Seto Ohashi Bridge

Seto Ohashi Bridge

The Seto Ohashi Bridge is a bridge located between Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture on Honshu and Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku, Japan, spanning the Seto Inland Sea. It is one of the three routes of the Honshu–Shikoku Bridge Expressway. The entire bridge complex consists of three suspension bridges, two cable-stayed bridges, one truss bridge, and one girder bridge, forming an impressive assembly of bridges. It not only plays a crucial role in transportation but has also become one of the region's most renowned tourist attractions.

Construction of the Seto Ohashi Bridge began on October 10, 1978 (Showa 53), and took nearly 10 years to complete, with full opening to traffic on April 10, 1988 (Showa 63). The bridge spans a total length of 9.4 kilometers and features a two-level structure: the upper level is the 4-lane Seto Central Expressway, while the lower level accommodates the JR railway line, making it the world’s largest bridge that accommodates both road and rail traffic. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge from the summit of Mount Washuzan, which stands at the bridgehead on the Okayama side. A bit further down the mountain, the second observation deck also includes a lounge area, offering beautiful scenic views. Additionally, the bridge is illuminated with decorative lighting every Saturday and on holidays, making it one of Japan’s popular nightscapes.

Great Seto Bridge

Must-visit reason: World’s largest bridge that accommodates both road and rail traffic

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan

Province/State where the attraction is located: Okayama Prefecture and Kagawa Prefecture

City where the attraction is located: Kurashiki and Sakaide