A striking double-decker bridge connects five islands, giving the illusion of soaring high into the sky. The Seto Ohashi Bridge, with its two tiers, is a prominent coastal structure that links Japan’s main island, Honshu, to Shikoku across the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. Construction of this marvel began in 1978, opening to the public over a decade later. Since then, it has significantly reduced travel time across the Seto Inland Sea to just 20 minutes, replacing the previous hour-long ferry journey.
Beyond its engineering excellence, the bridge attracts tourists seeking panoramic views. Enthusiasts gather at spots like the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park to witness the bridge’s impressive rise into the sky and into the distance, as described by the Japanese tourist board. The park offers various amenities for day-trippers, including gift shops, a rooftop observation deck, traditional Japanese gardens, and a children’s playground. At night, the illuminated bridge provides a spectacular sight.
The Seto Ohashi Bridge spans an impressive 13.1 kilometers (8.1 miles) in total length, with its longest section, the Minami Bisan-Seto Bridge, extending 1,100 meters. The upper level accommodates two lanes of motorway traffic in each direction on the Seto-Chūō Expressway, while the lower level hosts one railway line in each direction on the Seto-Ōhashi Line.
The project, costing US$7 billion (£5.3 billion) and utilizing 3.646 million cubic meters of concrete and 705,000 tonnes of steel, took a decade to complete. Tragically, 17 workers lost their lives during the construction despite safety measures. Today, the Seto Ohashi Bridge stands as the world’s longest combined railway and road bridge.
For architecture enthusiasts looking to visit the bridge, a common route is to fly into Tokyo and then take a train to Okayama. Visitors can access the bridge by train, bus, or car, with services like the JR Marine Liner from Takamatsu and Okayama, and buses departing from Sakaide Station to the Memorial Park.
Along the bridge route, several points of interest captivate travelers:
– Seijima, previously an island, is now connected to Shikoku via a land bridge. The quaint location with around 500 inhabitants maintains cultural traditions and festivals, known for abundant sea bream fishing.
– Shamijima, also once an island, is now part of the mainland with a picturesque beach recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 by the Ministry of the Environment.
– The Ogoshi district, east of Sakaide City, offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea from the slopes of Goshikidai Mountain, known for its orange and lemon orchards and the scenic Goshikidai Skyline route.
– Kagawa, in vibrant southern Shikoku, is famous as the birthplace of Sanuki udon noodles, celebrated for their unique chewy texture.
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