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Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge: A Marvel of Engineering

Experience the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, once the world's longest suspension bridge, offering stunning views and a testament to engineering prowess.

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The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the Pearl Bridge, is a stunning suspension bridge connecting Kobe on Honshu Island to Awaji Island. It was the world's longest suspension bridge until 2022. The bridge is a symbol of Japan's advanced engineering and offers breathtaking views of the Akashi Strait.

A brief summary to Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit the Maiko Marine Promenade for a thrilling walk with glass floors offering views of the sea below.
  • Take the Bridge World tour for a guided climb to the top of the bridge's towers for panoramic views (reservations required).
  • Visit at night to witness the bridge's stunning illumination with various color patterns.
  • Stop by the Bridge Exhibition Center to learn about the bridge's history and construction.
  • Check the seasonal hours and closing days for the Maiko Marine Promenade and Bridge Exhibition Center before visiting.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kobe, take the JR Sanyo Line to Maiko Station (approximately 25 minutes, ¥320). The Bridge Exhibition Center and Maiko Marine Promenade are a short walk from the station. Alternatively, take the Sanyo Railway Main Line to Maiko-Koen Station. From Osaka, take the train to Akashi Station. From there it is a 10 minute walk to the Akashi Ferry Terminal. Take the Akashi Awaji Ferry to Awaji Island. The fare is ¥600 for adults.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Kobe and Akashi. A taxi from central Kobe to the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge area will cost approximately ¥3,000-¥4,000, depending on traffic. A taxi from Akashi Station to the Akashi Ferry terminal will cost approximately ¥800-¥1000.

  • Driving

    The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. If driving, take the expressway to the Maiko Interchange. Parking is available at Maiko Park near the bridge. Parking costs ¥200 per hour. Note that tolls apply for using the expressway; the toll for a regular car is ¥2,300.

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Discover more about Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is an engineering marvel that forms a vital transportation link as part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, carrying approximately 23,000 vehicles daily. Spanning the Akashi Strait, a historically treacherous passage known for storms, the bridge replaced a vulnerable ferry service that had seen tragic accidents. The 1955 ferry disaster, which claimed 168 lives, was a key motivator for the bridge's construction. Completed in 1998, the bridge boasts a central span of 1,991 meters and a total length of 3,911 meters. Its construction involved innovative techniques to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including typhoon-force winds and earthquakes. The bridge's design incorporates features like a dual-hinged stiffening girder system and tuned mass dampers. During the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, the bridge withstood the tremors, a testament to its robust design. Visitors can experience the bridge in several ways. The Maiko Marine Promenade, a glass-enclosed walkway beneath the bridge deck, offers unique views of the Akashi Strait and the bridge's interior. The Bridge Exhibition Center details the bridge's construction and history. For a more exclusive experience, the Bridge World tour allows visitors to ascend to the top of one of the bridge's 300-meter-tall towers. At night, the bridge is illuminated by over 1,600 lights, creating a spectacular display.

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