Eshima Ohashi Bridge

The Eshima Ohashi Bridge connects Matsue in Shimane Prefecture with Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, spanning 1.7 kilometers across Lake Nakaumi in western Japan. Completed in 2004 after seven years of construction, this concrete rigid-frame bridge replaced an older drawbridge that frequently halted traffic to allow ships to pass beneath. The new structure features an exceptionally steep gradient, with a 6.1% slope on the Shimane side and a 5.1% slope on the Tottory side, designed to provide approximately 44 meters of clearance for large vessels navigating the lake.

The bridge gained international attention through a Daihatsu Tanto automobile commercial that used forced perspective photography to make the inclines appear almost vertical, creating a dramatic "rollercoaster bridge" image that went viral. While the actual slopes are steep by bridge standards, they are far less extreme than the widely circulated photographs suggest. This optical illusion effect can be recreated from specific viewing angles on either shoreline, making the bridge a popular subject for photography enthusiasts and a symbol of engineering curiosity.

Visitors typically experience the bridge by driving across it, which provides panoramic views of Lake Nakaumi and the surrounding mountains, particularly Mount Daisen on clear days. The bridge is part of National Route 431, making it a functional element of the regional road network rather than a dedicated tourist attraction. Many travelers photograph the bridge from the lakeside parks in either Matsue or Sakaiminato, where the forced perspective effect is most pronounced. The steady flow of regular traffic means visitors should exercise caution when stopping for photographs.

The bridge is accessible year-round as a public roadway with no admission fee. Drivers can reach it via National Route 431 from either Matsue or Sakaiminato, with the closest train stations being JR Matsue Station and JR Sakaiminato Station, each approximately 15-20 minutes by car or bus from their respective bridge approaches. Rental cars are widely available in both cities, and local buses along Route 431 provide public transport options.