Over the Seto Inland Sea, numerous stunning bridges span, connecting various islands. Among them are magnificent structures of world-class scale, making them perfect spots for sightseeing!
This time, we have carefully curation the 13 most worthwhile bridges and the best scenic spots in the Seto Inland Sea, ideal for both a scenic drive or a romantic date. Come and experience the unique grandeur of these bridges!
【Hyogo Prefecture】Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is a giant suspension bridge connecting Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture with Awaji Island, with a total length of 3,911 meters, making it the world’s longest suspension bridge. After about 10 years of construction, its majestic and spectacular form is awe-inspiring!
The best viewing spot is “Maiko Park,” located at the base of the bridge. You can admire the bridge from both the east and west sides, with the experience of being close to the bridge itself being particularly captivating. There’s also an artificial beach on the east side, where the combination of the beach and the bridge creates a unique charm. At sunset, the surroundings are bathed in orange light, resembling a dreamy fairyland!
In addition, nighttime light shows and occasional sea-walking events are held regularly.
- Maiko Park
- Address: 4-2051 Higashi-Maikocho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: About 5 minutes’ walk from Maiko Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line
・Car: About 5 minutes from Tarumi IC on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway
【Hyogo Prefecture to Tokushima Prefecture】Onaruto Bridge
The Naruto Strait is a rare global site for whirlpools, attracting tourists from around the world. The Onaruto Bridge framed with the whirlpools is an absolute scenic masterpiece!
To capture the beauty of the Onaruto Bridge, the “Senjojiki Observatory” in Naruto Park is recommended. Here, you can closely appreciate the giant suspension bridge with the vast Naruto Strait in the background, making it an excellent spot for photography!
If the timing is right, you can also see whirlpools on the sea surface. Spring and autumn are peak seasons for whirlpools, sometimes exceeding 20 meters in diameter! The color gradients formed by the whirlpools are as beautiful as natural artworks. Experiencing both the spectacular whirlpools and the Onaruto Bridge at the Senjojiki Observatory is truly a one-of-a-kind experience!
- Senjojiki Observatory (within Naruto Park)
- Address: Naruto Park, Tosadomariura, Narutocho, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: From Tokushima Station on the JR Koutoku Line, take the Tokushima Bus (Naruto Park direction) and get off at Naruto Park Station
・Car: About 5 minutes from Naruto-Kita IC on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway
【Okayama Prefecture】Bizen Nissei Bridge
Connecting Nisseicho in Bizen City with Kakui Island, this 765-meter bridge is nicknamed the “Bizen♡Nissei Bridge.” It is said that the “heart shape” symbolizes the passionate connection between Bizen and Nissei.
The best viewing spot is “Minato no Mieru Oka Park.” Located near the summit of Tatekoseyama, the park’s observation plaza offers a panoramic view of Nissei, perfect for photography!
The park also features the “Bell of Happiness” landmark, a romantic power spot. The bell’s frame is arched, and the bell itself is a repurposed item from an actual ship. Couples or friends visiting should make a stop to enjoy the bridge’s beauty.
- Minato no Mieru Oka Park
- Address: Nisseicho, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: About 30 minutes’ walk from Nissei Station on the JR Ako Line
・Car: About 10 minutes from Bizen IC on the Okayama Blue Line
【Okayama Prefecture to Kagawa Prefecture】Seto Ohashi Bridge
As a vital link between Honshu and Shikoku, the Seto Ohashi Bridge spans approximately 9.4 kilometers. With its double-deck structure accommodating both a highway and a railway, it is one of the largest bridges in the world.
The recommended viewing spot is “Washuzan Observatory,” which is listed among Japan’s top 100 sunset spots. At sunset, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. The nighttime light show is also popular, making it a hot spot for romantic dates.
Nearby restaurants offer views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge while you enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties, providing a double treat of food and scenery!
- Washuzan Observatory
- Address: Shimotsui Tanoura, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: From Kojima Station on the JR Seto Ohashi Line, take the Shimotsui Loop Bus to Washuzan Second Observatory Station, then walk about 5 minutes
・Car: About 10 minutes from Kojima IC on the Seto-Chuo Expressway
【Hiroshima Prefecture】Utsumi Ohashi Bridge
The double-arched Utsumi Ohashi Bridge blends perfectly with the multi-island beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, its elegant appearance captivating. With its stylish design, it’s a favorite among photography enthusiasts and can be crossed on foot or by bicycle.
The best photography spot is “Utsunoura Ikoino Mori Park.” From here, you can overlook the full view of the Utsumi Ohashi Bridge, which curves in a “く” shape, showcasing its beauty in its entirety!
In spring, this is also a cherry blossom viewing spot with a strong natural ambiance. The park has slides and swings, making it suitable for families with children.
- Utsunoura Ikoino Mori Park
- Address: Utsumi-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access:
・Car: About 5 km northeast from Utsumi Ohashi Bridge
【Hiroshima Prefecture】Onomichi Ohashi Bridge
The Onomichi Ohashi Bridge, alongside the adjacent New Onomichi Bridge, forms a pair of twin cable-stayed bridges. As the Honshu starting point of the Shimanami Kaido, it spans about 385 meters, connecting Onomichi with Mukaishima.
It’s recommended to view the Onomichi Ohashi Bridge from the sea, passing under the twin bridges for a thrilling experience! Cruise routes allow close-up observation of details not usually visible, creating an exhilarating feeling.
Nighttime is perfect for romantic dates. The light show of the twin bridges glowing in the night sky creates a fully romantic atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to experience this romantic night view!
- Onomichi Ohashi Bridge
- Address: Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture to Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi City (Onomichi Channel)
- Access:
・Train: About 16 minutes by train from Onomichi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line
・Car: About 8 minutes from Onomichi Ohashi IC on the Nishi-Seto Expressway
【Hiroshima Prefecture】Innoshima Ohashi Bridge
The Innoshima Ohashi Bridge is a large suspension bridge, approximately 1,270 meters long, connecting Mukaishima with Innoshima. Its distinctive feature is a double-deck structure, with the lower deck available for pedestrians or cyclists.
The best viewing spot is “Innoshima Ohashi Memorial Park.” Built to commemorate the bridge’s completion, this grassy park offers expansive views of the bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. The park is spacious, perfect for activities like playing frisbee or having a picnic.
The Innoshima Ohashi Bridge shines under the blue sky during the day and glows with orange hues at sunset, showcasing different charms at different times!
- Innoshima Ohashi Memorial Park
- Address: Innoshima Ohamacho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: From Onomichi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, take the Onomichi Bus or Honshi Bus (Innoshima Line, toward Innoshima Habu Port), get off at Innoshima Ohashi Station, then walk about 10 minutes
・Car: About 10 minutes from Innoshima-Kita IC on the Shimanami Kaido
【Hiroshima Prefecture】Ikuchi Bridge
The Ikuchi Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge connecting Ikuchijima with Innoshima, known for its stylish appearance. With a spacious cycling path, it’s ideal for leisurely rides. Spanning 790 meters, cycling across it is a refreshing experience.
“Ikuchi Bridge Memorial Park” is the perfect spot to view the Ikuchi Bridge, allowing you to feel the immense scale of the bridge up close. As a lesser-known spot, it’s great for avoiding crowds!
Additionally, the park’s giant dinosaur statue is a highlight, making it easy to snap eye-catching photos with the sea and the bridge in the background.
- Ikuchi Bridge Memorial Park
- Address: 2125-5 Innoshima Suegocho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: About 30 minutes by train from Onomichi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line
・Car: About 1 minute from Innoshima-Minami IC on the Nishi-Seto Expressway
【Hiroshima Prefecture to Ehime Prefecture】Tatara Ohashi Bridge
The Tatara Ohashi Bridge, part of the Shimanami Kaido, is a 1,480-meter cable-stayed bridge connecting Hiroshima Prefecture with Ehime Prefecture. Upon completion, it was the world’s longest bridge of its kind and remains the fifth longest globally.
The best viewing spot, “Tatara Observatory,” offers a full view of the bridge, its bird-like, wing-spreading appearance elegant and captivating, earning it the title of the most beautiful bridge on the Shimanami Kaido.
Don’t miss the “Singing Dragon” phenomenon at the Tatara Bridge! Clapping under the bridge piers creates a sound that seems to echo toward the sky, adding a fun element!
- Tatara Observatory
- Address: 7505-7 Kamuracho Inokuchi, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: From Imabari Station on the JR Yosan Line, take the Shimanami Liner to Omishima BS, then walk about 10 minutes
・Car: About 1 minute from Omishima IC on the Nishi-Seto Expressway
【Ehime Prefecture】Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, a 4,105-meter bridge connecting Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture with Oshima, is the world’s first triple suspension bridge. With cycling paths on both sides, it’s bustling with cyclists on clear days.
The best viewing spot is “Kirosan Observatory Park,” at an elevation of about 300 meters. It offers a panoramic view of the sea, islands, and the bridge, with a 360-degree view that’s absolutely stunning!
The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is particularly enchanting at sunset, as the scenery gradually takes on an orange hue, breathtakingly beautiful.
- Kirosan Observatory Park
- Address: 487-4 Yoshiumicho Minamiura, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: From Imabari Station on the JR Yosan Line, take the Setouchi Kotsu Bus (express, toward Miyaurako), get off at Kirayama Station, then take a taxi for about 30 minutes
・Car: About 15 minutes from Oshima-Kita IC on the Nishi-Seto Expressway
【Hiroshima Prefecture】Akinada Ohashi Bridge
As the gateway to the Akinada Tobishima Kaido, the Akinada Ohashi Bridge is a toll bridge connecting Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture with Shimo-Kamagari Island. Showcasing exceptional engineering, it has received the Tanaka Award from the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. Its light blue exterior is refreshing, harmonizing beautifully with the blue sky and sea.
“Kabuto Iwa Observatory” in Kure City is an excellent photography spot, offering views of the Akinada Ohashi Bridge, the Seto Inland Sea islands, and even distant views of Mt. Ishizuchi. In spring, azaleas bloom, creating a strong natural ambiance loved by locals.
The Tobishima Kaido islands each have stunning scenic spots, so it’s recommended to visit them together!
- Kabuto Iwa Observatory
- Address: Noryusan, Kawajiricho, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: About 25 minutes by train from Aki-Kawajiri Station on the JR Kure Line
・Car: About 1 hour from Kure IC on the Hiroshima-Kure Road
【Hiroshima Prefecture】Ondo Ohashi Bridge
The Ondo Ohashi Bridge is a vibrant red arched bridge, the first in the Seto Inland Sea to connect an offshore island. One of its distinctive features is the spiral road leading to the bridge.
“Ondo Seto Park” is a renowned photography spot, where spring azaleas complement the bridge beautifully, and the spiral road can also be captured, ensuring perfect photos.
Looking up at the red Ondo Ohashi Bridge from below, it contrasts vividly with the blue sky. Be sure to stop and admire it while cycling or driving!
- Ondo Seto Park
- Address: Kegoyacho, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: From Kure Station on the JR Kure Line, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway Bus (via Showacho, toward Ondo Seto), get off at Ondo Tosen-guchi Station, then walk about 15 minutes
・Car: About 25 minutes from Kure IC on the Hiroshima-Kure Road
【Yamaguchi Prefecture】Oshima Ohashi Bridge
The Oshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan’s fourth-largest truss bridge, connects the mainland with Suo-Oshima. With pedestrian paths on both sides, it offers views of the swirling currents below.
The best viewing spot is “Iinoyama Observatory.” Located at a 270-meter elevation, the 14-meter-high observatory provides a panoramic view of Suo. The green Oshima Ohashi Bridge contrasts beautifully with the blue sea!
The hiking trail to the observatory is also a delight, with seasonal scenery adding to the leisurely experience.
- Iinoyama Observatory
- Address: Komatsu Higashi Seto, Suo-Oshima Town, Oshima County, Yamaguchi Prefecture
- Access:
・Train: About 50 minutes’ walk from Obatake Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line
・Car: About 40 minutes from Kuga IC on the Sanyo Expressway
