The world's longest suspension bridge that withstood the Great Hanshin Earthquake

Text & Photos /Xiao Sheng

The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, the world’s largest span suspension bridge, is also a famous sightseeing spot in the Kobe area. Xiao Sheng, who studies engineering, naturally had to visit this world-class bridge when he came to Kobe.

The Akashi Strait Bridge is a cross-sea bridge connecting Kobe and Awaji Island. The total length of the bridge is 3,911 meters, with only two main towers. The central span is 1,991 meters, while the side spans are 960 meters each. This 1,991-meter central span earned the Kobe Strait Bridge the record as the world’s largest span suspension bridge.

To get to the Kobe Strait Bridge, take the JR to Maiko Station or Maiko Park Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway Main Line. It takes about a 5–10 minute walk to reach the bridge, after which you can purchase a ticket to enter. The main exhibits inside introduce the challenging engineering process behind the bridge’s construction.

Construction of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge began in 1988 and was completed in 1998, costing over 500 billion yen. During its construction, it withstood the 1994 Great Hanshin Earthquake. The bridge remained standing firm, with only a 1-meter displacement at the south pier. As a result, the final length of the bridge became 3,991 meters (the original design was 3,990 meters).

The bridge towers of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge stand at a height of 298.3 meters, making them the third tallest bridge towers in the world. Aside from enjoying the view, visitors can also try the bridge climbing activity — a similar experience is available on Brisbane’s Story Bridge. For those who love adventure, it’s worth considering. Cars travel on the upper level of the bridge, while trains were planned to run below. However, due to budget constraints, the train passage plan for the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge has yet to materialize.

The pathway after the exhibition hall allows visitors to closely observe the structure of the bridge. While walking along the path, you may feel the entire bridge vibrating — this is caused by the vibrations transmitted from vehicles passing above, adding to the thrilling experience.

There is also a 47-meter-high catwalk suspended over the sea on the pathway. Many tourists walk only along the narrow middle or sides, avoiding the glass sections. Why is that?

Beneath the transparent reinforced glass, you can see straight down to the seabed. At around 47 meters above sea level, walking on it gives a heart-pounding sensation. My sister definitely didn’t dare to walk on it, but I found it quite exhilarating — such an experience is rare indeed.

The Akashi Bridge is situated at a high elevation, offering a clear view of Awaji Island and the Seto Inland Sea from above. Another highlight is the nearby marine park and aquarium.

From the bridge, you can also see the European-style building known as the Empathy Pavilion (Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall). It was here that Dr. Sun Yat-sen once held a luncheon for local Chinese residents during his visit to Kobe. However, due to time constraints, I didn’t get to visit the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall that day.

Viewing this stunning feat of modern engineering from beneath the bridge is truly spectacular. The only downside was the overcast weather, which made the photos less than ideal.

After visiting the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, take a stroll in the nearby park and watch locals fishing. The bridge doesn’t attract many tourists, so you can easily enjoy a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is the world’s largest span suspension bridge. Although I wouldn’t say the view is particularly unique, from an engineering perspective, this astonishing bridge is absolutely worth a visit. In Akashi, aside from trying fresh seafood and akashiyaki (octopus balls) at Akashi Port, you can also come see this world-famous cross-sea bridge.

[Akashi Kaikyō Bridge]

Location: A 5–10 minute walk from JR Maiko Station or Sanyo Electric Railway Maiko Akashi Station.

Xiao Sheng’s Wandering Journeyhttp://rt009211.pixnet.net/blog
Every journey, every trip is a pursuit. Though I’m not entirely sure what I’m searching for, what I ultimately gain always exceeds my expectations. And so, my wandering journey will continue, endlessly.