Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge — Attraction in Kobe

🌉 About Akashi Kaikyō Bridge • Also known as the Pearl Bridge, the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is a world-famous suspension bridge connecting Kobe City (Honshu) with Awaji Island (Hyogo Prefecture) across the Akashi Strait. • It is the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span of 1,991 meters (6,532 ft). • Completed in 1998, the bridge is a masterpiece of modern engineering and a symbol of Japan’s innovation and resilience.

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🌟 Highlights & What to See Breathtaking Views • The bridge offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, especially beautiful at sunrise, sunset, and when illuminated at night. • It’s a popular photo spot for travelers and photographers. Maiko Marine Promenade (舞子海上プロムナード) • A special observation walkway inside the bridge, about 47 meters above sea level. • Visitors can enjoy walking on a glass floor section, offering a thrilling view directly down to the water. • There are exhibits about the bridge’s construction and history inside. Night Illumination • The bridge is beautifully lit at night with changing colors depending on the season and special events. • A romantic and scenic view, especially from Maiko Park or Awaji Island coast. Engineering Wonder • Built to withstand earthquakes and strong sea currents, it’s a true engineering marvel. • The bridge was constructed after a tragic ferry accident in 1955, inspiring safer infrastructure between...

Embarking on a cruise tour to see the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge was a memorable journey filled with panoramic views, fascinating insights, and unparalleled photo opportunities. Whether you're a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking landscapes, this cruise offers something for everyone.

As our cruise sets sail from Kobe port, we soon found ourself gliding across the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, with the majestic silhouette of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge looming in the distance. The bridge's towering towers and graceful cables create a striking sight against the backdrop of the sea and sky, serving as a harbinger of the adventures that lie ahead.

As we approached the bridge, our knowledgeable guide provided fascinating commentary on its history, design, and construction, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs that went into building this iconic structure. From its humble beginnings as a daring engineering project to its current status as a symbol of Japan's technological prowess, the story of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is as captivating as the bridge itself.

As our cruise passed beneath the bridge's soaring span, we had the opportunities to snap photos this majestic...

I am very impressed by the size of bridge

The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is a suspension bridge, which links the city of Kobe on the Japanese mainland of Honshu to Iwaya on Awaji Island. It crosses the busy Akashi Strait (Akashi Kaikyō in Japanese) as part of the Honshu–Shikoku Highway. It was completed in 1998,and has the longest central span of any suspension bridge in the world, at 1,991 metres (6,532 ft; 1.237 mi). It is one of the key links of the Honshū–Shikoku Bridge Project, which created three routes across the Inland Sea.

Akashi Kaikyō Bridge from the air

Coordinates34.6162°N 135.0205°E

CarriesSix lanes of roadway and four emergency lanesCrossesAkashi Strait LocaleAwaji Island and KobeOther name(s)Pearl Bridge Maintained by Honshu-Shikoku Bridge AuthorityCharacteristicsDesignSuspension bridge Total length 3,911 metres (12,831 ft; 2.430 mi)Height282.8 metres (928 ft) (pylons) Longest span1,991 metres (6,532 ft; 1.237 mi) Clearance below65.72 metres (215.6 ft)

HistoryDesignerSatoshi Kashima

Construction start1988

Construction end1998

Opened April 5, 1998

StatisticsToll...