Ride a roller coaster to work? Japan’s “super steep” Eshima Ohashi Bridge gets hearts racing

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Is this a roller coaster? The Eshima Ohashi Bridge, which connects Sakaiminato City and Matsue City in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, features an exceptionally steep road surface. Viewed from afar, it resembles a car version of a roller coaster, sparking widespread discussion. Recently, it has also become a new local tourist attraction. Some people say that drivers with acrophobia must feel very nervous when crossing this bridge.

▲ Japan's Eshima Ohashi Bridge looks like a roller coaster. (Photo / Screenshot from the internet)

According to Japan's Kyodo News, a recent car commercial aimed at showcasing the vehicle’s performance specifically chose to film on the steep Eshima Ohashi Bridge. Due to the bridge’s extreme slope shown in the ad, it unexpectedly went viral and became a focal point. Reports indicate that the Eshima Ohashi Bridge is 1,446 meters long and 44 meters high. It was built at such a height to allow large ships to pass through smoothly.

Just how steep is the Eshima Ohashi Bridge? Reports state that if you approach the bridge from the Matsue City side, the gradient is 6.1%, meaning that for every 100 meters you drive, you ascend 6.1 meters. However, approaching from the other side, the bridge’s summit offers stunning views of the sea and lake, with the sunset scenery being particularly highly praised. Although the bridge is steep, local authorities warn drivers not to press the accelerator too hard, as many have received speeding tickets as a result.


▲ Japan's Eshima Ohashi Bridge. (Photo / Screenshot from a Japanese Twitter user)