A magnificent double-decker bridge connects five islands, giving the impression of reaching high into the sky. The Seto Ohashi Bridge, with its two tiers, is a prominent coastal structure linking Japan’s main island, Honshu, to Shikoku across the picturesque Seto Inland Sea. Constructed began in 1978, and it opened to the public over a decade later, significantly reducing travel time across the Seto Inland Sea from over an hour by ferry to just 20 minutes.
Beyond its engineering marvel, the bridge attracts tourists seeking panoramic views. Enthusiasts gather at spots like the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park to marvel at how the bridge “soars both into the sky and distance,” as described by the Japanese tourist board. The park offers various amenities for day-trippers, including gift shops, a rooftop viewing deck, Japanese gardens, and a children’s playground. At night, the illuminated bridge provides a dazzling spectacle.
In terms of scale, the Seto Ohashi Bridge is impressive, spanning 13.1 kilometers (8.1 miles) in total length, with the longest section, the Minami Bisan-Seto Bridge, stretching 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 construction of the bridge, completed over a decade at a cost of US$7 billion (£5.3 billion), involved using 3.646 million cubic meters of concrete and 705,000 tonnes of steel. However, the project had its share of tragedies, with 17 workers losing their lives despite safety precautions such as nets and ropes. Today, the Seto Ohashi Bridge stands as the world’s longest combined railway and road bridge.
For those fascinated by architectural wonders, reaching the bridge is easily done by flying into Tokyo and then taking a train to Okayama. Visitors can access the bridge by train, bus, or car and can catch the JR Marine Liner from Takamatsu and Okayama. Buses departing from Sakaide Station provide a convenient route to the Memorial Park, with a travel time of about 20 minutes.
Along the bridge, several points of interest await exploration:
– Seijima, once an island, is now connected to Shikoku by a land bridge. It remains a quaint locale with cultural traditions, festivals, and renowned sea bream fishing grounds.
– Shamijima, formerly 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, situated east of Sakaide City, offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea from the slopes of Goshikidai Mountain, known for its orange and lemon orchards.
Venturing further south to Shikoku leads to Kagawa, a vibrant prefecture known as the birthplace of Sanuki udon noodles, famous for their chewy texture and thickness compared to other noodles.