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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Comments

  1. I love these pictures! This looks like a beautiful place to visit.

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    1. I agree! Awaji Rest Area is one of the places to view the magnificent Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

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  2. I really enjoyed reading your article as I've never visited Japan before,but reading about this amazing bridge and its history,I am really curious now to visit it 😍

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    1. I'm happy that I got to interest your curious side Nohaila. I do hope you get to visit Japan soon.

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  3. What an amazing adventure! Putting this on my list of places to go!

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    1. Thank you Mrs Type A. Please do include Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to your list of places to visit in Japan.

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  4. That bridge is impressive. I bet it’s so beautiful at night with the lights!

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    1. I agree. Japan is known for its illumination festivals. The bridge probably is specially illuminated at night.

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  5. I’m not sure I could go across that bridge yikes!

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  6. The scenery is beautiful and I love hearing the history behind the bridge.

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  7. The bridge looks amazing, also it took that long to build it, it kinda reminds me of a bridge in my country, it just started getting built, but during ever election the one things that each political party had in common was, we will built the bridge this year ( all of them were lying) I am guessing the view from the bridge is amazing also, and just how thick those cables are. I'm glad you finally crossed it and it didn't just remained a dream.

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    1. Hello Matija. What bridge is this? I would love to know more about that bridge, hopefully I get to cross it too.

      Please do visit Akashi Kaikyo Bridge when you are in Japan.

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  8. That bridge looks absolutely magnificent.

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    1. I agree Akashi Kaikyo Bridge really is magnificent.

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  9. Every place in Japan makes me fall in love with it...... And those facts you've gathered about this bridge makes me fall in love all over again...an engineering marvel..Iconic and jaw dropping structure.....

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    1. I agree. I do hope the Philippines would have it's own Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to connect the archipelago.

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  10. I'd love to someday cross this bridge, the photos you took shows that it's definitely worth it.

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    1. Thanks Chadden! You'd surely get the chance to cross Akashi Kaikyo Bridge someday.

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  11. I had no idea that the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge was the longest in Japan. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  12. This bridge is a modern architectural marvel. Also it will be an amazing experience watching the lights on the bridge during the night or on special occasions

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    1. That's true. You should see Akashi Kaikyo Bridge when it is illuminated. You'd love it.

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  13. Love how detailed your post is about the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge! Learned a lot about something I never knew about :)

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    1. Thank you so much Emilio. I'm happy you learned something new about Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

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  14. I'm a huge fan of bridges so that Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge caught my eye. It is a stunning bridge and worth the photos and video.

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    1. That's great. I'm happy to hear that Eliz. Thanks for visiting my blog. =)

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  15. Goodness, all I can say is that Japan is impecabbly clean! Thanks for sharing your adventures, I had a great time reading your 2018 family escapades. Hoping for great and safe travels this 2019.

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    1. Thanks Sheena. I'm praying to have a great 2019 as well. =)

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  16. Mind blowing things are mentioned and the images with video makes me crazy. I stated loving this place.

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    1. Thanks Tele Trick. I'm happy to hear that my photos and video of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is mind blowing for you. =)

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  17. awesome travel blog. I look forward in seeing more blogs like this. It's very inspiring.

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    1. Thank you Jomar. Please do check out my other articles.

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  18. awesome! I really love this travel blog. I hope I cn also travel just like you do.

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    1. Of course you can. It's all about planning and saving funds. =)

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  19. Awesome post, Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks for visiting. I hope you learned something about Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

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