A remarkable double-decker bridge connects five islands, giving the illusion of reaching high into the sky.
The Seto Ohashi Bridge, consisting of two levels, serves as a significant link between Honshu, the main island of Japan, and Shikoku, overlooking the picturesque Seto Inland Sea. The construction of this marvel began in 1978, with public access granted over a decade later. Since then, it has allowed millions to traverse the Seto Inland Sea in just 20 minutes, a vast improvement from the previous ferry travel time of over an hour.
Beyond its engineering excellence, the bridge attracts tourists. Enthusiasts of bridges gather at vantage points like the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park to admire how the structure “rises into the sky and stretches into the distance,” as described by the Japanese tourist board.
For those looking for a day trip, the park offers various amenities such as gift shops, a rooftop viewing deck, Japanese gardens, and a children’s playground. Nighttime visits offer even more spectacular views as the bridge lights up after dusk.
In terms of sheer numbers, Seto Ohashi is extraordinary. It spans a total length of 13.1 kilometers (8.1 miles), with the longest section, the Minami Bisan-Seto Bridge, extending 1,100 meters. The bridge accommodates two lanes of motorway traffic in each direction on the upper level (Seto-Chūō Expressway) and one railway line in each direction on the lower level (Seto-Ōhashi Line).
The project, costing US$7 billion (£5.3 billion) and taking a decade to complete, utilized 3.646 million cubic meters of concrete and 705,000 tonnes of steel. However, the construction also had a human cost, with 17 workers tragically losing their lives during the build. Today, it stands as the world’s longest combined railway and road bridge.
If you appreciate grand architectural achievements and wish to visit the bridge, the most straightforward route is likely to fly into Tokyo and then take a train to Okayama. Visitors can explore the bridge up close by train, bus, or car. From Takamatsu and Okayama, the JR Marine Liner provides access. Buses to Memorial Park depart from Sakaide Station and take around 20 minutes.
Several attractions along the bridge may catch your attention:
Seijima, once an island, is now connected to Shikoku via a land bridge. It is a charming spot with approximately 500 residents who uphold cultural traditions and festivals. Seijima is known for its rich sea bream fishing grounds, where tourist companies used to organize boat tours with geisha for visitors to observe fishermen at work.
Like Seijima, Shamijima was formerly an island but became part of the mainland due to a land reclamation project. Its scenic beach has been acknowledged by the Ministry of the Environment as one of Japan’s top 100 spots. Seto Ohashi Memorial Park and stunning bridge views can be found here.
Located east of Sakaide City, the Ogoshi district offers picturesque views of the Seto Inland Sea from the slopes of Goshikidai Mountain. The area is a flourishing center for farming, particularly orange and lemon orchards. The Goshikidai Skyline, a road along the mountain’s plateau, provides breathtaking vistas of the Seto Inland Sea.
Venturing south to Shikoku, visitors will discover the lively Kagawa. The prefecture is famous as the birthplace of Sanuki udon, a renowned thick and chewy noodle variety. Kagawa offers numerous attractions to explore, experience, and savor.
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