Seto Ohashi Bridge

Seto Ohashi Bridge is a bridge system spanning the Seto Inland Sea, linking Okayama Prefecture on Honshu with Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku. Completed in 1988 after nearly ten years of construction, the bridge created a permanent link between Shikoku and the main islands, replacing ferry services. The system consists of six separate bridges connecting five islands, with total length approximately 13.1 kilometers. Construction addressed deep water, strong currents, and accommodation of road and rail traffic. The bridge carries the Seto-Chuo Expressway for vehicles and JR Seto-Ohashi Line for trains on a double-deck structure.

The bridge transformed Shikoku's connectivity and economy, ending isolation and enabling efficient movement. The engineering demonstrates Japan's technological capabilities, with design withstanding earthquakes, typhoons, and maritime conditions. The bridge is a Seto Inland Sea landmark providing dramatic sea and island views. The double-deck design combines road and rail infrastructure.

Visitors experience the bridge by crossing via car, bus, or train. Driving across the Seto-Chuo Expressway provides elevated sea and island views from the upper deck, with crossing taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Train passengers on the JR Seto-Ohashi Line travel on the lower deck. Observation facilities near bridge approaches include Seto Ohashi Memorial Park on the Sakaide (Kagawa) side, featuring museums, observation towers, and construction exhibitions.

Washuzan Hill observation point on the Kurashiki (Okayama) side provides panoramic bridge and seascape views. These viewpoints allow appreciation of the bridge's scale and engineering. Seto Inland Sea boat tours sometimes pass beneath or near the bridge, offering water-level perspectives.

The bridge connects Okayama on Honshu to Sakaide and Utazu in Kagawa on Shikoku. The JR Seto-Ohashi Line connects Okayama Station with Takamatsu Station, crossing the bridge in approximately 50 to 60 minutes. The Seto-Chuo Expressway allows vehicular crossing with tolls (typically several thousand yen). Seto Ohashi Memorial Park is accessible via buses or taxis from JR Sakaide Station. Washuzan Hill is accessible from JR Kojima Station or by car.