Hyogo > Akashi Kaikyo (明石海峡大橋): the longest suspension bridge in the world
※Description:
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋), also known as the “Great Akashi Strait Bridge“, is one of the most impressive engineering feats in Japan. With a length of 3,911 meters, it is the longest suspension bridge in the world, connecting the city of Kobe (神戸) in Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫県) with the island of Awaji (淡路島). This bridge is famous not only for its size, but also for its robust design, created to withstand strong winds and earthquakes, such as the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, which tested its durability even before its opening in 1998.
Those who wish to learn more about the history and construction of this monumental structure can visit the Akashi Kaikyo Science Museum (明石海峡大橋科学館). Here, visitors can see interactive exhibits about the materials and processes that were used to build the bridge, and gain insight into the engineering challenges required to erect such a structure across such a choppy strait.
At the bottom of the bridge is a pedestrian platform that allows visitors to walk over a small section or have a coffee while admiring the view of the bridge, the sea, or Akashi and Awaji from a height of 47 meters!
From the Akashi side, especially in the morning, the bridge offers spectacular views. The light of dawn illuminates the bridge and the Akashi Strait (明石海峡), creating an unforgettable landscape. From Maiko Park (舞子公園), a nearby park, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the bridge and Awaji Island, with perfect viewing points for photographing the structure in all its majesty. Transport ships can often be seen sailing beneath the bridge, a detail that adds a special touch to the view and shows the importance of the strait as a shipping route.
A curiosity that few tourists know about is that there are free fishing areas under the bridge. Both locals and visitors can enjoy fishing for species such as octopus, squid and sardines, among other fish that inhabit this area. This experience offers a different way to enjoy the surroundings of the bridge, surrounded by the tranquility of the sea.
The Akashi Kaikyo is undoubtedly a surprising destination, and although it is not widely known on conventional tourist routes, those who visit it can enjoy its landscapes and learn more about its construction without large crowds.
※NTRanking: 5.0 / 10
Although it is an impressive place and relatively unknown to foreign tourists, its proximity to large cities such as Osaka and Kobe makes it a busy place, especially for local visitors. This means that, although you can enjoy its sights and activities without crowds of tourists from outside Japan, the place tends to have a constant flow of people, especially on weekends and holidays.
If you are looking for tranquility, we recommend visiting early on a weekday.
※How to Get There:
・From Osaka (about 1 hour):
Take the JR Kobe Line from Osaka Station (大阪駅).
Get off at Maiko Station (舞子駅), which takes about 45 minutes by train from Osaka.
From Maiko Station, you can walk about 5 minutes to Maiko Park and the bridge access.
・From Kyoto (about 1 hour 30 minutes):
Take the JR Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station (京都駅) heading to Kobe.
Change to the JR Sanyo Line at Sannomiya Station (三ノ宮駅).
Then, get off at Maiko Station (舞子駅), which is about 25 minutes from Sannomiya.
From Maiko Station, walk about 5 minutes to Maiko Park and the bridge access.
・From Kobe (about 30 minutes):
Take the JR Sanyo Line from Sannomiya Station (三ノ宮駅).
Get off at Maiko Station (舞子駅), which takes about 25 minutes from Sannomiya.
From Maiko Station, walk about 5 minutes to Maiko Park and the bridge access.
※Address:
2051 Higashimaikocho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 655-0047
