Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge ties both Kobe city and Awaji city together. Being the longest suspension bridge in the world, crossing the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge gets you to Awaji Island, and from there, you can go all the way to Tokushima in Shikoku. There are interesting tourist attractions, including a tour to climb the bridge tower, a promenade, etc. With things to do such as looking up at the bridge from underneath, crossing the bridge, climbing the main tower, and even a stroll in the park to top it off, the bridge is full of charm. Wouldn't you love to have an enjoyable experience from the beautiful view that the Akashi-Kaikyo bridge has to offer?
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge: the Suspension Bridge that ties Akashi and Awashi Island together
You can take the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge not only for travel to Awashi Island, but to Shikoku as well. The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is used as one of the three Honshu-Shikoku Bridge routes that ties together the main island (Honshu) and Shikoku (known as the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway), and is essential for travel between Shikoku and the cities in the mainland. Thanks to the completion of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the time it takes to travel between the mainland and Shikoku was drastically cut, and has, of course, done a great deal for people traveling, transportation of goods, tourism, etc.
Not only is it used for transportation, it has a beautiful view too!
The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge serves not only as a means of transportation, but it also has many interesting and fun tourist spots as well. The bridge, having a great view, is lit up at night, and you can enjoy a variety of color combinations depending on the season.
The World's Longest Suspension Bridge
The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, approved by Guinness World Records, is the longest suspension bridge in the world: being 3911 meters long with a central span of 1991 meters. There are tours and facilities in place to let you experience the full breadth of the bridge, and is highly recommended.
The Maiko Marine Promenade
The Maiko Marine Promenade is a migratory promenade sitting at 47 meters above sea level, 150 meters from land, and protrudes from the Akashi Strait at 317 meters long. From the log bridge sitting 47 meters above the sea, you can peer into the ocean beneath your feet, and is very exciting. On the first floor of the promenade, there are documents that explain in detail about the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, and on the eighth floor, you can feel what it is like to experience climbing the 300 meter tall main tower of the bridge through the observatory camera systems in place in the observatory lounge. You can relax while looking at the amazing view at the above-sea restaurant within the observatory lounge. How would you like to enjoy strolling on a marine promenade while observing the grand Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge?
Spot information
- Spot name: Maiko Marine Promenade
- Street Address: 2051 Higashimaiko-chō, Tarumi-ku, Kōbe-shi
- Access: Get off at JR San'yo Main Line (Kobe Line)'s Maiko Station or Sanyo Electric Railway's Maiko Park Station, walk south for approx. 5 minutes.
The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge World Experience-based Tour
You can climb the 300 meter tall main tower of the bridge, passing through services passages that are normally restricted. People that were involved in the construction of the bridge will act as a tour guide, explaining the construction process, technology, history, etc. You can experience the thrill of the view from the 300 meter tall main tower. The tour where you can climb the bridge takes place every Thursday through Sunday and holidays, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, from April to November, and requires a reservation. It is 3000 yen for adults and 1500 yen for middle school students.
Construction Process
Before any bridges that tied the mainland to Shikoku, the means of travel between them was by boats and ships. However, because of an accident that resulted in a ferry sinking, construction of the bridge begun. Using the Truss bridge form, The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge's construction took place between 1986 and 1998. It was built with ingenious bridge technology, in the midst of the deep and violent tides of the Akashi Channel.
Learn from the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center
You can learn about the details of the period in which the bridge was built, etc. where a model of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is located. At the science museum, using exhibitions and hands-on booths, you can learn about state of the art bridge technology used in bridge building, all gathered under one roof, with the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge being the subject.
Spot information
- Spot name: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center
- Street Address: 4-114 Higashimaiko-chō, Tarumi-ku, Kōbe-shi
- Access: Get off at JR Maiko Station or Sanyo Electric Railway Maiko-kōen Station, approx. 5 min. walk sea side.
Recommended Locations to Enjoy a Marvelous View
The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge itself has several splendid locations, but Maiko Park is highly recommended. Maiko Park has a lot of greenery, and has a beautiful view of the ocean. It is easily accessible by JR, and has the Maiko Marine Promenade, which you can enjoy even in the daytime. You can see the lit-up Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge up close at night.
Spot information
- Spot name: Maiko park
- Street Address: 2051 Higashimaiko-chō, Tarumi-ku, Kōbe-shi, Hyōgo-ken
- Access: Get off at JR Sanyo Main Line (Kobe Line) Maiko Station or Sanyo Electric Railway Maiko Park Station, walk south for approx. 5 minutes.
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