bridge is a seven-span continuous curved steel box-girder bridge with a steel deck. Its engineering demonstrates how sophisticated structural technology can be combined with architectural design to create a landmark that responds sensitively to its environment.
Construction of Ushibuka Haiya Bridge began in November 1991 and the main bridge was completed in August 1997. The loop section around the P3 pier was completed in 1999. The total construction cost was 12.2 billion yen.
Both ends of the bridge connect to Shimoshima Island. Near its central section, a loop-shaped interchange provides a connection to Shimoshima and also links the bridge with Shimosu Island.
Bridge type: Seven-span continuous curved steel box-girder bridge with a steel deck.
Total length: 883.0 meters.
Total width: 13.6 meters.
Roadway width: 7 to 10 meters.
Pedestrian walkways: 2.5 meters wide on each side.
Construction period: November 1991 to August 1997. The loop section around the P3 pier was completed in 1999.
Total construction cost: 12.2 billion yen.
In August 2021, local residents reported unusual noises coming from the bridge. An investigation by Kumamoto Prefecture revealed damage to the bearings that support the bridge girders on the piers. As a result, the bridge was completely closed to traffic on August 27.
Emergency repair work was subsequently carried out, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to use the bridge again. However, further inspections revealed that several bearings had been damaged.
A field investigation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism also pointed out that measures to resist horizontal movement caused by earthquakes and other forces were insufficient. This meant that the repair method needed to be reviewed.
Emergency repair work was completed on December 24, 2021, and vehicle traffic was allowed to resume. The repairs improved the safety of the bridge and restored its role as an important connection for the Ushibuka area.
Ushibuka Haiya Bridge has received several awards in recognition of its distinctive design, engineering quality, and contribution to the landscape.
1998: Tanaka Award from the Japan Society of Civil Engineers.
1998: Lighting Promotion Award from the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan.
1998: Kumamoto Landscape Award.
2001: Grand Prize in the first Japan Society of Civil Engineers Landscape and Design Award.
These awards recognize the bridge as an outstanding example of the integration of civil engineering, architectural design, and landscape planning.
Ushibuka Haiya Bridge is a popular destination for visitors exploring southern Amakusa. One of the best places to view the bridge is Ushibuka Kaisai-kan, a roadside station located nearby. From this waterfront facility, visitors can appreciate the bridge’s graceful curves and its relationship with the harbor.
The bridge is also illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere over Ushibuka Bay. The lighting highlights its sweeping form and makes it a favorite subject for photographers.
During the day, visitors can enjoy the contrast between the bridge’s modern architecture, the blue sea, and the activity of the fishing port. At night, the illuminated structure offers a different and equally attractive view.
From Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal or Kumamoto Station, take the Kyushu Sanko Bus Amakusa-go service and get off at Hondo Bus Center. Transfer to a local Kyushu Sanko Bus bound for Ushibuka Municipal Hospital and get off at Ushibuka Port.
For visitors traveling by car, the bridge is approximately 112 kilometers from Matsubase Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway.
Ushibuka Haiya Bridge is an impressive combination of modern engineering, artistic design, and local cultural identity. Whether viewed from the nearby waterfront, crossed on foot, or admired after dark, it is one of the most memorable landmarks in Amakusa.