The Seto Ohashi Bridge, a towering double-decker structure linking Japan's main island of Honshu to Shikoku, is an engineering marvel that appears to 'soar into the sky'. Spanning 13.1 kilometres across the Seto Inland Sea, the bridge took a decade to build at a cost of US$7 billion (£5.3 billion).
Opened to the public in 1988, the bridge carries two lanes of motorway traffic on its upper level and a railway line on the lower level, making it the world's longest combined road and rail bridge. It has slashed crossing times from over an hour by ferry to just 20 minutes.
Tourists flock to vantage points such as the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park, which offers gift shops, a rooftop viewing deck, Japanese gardens, and a children's playground. The bridge is illuminated after dark, providing breathtaking night-time views.
The construction required 3.646 million cubic metres of concrete and 705,000 tonnes of steel. Tragically, 17 workers lost their lives during the build despite safety measures. The bridge connects five islands, including Seijima and Shamijima, which were once separate islands but are now linked to the mainland.
Visitors can reach the bridge by flying into Tokyo and taking a train to Okayama, then using the JR Marine Liner or a bus from Sakaide Station. Nearby attractions include the Goshikidai Skyline route, offering panoramic views, and Kagawa Prefecture, known for its Sanuki udon noodles.
