The Great Seto Bridge: A World-Class Combined Road and Railway Bridge Spanning the Sea

A grand bridge extending while linking the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, a two-tier structure with cars above and trains below, and multi-island beauty spreading beyond the window. The Great Seto Bridge, connecting Kagawa and Okayama Prefectures, is a world-class combined road and railway bridge that joined Honshu and Shikoku by land. A crystallization of the great civil engineering of the Showa era, it is also a sightseeing spot where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. Set off on a journey to take in its grand scale spanning the sea and the beautiful landscape of the Seto Inland Sea.

A Crystallization of Showa-Era Civil Engineering

The Great Seto Bridge, opened on April 10, 1988, connects Kojima in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, with Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture. With a grand structure linking five islands in the Seto Inland Sea via multiple suspension, cable-stayed, and truss bridges, it was the first to join Honshu and Shikoku by land. The bridge sections across the straits are among the longest in the world, and the total road length including the elevated viaducts on land reaches about 37 kilometers. Completed with about ten years of work and the most advanced technology of the time, this bridge was a major civil engineering undertaking representing the Showa era and a landmark project that greatly changed travel and logistics.

Highlights: The Two-Tier Road and Railway Structure

A major feature of the Great Seto Bridge is its two-tier structure. The upper deck carries the Seto-Chuo Expressway and the lower deck carries the JR railway, making it a rare combined road and railway bridge worldwide. Crossing by car offers an exhilarating drive with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, while riding the train gives the curious sensation of running across the sea. Being able to experience this giant structure, built with the finest engineering, by both car and rail is a charm unique to the Great Seto Bridge.

The Spectacular Scenery of the Seto Inland Sea

The view from the Great Seto Bridge is truly spectacular. From the bridge you can take in the beautiful multi-island scenery woven by the large and small islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea. Light glittering on the calm sea, passing ships, the sea dyed crimson at dusk: it shows different faces by the hour. From the Yoshima Parking Area at the bridge's midpoint, the observation spots on the Sakaide and Kojima sides, and the parks at the base, you can also view the full sweep of the giant bridge. At night it is illuminated, revealing a magical bridge of light floating over the sea (confirm illumination dates).

Seasonal Enjoyment

It can be enjoyed year-round, but clear days with crisp air are recommended for sharply visible multi-island beauty. Dusk, when the sea and bridge are dyed crimson, is an especially beautiful time. Views from the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park and its tower on the Sakaide side, and from the Shimotsui district on the Kojima side, are also popular. Nighttime illumination is magical and sometimes features different presentations by season.

Getting There & Basic Information

Access is by drive on the Seto-Chuo Expressway or by rail on the JR Seto-Ohashi Line (such as the Marine Liner). The Yoshima Parking Area at the bridge's midpoint is a sightseeing base you can stop at by car, with an observation deck giving a full view of the bridge and multi-island scenery. There are observation spots on both the Sakaide and Kojima sides, and at the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park in Sakaide City you can also learn about the history of the bridge's construction. Combine it with Kagawa udon and Seto Inland Sea seafood to fully enjoy this grand bridge spanning the sea and its spectacular views.

Practical Travel Notes

• If crossing by car, stopping at the Yoshima Parking Area lets you take in the bridge and islands from the observation deck.
• On the train (such as the Marine Liner) you can feel the sensation of running over the sea; choose a seaside seat to enjoy the scenery.
• You cannot cross the bridge itself on foot; enjoy the views from Yoshima or the observation spots and parks on either shore.
• Illumination dates and times may change, so confirm in advance if you want to see it at night.
• The clearer the sky, the sharper the multi-island beauty; dusk is an especially beautiful time.
• There are several observation spots, so touring both the Sakaide and Kojima sides lets you enjoy the view from different angles.

A Word of Advice

The charm of the Great Seto Bridge is that you can enjoy crossing it by both car and rail. If driving, stop at the Yoshima Parking Area observation deck; if by rail, savor the sensation of running over the sea from the window of the Marine Liner. Clear days with crisp air, and dusk, are the prime times for the spectacular view. Touring the observation spots on both shores lets you enjoy the multi-island beauty from various angles. (TabiTabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

Information on driving the Seto Ohashi Bridge and on the JR Seto Ohashi Line (such as the Marine Liner) can be checked in the public information of the road and railway companies. For the Yoshima Parking Area, the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park in Sakaide, and the viewpoints on the Kojima side, the tourism guidance of Sakaide, Kurashiki, Kagawa Prefecture, and Okayama Prefecture is helpful. Illumination dates are also announced in official information. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About half a day if you combine Yoshima and the viewpoints on both shores; passing through by car or train itself is brief.
• What to bring: The bridge cannot be crossed on foot, so travel by car or train. If you go by train, a seaside seat is recommended for the views.
• Suggested route: By car, stop at the observation deck at the Yoshima Parking Area, learn the bridge's history at the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park on the Sakaide side, and visit the viewpoints on the Kojima side to enjoy the island scenery from different angles.
• Best time: Clear days with clean air and dusk are especially beautiful.