Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋) is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, located in Akashi Strait between Kobe and Awaji Island in Hyogo Pref. The bridge has three spans. The central span is 1 991 m (6 532 ft), and the two other sections are each 960 m (3 150 ft). The bridge is 3 911 meters (12 831 ft) long overall. . The two main supporting towers stand 297 meters (975 feet) above the strait’s surface, making it one of the tallest bridges in the world.

The Bridge was constructed as one of Honshu-Shikoku Bridge project, which is one of the greatest projects in Japan to connect Honshu with Shikoku by both highway and railway. The construction work was started in May, 1988 and completed in April, 1998 after 10 years’ construction period.

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge stands in a seismically unstable region that also experiences some of Earth’s most severe storms. Thus, engineers used a complex system of counterweights, pendulums, and steel-truss girders to allow the bridge to withstand winds of up to 290 km (180 miles) per hour. Despite these buffers, the bridge can expand and contract up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) in a single day. The challenges posed by the bridge inspired innovations in wind-tunnel and cable-fabrication technology.

Affectionately referred to as the Pearl Bridge, the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge lights up with beautiful “pearls” after dark. There are 28 illumination patterns on the bridge which change depending on the season. Every hour, the pearls form a rainbow that creates a striking reflection in the water below. Awaji Island has a spectacular view of the bridge against the backdrop of the Kobe skyline.

Cross the Bridge for Fun Times in Awaji Island!

The toll to Awaji Island by car is ¥2,300, but coming to the island with your own car is definitely worth it since many places are only accessible via private transportation. 

Different bus operators drive through thee island and you can cross the bridge for as little as ¥480 if you get on at Maiko Station and get of right after the bridge at Awaji InterChange. However not all the buses stop at Awaji IC so be careful which bus you take when making your trip plans!

 

 

Name	Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Area	Awaji City – Kobe City
Route	National Route 28 (Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Highway)
Management	Honshu-Shikoku Expressway
Opened	April 5th 1998