Favorite Photos

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge – The World’s Longest Suspension Bridge

Today’s photo features one of my favorite bridges in Japan: The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is with almost 4 km the world’s longest suspension bridge!
The bridge connects Maiko in Kobe with Awaji Island.
It’s a relatively new bridge and was opened in 1998.

For bridge lovers I suggest you check out the Bridge Exhibition Center at the foot of the bridge, the Maiko Marine Promenade and for the hardcore fans the “Bridge World” guided tour where you’ll access the top of the bridge towers and can view the bridge from high above!

 

Favorite Photo #2: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge - connection Kobe and Awaji Island

(‘click photo to enlarge)

Here’s why I like the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge so much:

It’s illuminated at night. The light patterns are different every season.
Every full hour you can see rainbow colors for about 5 mins – which is a must-see!
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge’s illumination can be seen from dusk until midnight.
There are almost 2000 lightbulbs, looking like colorful pearls. That’s why Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is also called “Pearl Bridge“.

The area around the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge – directly next to the ocean – is great for a late evening stroll.
It’s safe, there are many couples, joggers and other people around, too! But not so many that it feels crowded or anything.
I feel that I can relax when I stroll around or just sit there, listening to the ocean and staring at the bridge.

When I need to relax or time to think this is one of my favorite places to be at night!
So, of course, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge had to be featured as favorite photo! smilie

You can see the bridge when you take a train from Kobe / Akashi to Maiko (bound for Himeji).
Access: Get off at Maiko Sta. and walk for a few minutes. You can already see the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, so you won’t get lost.

What’s your favorite bridge in Japan?
What’s your favorite place for relaxing in Japan? smilie

8 Comments

  • Very nice shot indeed :thumbup: The illumination in rainbow colors provides a special atmospheric setting, and makes me regret that I “only” got some daytime shots of the bridge last year (see Kobe album in the website link). I agree with your description of the area, it makes for a very pleasant stroll – I walked east along the beach to also check out the Outlet Shopping area and an adjacent shrine, before returning to the city.

    Another nice Japanese bridge for me is the Seto-Ōhashi Bridge, connecting Okayama-ken with Shikoku (my wife’s family lives not far away, and my father-in-law was quite proudly showing the bridge to me some time ago).

    • Hi Norbert!
      I think I already told you that I really love your photos! I think the Akashi Bridge is quite nice during the day time, too, and as mentioned there are several opporunities to explore the bridge further during the daytime! :D

      The Seto-Ohashi Bridge, the Big Naruto Bridge and the Kanmon Bridge in Shimonoseki that connects Honshu with Kyushu (you can even walk!!!) are the ones I like quite a bit!

  • Looks amazing at night and would be very romantic for couples at night. My favourite place for relaxing in Gifu is one of the many onsens (hot springs) they are great for body and mind.

    • Onsen in general can be a great place to relax, but it depends.
      If you go somewhere popular during high season, there will be so many people that it’s not relaxing at all anymore.
      Of course, one can always get a private bath! ^-^

      You like Gifu a lot, don’t you!

      Yakushima – if you go outside of the main season – can be a great place to relax, too! :thumbup:

  • I haven’t seen the Akashi Bridge, which indeed looks impressive. The Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo is my favorite in Japan at this time.

    Place for relaxing in Japan? I guess I would have to name a great ryokan, like the Minamikan in Matsue. Actually Matsue is a very nice city to relax in. Great to walk around in. Two other great ryokan come to mind as well: the Akazawa Geihinkan in Ito, and the Sakura-no-sho in Kotohira. The latter has the advantage of a pleasant city.

    • There are so many great bridges in Japan!! ^___^
      But you’ve been to Kobe yet, haven’t you?

      Anything that’s not too crowded can be very relaxing!
      Some Japanese gardens – when there’s nobody else around are also a great place to chill! ^-^
      Thanks for sharing your favorite places to relax! :shiawase:

      I also went to Matsue and I guess it’s a nice city (I loved the castle), but I had horrible weather and woke up with high fever the next day … so I couldn’t really enjoy Matsue at all! :notamused:

  • I didn’t know there were any pretty bridges down in Kansai..! *doesn’t explore much* lol
    It really is gorgeous! :D I’d like to go see it sometime! :stars:

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