Akashi Kaikyo Bridge - Hyogo

Connecting the island of Awaji and Kobe City which are both in Hyogo Prefecture, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋) is the longest bridge in Japan to date. 

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge History

Prior to the construction of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, ferries carried passengers across the Akashi Strait. However, the strait is known to be a dangerous waterway that already took countless lives. The most famous of which was in 1955 when two ferries sank in the strait during a storm. This tragedy claimed 168 lives and was said to be what convinced the Japanese government to develop plans to construct a bridge.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge as seen from Awajishima

Crossing Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from Kobe City

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋)

However, it took almost 30 years for the plans to come to reality. Construction of the bridge started in 1988 it involved 100 contractors and hundreds of laborers. The bridge finally opened to the public 10 years later on April 5, 1998. The total cost of its construction was estimated to be at 3.6 billion US dollars. 

View the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kobe City with these

The bridge as a backdrop is as beautiful as these flowers

The cannon-like object on the right actually shows you how thick the cable on the bridge is.

Upon completion, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge became the country's longest bridge. The total length of the bridge is 3911 meters or 12,831 feet. It's the longest span in 1991 meters while its highest point is 282.8 meters making it the 7th tallest bridge in the world. To protect the bridge from the strong winds that pass through the strait (winds here could reach up to 178 mph), earthquakes, and powerful sea currents, the bridge was built with a dual-hinged stiffening girder system.

To add life to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, a total of 1737 illumination lights were installed in it. Sets of three high-intensity discharge lamps with red, green, and blue colors are mounted on the main cable. Using computer technology, the light can be programmed to create a variety of combinations for illuminating the bridge during special occasions like national/ regional holidays, memorial days, and other festivities. 

Going to Awajishima

To pass through Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one has to pay 2,300 yen at the toll booth. The amount is used to repay the funds used in the construction of the bridge. According to statistics, the bridge is used by approximately 23,000 cars per day.

Gotta love the scenic bridge

Ella and Yomogi enjoying the scenic stroll with Akashi Kaikyo Bridge as the backdrop

My family and I got to cross Akashi Kaikyo Bridge on the 10th day of our 2018 Japan Trip. We were on a road trip to Awajishima when we passed through the bridge. Just a bit of a side note, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge can actually be seen from the house of our Japanese family in Kumatori in Osaka Prefecture on a clear day. Prior to our 2nd visit to Japan, the bridge was a frequent topic during my chats with Mr. Toshi. He usually mentions it and told me that we'd cross it when I visit Japan again. That's why it was like a dream come true when we finally saw and crossed Japan's longest bridge.

Team Nicerio with Akashi Kaikyo Bridge as our backdrop at Awaji Rest Area

Overall, crossing Akashi Kaikyo Bridge remains to be one of the most memorable experiences that I had during our 2nd visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Admission Fee:

To pass through Akashi Kaikyo Bridge one has to pay a toll booth fee of 2300 yen. Aside from that did you know that Akashi Kaikyo Bridge can actually be explored? Visitors can join The guided Bridge World Tour. Tourists need to pay 3100 yen per adult and 1500 yen for children 13 years of age to join The Bridge World Tour. 

Akashi Kaikyo Opening Hours:

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is open 24 hours for motorists going to and from Awajishima. However, for those planning to join the tour, you can check out this LINK.

Why visit Akashi Kaikyo Bridge?

By the mere fact that Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is currently the longest suspension bridge in the world, it's out of the question of why one needs to at least see it. If you have the chance, join the Bridge World Tour to get a more "intimate" experience of the bridge.

Getting to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge:

You won't be able to walk on the bridge unless you join a tour but one can visit the Bridge Exhibition Center at the foot of the Kobe side of the bridge or the Maiko Marine Promenade under the bridge's platform.

These can be reached by foot from Maiko Station on the JR Sanyo Line or by Maiko-Koen Station on the Sanyo Railway Main Line.

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