What to know
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋, Akashi Kaikyō Ōhashi) is the world's longest suspension bridge, stretching nearly four kilometers. Completed in 1998, it crosses the Akashi Strait between Kobe and Awaji Island, forming part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, one of three highways linking Honshu with Shikoku.
A great way to experience the bridge up close is by walking the Maiko Marine Promenade, a circular observatory walkway located about 50 meters above the water beneath the bridge deck. Accessible via elevator from the Kobe side, the walkway offers unique views of the bridge's interior, the Akashi Strait, and Osaka Bay.
At the foot of the bridge on the Kobe side, the Bridge Exhibition Center provides well-organized information on the bridge's planning and construction, along with details about other suspension bridges worldwide. However, the exhibits are only in Japanese.
Both the Bridge Exhibition Center and the Maiko Marine Promenade are a short walk from Maiko Station on the JR Sanyo Line (25 minutes, 320 yen from Sannomiya Station by local train) or Maiko-Koen Station on the Sanyo Railway Main Line.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 18:00 (until 19:00 during summer holidays and Golden Week)
- Closed
- Second Monday of the month from October to March (or following day if Monday is a national holiday), December 29-31
- Admission
- 250 yen (~$1.6) (300 yen (~$1.92) on weekends and national holidays)
- English name
- Maiko Marine Promenade
- Original name
- Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.