6 Bridges in Hiroshima worth your time

Two vermilion bridges spanning a narrow strait, featuring a unique double spiral ramp and thousands of seasonal azaleas.

What it is

• A pair of vermilion bridges connecting Kure City to Kurahashi Island in Hiroshima.
• The original bridge opened in 1961 and is part of National Route 487.
• The second bridge is a Nielsen-Lohse steel arch bridge completed in 2013.
• A third bridge serves as a pedestrian overpass near the strait.

What to see

• A unique double spiral ramp on one side of the original bridge.
• Vermilion paint on both bridges designed to match the gate at Itsukushima Shrine.
• Approximately 8,300 azaleas planted in the area near the first bridge.
• Large 1,000-ton vessels passing through the narrow Ondo-no-seto Strait.
• LED illumination on the second bridge visible nightly until 10 PM.

When to go

• Evening visits offer views of the second bridge lit by LED lights.
• Spring is ideal for viewing the thousands of blooming azaleas.

Read more about Ondo Bridge

Japan's longest prefectural suspension bridge offers scenic views for travelers crossing from Honshu to the Akinada Islands.

What it is

• A three-span suspension bridge connecting Kure City to Shimokamagari Island.
• The longest suspension bridge on a prefectural road in Japan.
• A toll bridge for vehicles that opened for public use in January 2000.
• The primary link spanning the Meneko Strait as part of Hiroshima Prefectural Road 74.

What to see

• A massive structure stretching 1,175 meters across the water.
• Main towers reaching a height of 119.45 meters.
• Clearance of 40 meters above the strait for passing ships.
• Views of the surrounding Akinada Islands from the pedestrian walkway.

When to go

• Pedestrians and bicycles can cross the bridge for free at any time.
• Drivers must prepare cash as the toll plaza does not have electronic collection lanes.

Official site

www.hprc.or.jp

Read more about Akinada Bridge

A unique T-shaped bridge in Hiroshima that served as the primary target for the 1945 atomic bombing.

What it is

• A T-shaped bridge spanning the Honkawa and Motoyasu rivers in central Hiroshima.
• The primary target for the 1945 atomic bombing due to its distinctive shape.
• A functional road and tram crossing for the Hiroshima Electric Railway.
• The current structure was completed in 1983 and connects to Peace Memorial Park.

What to see

• The unusual three-way layout consisting of a main section and a connecting bridge.
• Views of the Atomic Bomb Dome located directly adjacent to the bridge.
• Trams from the Hiroshima Electric Railway crossing the bridge structure.
• The surrounding Hiroshima Peace Memorial buffer zone and river scenery.

When to go

• August 6th to witness the annual lantern floating ceremony held nearby.

Read more about Aioi Bridge

A modern, award-winning arch bridge in Hiroshima featuring a dedicated pedestrian walkway with benches and night lighting over the Ota River.

What it is

• A steel and concrete composite continuous arch bridge spanning the Ota River main stream.
• The structure carries the Hiroshima Minami Road and opened to traffic in March 2014.
• It won the JSCE Tanaka Award following an international design competition.
• The design height was restricted by aviation laws due to a nearby airfield.

What to see

• The only arch bridge structure located along the Hiroshima Minami Road.
• A separate pedestrian walkway attached to the main bridge structure.
• Integrated benches and night lighting along the pedestrian section.
• A main roadway section stretching 412.5 meters across the water.

When to go

• Visit at night to see the bridge and walkway lighting.

Read more about Ōta River Bridge

A massive double-deck suspension bridge on the Shimanami Kaido route offering dedicated paths for cyclists and motorists over the sea.

What it is

• A double-deck suspension bridge connecting Mukaishima and Innoshima in Onomichi City.
• Part of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route along National Route 317.
• Opened for public use in 1983 as the first Japanese suspension bridge with steel decks.
• A 1,270 meter long structure featuring a truss design and 135 meter high towers.

What to see

• The upper deck designed for motor vehicles and the lower deck for bicycles.
• Views of the sea from a clearance of 50 meters above the water.
• The Innoshima Bridge Memorial Park located at the Innoshima end of the bridge.
• The massive steel truss structure that appeared in the film Tora-san Takes a Vacation.

Official site

www.jb-honshi.co.jp

Read more about Innoshima Bridge

Japan's longest cable-stayed bridge, offering a scenic crossing for cyclists and pedestrians between Ikuchi and Omishima islands.

What it is

• A 1480-meter cable-stayed bridge connecting Ikuchi Island and Omishima Island.
• Part of the Shimanami Kaido expressway opened for public use in May 1999.
• The longest cable-stayed bridge in Japan with a main span of 890 meters.
• A sister bridge to the Normandy Bridge featuring a hybrid steel and concrete design.

What to see

• Two main towers reaching a height of 220 meters above the water.
• A multi-echo phenomenon called the crying dragon created by the bridge towers.
• A hybrid steel and concrete box girder structure spanning the sea.
• Views from the pedestrian and cyclist paths available for a fee.

Official site

www.jb-honshi.co.jp

Read more about Tatara Bridge