Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge

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Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge

Island

Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge is a three-part suspension bridge complex near Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Travelers come for its engineering significance on the Shimanami Kaidō and the wide views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge MatsuyamaImabariTakamatsuShōdoshimaKotohira-gūTokushimaNaruto WhirlpoolsKōchiMount IshizuchiKurushima Kaikyō Bridge

Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge essentials

Address: Ōshima-Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, Japan

Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge is a long bridge complex that links the island of Ōshima to the main part of Shikoku as part of the Shimanami Kaidō road link; it opened in 1999 and was the world’s longest suspension bridge structure when completed. The crossing spans the Kurushima Strait in the Seto Inland Sea and carries an expressway across a chain of islands between Honshu and Shikoku.

Structurally it consists of three successive suspension bridges with six towers and four anchorages, including shared anchorages between spans. The total length is about 4,015 metres, with individual main spans listed as roughly 600 m, 1,020 m and 1,030 m, and the tallest towers around 160-178 m high. The design and construction were part of the larger Honshū-Shikoku Bridge Project that created multiple long-category crossings in the region.

Visiting the crossing gives a strong impression of large-scale civil engineering and of the archipelago scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. The bridge is encountered as part of the Shimanami Kaidō route used by drivers and many cycle-tourists who travel the island chain; check local information for permitted access for pedestrians or bicycles on specific sections and for rental options on nearby islands such as Ōshima (Ehime).

  • The three suspension spans: See the sequence of large suspension spans, six towers and the shared anchorages that make the bridge complex distinctive.
  • Seto Inland Sea panoramas: The bridge offers broad views across the Seto Inland Sea and the small islands clustered in the strait on clear days.
  • Engineering details up close: Look for the tower profiles, cable geometry and the long anchorage sections that join the successive suspension bridges.
  • Nearby island scenery: Combine the crossing with short detours to nearby islands such as Ōmishima Island or Ikuchijima for coastal roads and viewpoints.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge#

The climate is humid subtropical with mild winters and hot, humid summers; heavy rain is common in early summer and again in late summer. For clear views and comfortable touring, aim for spring or autumn outside the wettest months.

Spring (pleasant)
March - May · 4°C - 22°C (39°F - 72°F)
Temperatures are warming and visibility is often good, though rainfall starts to increase in April and May so pack a light rain layer.
Summer (hot and wet)
June - August · 18°C - 30°C (64°F - 86°F)
June and July see the heaviest rainfall and high humidity, with hot temperatures in July and August - expect wet weather and occasional stormy conditions.
Autumn (clear and comfortable)
October - November · 9°C - 22°C (48°F - 72°F)
Autumn brings more stable weather and clearer skies, making it one of the better times for long-distance views across the sea and for cycling between islands.

Weather & Climate near Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge#

Climate

Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1491 mm/year), wettest in June.

Air Quality: AQI 54 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 2° - 9° 2° 46 mm overcast 81% 3.9 m/s 0.4 low 10.0h
February Acceptable 2° - 9° 3° 63 mm overcast 79% 3.8 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.8h
March Acceptable 5° - 12° 6° 98 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.8h
April Good 10° - 18° 14° 148 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.0 m/s 1.2 high 12.9h
May Good 14° - 22° 18° 153 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.2 m/s 1.5 very high 13.8h
June Good 18° - 25° 22° 246 mm overcast 82% 3.2 m/s 1.5 very high 14.3h
July Good 23° - 29° 26° 192 mm overcast 84% 4.5 m/s 1.8 very high 14.1h
August Very Good 24° - 31° 30° 114 mm partly cloudy 81% 5.2 m/s 1.8 very high 13.3h
September Good 20° - 27° 24° 195 mm overcast 81% 3.7 m/s 1.3 high 12.3h
October Good 15° - 22° 18° 118 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.2 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.2h
November Good 9° - 16° 13° 76 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.4 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.2h
December Acceptable 4° - 12° 6° 42 mm overcast 81% 3.6 m/s 0.3 low 9.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge#

The bridge is on the Shimanami Kaidō between Honshu and Shikoku; the nearest city on Shikoku is Imabari. On the Honshu side the nearest notable city is Onomichi.

Major nearby airports include Matsuyama Airport on Shikoku; from Imabari or Onomichi the final stretch is reached along the Shimanami Kaidō expressway by car or bus, and many visitors approach as part of a multi-island drive or cycle route - check local services for cycle rentals and the exact arrangements for crossing the Kurushima Kaikyō spans.

Tips for Visiting Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge#

  • The crossing is part of an expressway - confirm locally whether foot or bicycle access is allowed on the particular bridge section you plan to use.
  • Weather can change quickly over the sea; bring windproof layers and protect camera gear from spray when photographing the spans.
  • Summer includes a pronounced rainy season and busy tourist periods - plan early starts or late afternoons for clearer light and quieter roads.
  • Combine a visit with Imabari or Onomichi and the nearby Seto Inland Sea islands to make the most of the crossing.