The Charm of Kakushima Ohashi Bridge
Located in the northwestern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, the Kakushima Ohashi Bridge is a 1,780-meter-long bridge connecting Kakushima, a small island in the Sea of Japan, with Honshu. Since its opening in 2000, the bridge has attracted many visitors with its beautiful curves and the surrounding emerald green sea. It is especially noteworthy to foreign tourists as a spot where they can enjoy a spectacular view as if they were at a resort in a foreign country. I visited this place several years ago and still vividly remember the exhilarating moment of crossing the bridge and the quiet time I spent on the island. Official information can be found on the Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism website, and TripAdvisor’s reviews are also helpful (TripAdvisor’s Kakunoshima Ohashi page ). Check the location on Google Maps for a good idea of the driving course in the area (Google Maps ).
How to get there and the best season
Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge is about a 30-minute drive from Tokugyu Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line. It is recommended to use a rental car. A convenient route is to take the Shinkansen bullet train to Shin-Yamaguchi Station and rent a car from there. I flew from Tokyo to Yamaguchi-Ube Airport by airplane and headed there by rental car. Along the way, you will be surrounded by peaceful countryside, which adds to the excitement of the trip. The best season is from spring to autumn, especially in summer when the colors of the sea become even more vivid when crossing the bridge under a blue sky. In winter, be aware that the wind is often strong. Related search terms such as “Kakunoshima Bridge access” and “Kakunoshima Bridge weather” will give you real-time information.
The moving moment of crossing the bridge
When you actually drive across the Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge, the view of the ocean on both sides of the bridge is breathtaking. The bridge is about 20 meters above the sea level, which makes you feel as if you are flying over the sea. I got off at a viewing spot where I could park my car in the middle of the bridge and took some pictures. The breeze was pleasant and the sound of the waves was soothing. For foreigners, this view is similar to the Hana Highway in Hawaii, but more accessible and less crowded. On Kakunoshima Island, just across the bridge, you can explore the lighthouse and beach. Kakunoshima Lighthouse (TripAdvisor ) is especially recommended, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
Explore the island’s hidden spots
Kakunoshima itself is a small island, but it is dotted with charming spots. Kakunoshima Beach, for example, boasts white sand and crystal clear water, perfect for snorkeling. I visited in the summer and dove into the sea. The water temperature was comfortable and I was excited to see schools of fish. Another retreat is the fresh seafood dishes available at the local eatery. The sashimi of squid and turban shells are superb, and eating them while listening to the stories of local fishermen is exceptional. The related words “Kakunoshima beach” and “Kakunoshima gourmet” are often searched for, and they are certainly worth it. Ohama Beach at the northern end of the island is also a beautiful spot for sunsets. In my experience, I visited at sunset and lost track of time watching the silhouette of the bridge turn orange.
Driving Course in the Surrounding Area
Starting from Kakunoshima Bridge, a drive around the Japan Sea side of Yamaguchi Prefecture is also recommended. The nearby Motonosumi Shrine (TripAdvisor ), with its 123 red torii gates, is a spectacular sight and a great Instagram photo. I drove about an hour from Kakushima to visit and had the magical experience of passing through a tunnel of torii gates. The road runs along the coastline, so the scenery is uninterrupted. You can find similar plans by looking up queries such as “Yamaguchi Prefecture driving course” or “sightseeing around Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge.” If you go to the karst plateau of Akiyoshidai, you will be impressed by the beauty of the natural formations. On my trip, I was able to visit all of these places in a single day and spent a fulfilling time without getting tired.
Points to note and items to bring
Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge is free to cross, but the bridge can sway on windy days. I was there near the typhoon season, so I checked the weather forecast frequently. Sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle are essential items to bring. There are few convenience stores on the island, so prepare in advance. Foreign visitors should take advantage of translation apps as there are few English signs. In my case, Google Translate worked great. Also, from the standpoint of environmental protection, please have the good manners to take your garbage home with you. These small efforts are the key to preserving this beautiful place for the future.
Private Wisdom-like Summary
A trip to Kakunoshima Ohashi Bridge is a special experience that makes you forget your everyday life. What I learned through my visit was the importance of appreciating the beauty of nature with all five senses. The harmony of the blue sea and the bridge leaves a deep impression on the mind. If you are looking for a minor Japan, please visit. It will surely become a treasure of your trip as a private wisdom.
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