Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is an engineering marvel and the world's longest suspension bridge that connects Honshu with the Shikoku islands in Japan. A technological engineering marvel ahead of the rest of the world, if you’re interested in architecture or civil engineering make sure to check out the bridge museum too.
Table of Contents
- All About Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
- Quick Facts about Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
- Experiencing Akashi Kaikyo Bridge at its Best
- Summary
All About Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋) is the world’s longest suspension bridge. Constructed over an international shipping channel called Akashi Strait, it connects Kobe in Honshu Island to Iwaya on Awaji Island.
The reason for the bridge’s construction is a tragic one. Due to the rough waters of the Akashi Strait, many ships and lives were lost to sea storms including a huge storm in 1955 that sank a ferry ship and 150 of its passengers. Understandably, the public were upset and outraged at the repeated sacrifices to the ocean. In response, the government decided to construct a bridge over the strait as an alternative way to cross. A 6-lane road bridge was approved for construction in 1988.
The project was considerably big involving more than 100 contractors and costing approx. USD 3.6 billion or 500 billion yen. Remember that this happened in the 1990s; in the present day, it may cost 2x the amount. This amount is being repaid by road toll payments.
The bridge consists of three spans at a total length of 3.9 kilometers. Its supporting towers are 297 meters tall. Its materials consist of around 180,000 tons of steel and more than 3 million metric tons of concrete. Building the bridge is a lot tougher than it seems; remember that this area is prone to strong winds, storms, not to mention located over a seismic active region. In addition to being windproof, earthquake-proofing was just as, if not more, important.
After 10 long years of construction, including surviving an earthquake in 1995, the bridge was finally completed and opened in 1998.
※ Bridge World for Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, “Introduction of Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge”
Writer's Pick
Quick Facts about Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
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Akashi Bridge is so long that it would take around five Burj Khalifa (830m) laid horizontally to cover its full length.
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Originally designed to be 12,825ft long, the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995 forced the engineers to add an extra 3ft in length.
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At the time of writing, Akashi Bridge has 3 Guinness World Book Records for longest bridge span, longest suspension bridge, and a longest cable suspension bridge!
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Approx. 25,000 vehicles cross each day.
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It is fondly nicknamed ‘Pearl Bridge’ due to its resemblance to a pearl necklace when illuminated at night.
※ Guinness World Records, "Longest bridge span" "Longest bridge, cable suspension bridge" "Longest suspension bridge (anchorage to anchorage)"
Experiencing Akashi Kaikyo Bridge at its Best
Introducing the best spots to experience and admire Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in its full glory.
1. Maiko Marine Promenade
A walking promenade built on the underside of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Maiko Marine Promenade is 317 meters long and 47 meters above the water surface. Some parts of the bridge have glass floors, challenging your fear of heights and feeling yourself hanging over the Akashi Strait below. Enjoy the view “from” Akashi Kaikyo Bridge; if you’re lucky and the weather is clear, you can also see Osaka Bay, Awaji Island, and the Seto Inland Sea.
Facilities of the Maiko Promenade
Observation Lounge
A sitting area with a view of Osaka Bay and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Observe the ocean and the bridge’s support structures whilst you rest your legs.
Tom's Café
Grab lunch or a tea break at the only restaurant facility in Maiko Marine Promenade. Enjoy the view of the ocean and surroundings as you enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes rich in local flavors including tako rice, ramen noodles, and original desserts.
Entrance Fee (Adult): 300 yen (Weekends and Holidays), 250 yen (Weekdays)
TIP
Get a combo package ticket for 680 yen (Adult) that includes entry to Maiko Marine Promenade, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center (below), and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
※ Maiko Park, “Maiko Marine Promenade”
Maiko Park
The Promenade is actually part of Maiko Park. Whilst you are here, why not visit the park and its other features and attractions like Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The Memorial Hall is a unique old-style wooden building and consists of an iconic three-story octagonal hall. It is dedicated to 20th century Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, who once visited the facility. It has been a designated National Important Tangible Cultural Property since 2001.
Enjoy Maiko Beach, the pine forest park, and Dream Lens Monument created in memory of Dr. Chujiro, former mayor of Kobe - the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture. The Dream Lens sculpture comprises three distinct components, symbolizing human beings, nature, and scientific knowledge. Installed on the fifth anniversary of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and designed by Keizo Ushio, the artwork looking over the bridge and coastline brings hope and inspiration for the people from Awaji Island, Shikoku, and Honshu, all connected via this bridge.
※ Maiko Park, “About Maiko Park”
Access:
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3-mins walk from Maiko Bus Stop
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5-mins walk from JR Maiko Station on the JR Kobe Line or Tokaido-Sanyo Line
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6-mins walk from Maiko Koen Station on the San-you Dentetsu Line
※ Maiko Marine Promenade
2. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center
Akashi Bridge Exhibition Center is a science museum established to learn and promote bridge technology. It has a large collection of bridge construction engineering and design blueprints of Honshu-Shikoku bridges with a focus on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The facility offers a window of opportunity to explore Akashi Kaikyo Bridge’s history, design, and engineering.
The museum also has a VR Theatre Experience. Feel as if you’re at the top of the bridge, enjoy the panorama view and adjust your balance as you cross one of the bridge’s steel cables.
Entrance Fee: 310 yen (Adult) or get the combo package ticket
※ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center
Summary
Marvel at the longest suspension bridge in the world, a result of top-end Japanese bridge engineering. Enjoy the stunning view of the ocean from Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, stroll across Maiko Park, and go on a learning experience in the science museum. It’s a perfect one-day gateway for people looking to experience the ocean but not get down and dirty.
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