How long does it take to cross Tatara Bridge on foot or by bicycle?

Crossing Tatara Bridge by bicycle typically takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on your pace and how often you stop for photographs. The bridge span is approximately 1.5 kilometers including approach sections. Walking across takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Many visitors choose to pause at scenic viewpoints along the dedicated pedestrian and cycling path to enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea, so you may want to allow extra time for sightseeing.

Is there a toll to cross Tatara Bridge?

There is no charge for pedestrians and cyclists using the dedicated pathway on Tatara Bridge. However, motorized vehicles must pay a toll as part of the Shimanami Kaido expressway system. The toll varies depending on your vehicle type and which section of the route you travel. Motorcycles and cars pay standard expressway rates, with the full Onomichi-Imabari route costing approximately 4,000 to 5,000 yen for regular vehicles.

Can I rent a bicycle near Tatara Bridge?

Yes, bicycle rental terminals are available at multiple locations along the Shimanami Kaido, including on both Omishima Island and Ikuchijima Island near the bridge. The rental system allows for one-way trips, meaning you can pick up a bicycle at one terminal and return it at another. Standard rental bikes cost around 1,000 to 1,200 yen per day, with electric-assist bicycles available for a higher fee. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons, though walk-up rentals are usually possible.

What is the best time of year to visit Tatara Bridge?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather for cycling or walking across the bridge, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Spring brings cherry blossoms to the surrounding islands, while autumn features colorful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, though early morning or evening visits are pleasant. Winter is the quietest season with cooler temperatures but generally clear conditions. The bridge and cycling path remain open year-round regardless of season.

Are there facilities and rest areas near Tatara Bridge?

Tatara Shimanami Park on the Omishima side provides comprehensive visitor facilities including restrooms, vending machines, parking areas, and an observation tower. The park has informational displays about the bridge's construction and regional history. Basic rest facilities and bicycle parking are available at both ends of the bridge. For meals and additional services, small restaurants and convenience stores can be found in nearby communities on both Omishima and Ikuchijima islands, though options are more extensive in the larger towns of Onomichi and Imabari.

Hiroshima

Tatara Bridge, Onomichi

4.5 (473)BridgeTourist AttractionTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

The Tatara Bridge spans the Seto Inland Sea between Omishima Island in Ehime Prefecture and Ikuchijima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, forming a vital link in the Shimanami Kaido expressway. Opened in 1999, this cable-stayed bridge was designed by renowned bridge architect Katsuhiko Watanabe and represents a remarkable achievement in Japanese civil engineering. At the time of its completion, it held the world record for the longest cable-stayed bridge with a center span of 890 meters, a distinction it maintained until 2008.

The bridge's distinctive white towers rise 220 meters above sea level and have become an iconic feature of the Setouchi region's landscape. The design incorporates advanced engineering techniques to withstand the area's seismic activity and typhoon conditions while maintaining elegant proportions that complement the natural beauty of the island-dotted seaway. The structure uses a unique two-hinged stiffening girder system that allows for flexibility while ensuring stability.

Visitors can experience the bridge from multiple perspectives. The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route, one of Japan's premier cycling destinations, includes a dedicated cycle and pedestrian path alongside the roadway, allowing travelers to cross the bridge while enjoying panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and its scattered islands. The Tatara Shimanami Park on the Omishima side provides observation decks, rest facilities, and informational displays about the bridge's construction and the region's maritime heritage. The park also features the Tatara Tower, an observation facility offering elevated views of the bridge structure.

The bridge is accessible via the Shimanami Kaido expressway, which connects Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. Express buses run regularly between these cities, stopping at various islands along the route. Cyclists can rent bicycles at terminals on either end of the Shimanami Kaido, with rental stations available throughout the island chain for convenient one-way trips. There is no admission fee to cross the bridge on foot or by bicycle, though tolls apply for vehicles.

Phone

+81 78-291-1033

Website

www.ononavi.jp

Overview

Address

Setodachoogi, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-2403, Japan

Traveler reviews

The third bridge when cycling the shimanami kaido from onomichi. Do look out for the two wooden claps that when claps together would make an echo throughout the bridge, that's one of the main attractions of this bridge.