Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Viewpoint
World's first triple suspension bridge, a stunning part of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, offering panoramic sea and island views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid afternoon winds & heat
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge Viewpoint
Best Time
Avoid afternoon winds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's first triple suspension bridge, a stunning part of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, offering panoramic sea and island views.
"Breathtaking views across the entire span are spectacular and you can see several of the islands."
🚲 E-bike for Easier Ride
Consider an e-bike for the inclines, especially if you're not a regular cyclist.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Shade is scarce on the bridge. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
Spanning the Kurushima Strait
World's first triple suspension bridge, offering stunning views of islands and the Seto Inland Sea.
Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route
Connects Imabari to Onomichi
An iconic cycling path crossing eight islands, with the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge as a spectacular start/end point.
Kirosan Observatory Park
Oshima Island
A rewarding climb for panoramic views of the bridge and surrounding islands, especially at sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Cycle
Hydration is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 E-bike for Easier Ride
Consider an e-bike for the inclines, especially if you're not a regular cyclist.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Shade is scarce on the bridge. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
☀️ Sun Protection
Pack sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
📸 Capture the Views
The bridge offers incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 E-bike for Easier Ride
Consider an e-bike for the inclines, especially if you're not a regular cyclist.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Shade is scarce on the bridge. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
☀️ Sun Protection
Pack sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
📸 Capture the Views
The bridge offers incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike
You can walk, bike, or drive across the bridge for different perspectives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge for its breathtaking views and impressive engineering, calling it a highlight of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Many recommend cycling or walking across for the best experience, though some note the lack of shade and potential for strong winds.
"Absolutely breathtaking set of bridges that makes up the southwestern beginning of the shimanami Kaido. You can walk, bike, or drive across. The views across the entire span are spectacular and you can see several of the islands within the channel connecting honshu to shikoku. Be warned, there aren't many spots for shade. Bring lots of water."
Kevin Mandich
"Beautiful, worth to rent a bike and ride even if not too much"
Alina Boshkov
"Amazing place for a bicycle ride or just a walk."
Sasha Cavalli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is accessible from Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture. You can reach Imabari by train or bus. From Imabari, you can access the bridge directly to start your cycling or walking journey.
Yes, you can drive across the bridge. It's part of the Shimanami Kaido route, which connects Honshu and Shikoku.
From Imabari Station, you can rent bicycles and head directly to the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, which marks the beginning of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route.
While you can drive or cycle, public transport directly to specific viewpoints on the bridge itself is limited. The best approach is to cycle or walk across.
Yes, the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge connects Oshima Island to Imabari. You can start your journey from either side.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to walk, cycle, or drive across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge.
Yes, there are tolls for vehicles crossing the bridge. Cyclists and pedestrians typically do not pay a toll.
The bridge is generally open 24/7 for traffic. However, specific access points or facilities might have limited hours.
Yes, bicycle rental shops are available in Imabari City, allowing you to easily start your ride across the bridge and along the Shimanami Kaido.
Kirosan Observatory Park may have a small entrance fee or parking fee, but the views are considered well worth it.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while sunset provides a dramatic backdrop. The 'golden hour' is particularly stunning.
From the viewpoints on Oshima Island, especially Kirosan Observatory Park, you get expansive views. The bridge itself offers dynamic angles as you cross it.
Be cautious when taking photos while cycling. It's best to pull over to a safe spot to capture your shots.
Many users share photos of the bridge at dusk and dawn, highlighting its impressive structure against the sky.
Popular shots include wide-angle views of the entire bridge complex, close-ups of the suspension cables, and photos with the islands in the background.
🎫 🚴 Cycling & Activities
The Shimanami Kaido is generally considered manageable for beginners, especially with an e-bike. Some sections have inclines, but the views are rewarding.
Cycling the entire Shimanami Kaido (approx. 70km) typically takes one to two days, depending on your pace and how many stops you make.
Yes, there are rest areas and facilities along the bridge and the Shimanami Kaido route, offering places to take a break and refresh.
Its status as the world's first triple suspension bridge and its integral role in the scenic Shimanami Kaido cycling route are its main draws.
Yes, pedestrians are welcome to walk across the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, offering a unique perspective of the strait.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider breaking up the journey with stops on the islands. Many islands have small parks or beaches where kids can play. Packing plenty of snacks and water is crucial, as shade can be limited. The experience of crossing such an impressive bridge together is a memorable one for all ages.
🚴 Solo Cyclists
+1Consider staying overnight on one of the islands to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Meeting fellow cyclists or locals can add a unique dimension to your solo journey. The sense of accomplishment after completing the route, with the impressive bridge as a backdrop, is incredibly rewarding.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Explore viewpoints from both the Imabari and Oshima sides. Kirosan Observatory Park is a must-visit for panoramic shots. Don't forget to capture the details of the bridge's structure and the vastness of the Seto Inland Sea. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the scale, while telephoto lenses can isolate interesting details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge
+1This monumental structure offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands. Visitors can experience its grandeur by driving, cycling, or even walking across its expansive pathways. The sheer scale and design of the bridge are a testament to modern engineering, providing a unique and memorable experience for all who traverse it.
For those interested in the technical aspects, the bridge's design accounts for strong currents and winds in the strait. Its presence has transformed the region, facilitating easier travel and boosting tourism, particularly for cycling enthusiasts drawn to the Shimanami Kaido.
Cycling the Shimanami Kaido: A Cyclist's Paradise
+1Many travelers, including those who are not seasoned cyclists, find the route enjoyable, especially with the option of renting electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes). Redditors often recommend using an e-bike to tackle the inclines and enjoy the journey more comfortably. The route is well-signposted, making navigation straightforward, and offers numerous opportunities to stop, explore local culture, and savor regional cuisine.
Popular stops along the way include the picturesque island of Setoda, known for its citrus groves and temples, and the aforementioned Kirosan Observatory Park on Oshima Island, which offers panoramic views of the bridge and sea. The experience is often described as a highlight of a Japan trip, blending physical activity with cultural immersion and breathtaking natural beauty.
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Social
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