Great Seto Bridge

Seto Inland Sea

Enjoy full ocean views of the Seto Inland Sea while driving

Great Seto Bridge (Seto Ohashi) is the inclusive name for six consecutive bridges connecting five islands in the Seto Inland Sea — providing access between Honshu (Japan’s main island) and Shikoku (where Kagawa Pref. is located). If you drive a car along the bridge, you can see alternating seascapes and landscapes, quiet ocean views and natural island scenery. At Seto Ohashi Memorial Park near the departure point from Kagawa Pref., visitors can view the entire series of bridges from the observation room of Seto Ohashi Tower.

An immense project connecting Honshu and Shikoku

Started in 1978, the Great Seto Bridge was a truly monumental work that took 10 years to finish. With its successful completion, Shikoku was directly connected to Honshu. Total length of all bridges in the series is approximately 13 kilometers. Among bridges combining rail lines and roadways, the Great Seto Bridge still holds the title of the “world’s longest two-tiered bridge.” From an engineering perspective, the Great Seto Bridge employs the latest cutting-edge technologies of its time for bridge construction over the ocean. Its use of design variations — including suspension, cable-stayed, and truss bridges — is a fascinating aspect of the Great Seto Bridge achievement.

Only 15-minute one-way trip brings you to Honshu

If you drive a car directly across the 13-kilometer Great Seto Bridge, it takes just about 15 minutes. And, if you drop by on the way across the Seto Inland Sea, you can have an enjoyable half-day excursion. While driving across the bridge on a fine day is refreshing fun, driving in the glow of sunrise or sunset and in nighttime illumination can be an unforgettable experience. What’s more, at another end of the bridge on the Honshu side is Kurashiki-shi, Okayama Pref., so you can enjoy strolling through the historical city streets of Kurashiki if you extend your trip to the other side. Yoshima Service Area at the midpoint of the Great Seto Bridge is a recommended spot for viewing the seascape at sunset (when the sky is clear).

For reference

Tel

078-291-1033 (Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway)
Open hour

24 hours a day
Open period

365 days a year
Toll

between Kagawa (Sakaide IC) and Okayama (Hayashima IC): 3,300-6,800 yen (varies depending on vehicle size)