Ikema Ohashi

The Ikema Ohashi leaves Miyako at Karimata on the island's north-west tip and crosses 1,425 m of shallow reef water to Ikema. It opened on 14 February 1992 and was Okinawa's longest bridge until the Kurima Ohashi opened in 1995. The centre is raised so boats can pass, which gives the deck a gentle hump.

The bridge closes when a storm warning is issued and the wind reaches 25 m/s, and the authorities give an hour's notice. On an ordinary winter day the north wind meets you from the front as you ride out toward Ikema and helps you home, so save your legs for the outbound leg. The plaza at the Ikema end has several shops, and Kaimiru just past the bridge sells beni-imo mochi and Miyako soba. Each April the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima sends its bike leg over this bridge.