Nagabeta Kaichoro
Also written: 長部田海床路 · 永贝开东湖路
A submerged road linking to the Ariake Sea; at high tide its utility poles appear to float on the sea, creating a magical and surreal panorama.
An Illustrated Japan / Kumamoto / Famous Views
About this place
Nagabeta Kaichoro in Uto City is a 1km concrete fisheries road built in 1979 into Ariake Sea, Japan's sea with largest tidal range up to 6 meters, to facilitate nori seaweed farming and shellfish gathering. At low tide the full road emerges and trucks drive to offshore farms; at high tide it submerges completely leaving only 24 utility poles protruding above water, creating a Spirited Away-like dreamy scene of floating poles, hugely viral on SNS. Evening illumination of poles twinkles. Five days twice each May and July the road aligns straight with sunset over Shimabara Peninsula, dyeing mudflats orange and drawing crowds walking toward the sun. Entrance is maintained as Sumiyoshi Coast Park with parking, souvenir shop and 2022 ONE PIECE Jinbei statue installation. The shop OKAGESAMA MOBA sells local seaweed. Partial damage during July 28, 2026 Kumamoto earthquake led to temporary closure but its allure persists as photo spot. Check tide tables beforehand, as land and sea faces differ dramatically. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience. Further walking with local guide deepens understanding of history and geology, increasing travel satisfaction. Enjoy specialty food after viewing for memorable experience.
