Tsunoshima Bridge

Background

Tsunoshima Bridge is in Hōhoku, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It crosses the Amagaseto Strait in the Sea of Japan, linking Honshu with Tsunoshima Island, in an area within Kita-Nagato Kaigan Quasi-National Park. The bridge sets off straight from the Honshu side and curves around the uninhabited island of Hatoshima midway across the strait, and the curve itself is part of the view; Amagase Park, split into two sections at either end of the bridge, has several viewing platforms that are classic spots for photographing the whole bridge; car commercials and television dramas are often filmed on and around the bridge. Before the bridge was built, Honshu and Tsunoshima were linked by ferry, and ferries were often delayed or cancelled in bad weather, especially in winter; construction began in September 1993 and the bridge opened on 3 November 2000.

Local customs

• Drive or walk across the bridge, watching the colour of the water change on both sides
• stop at the viewing platforms of Amagase Park at both ends to photograph the whole bridge
• after crossing, visit Tsunoshima Lighthouse and the island's white-sand beaches to make a half-day trip.

Travel tips

• The colour of the water is most vivid from a clear morning to midday, while on cloudy days or in the evening it can look grey, so try to go on a fine day
• the island has few restaurants and shops, so bring drinking water before setting out. Driving is the most convenient option
• you can also take public transport to the Shimonoseki area and transfer from there, and please check the officially published routes before setting out.
• Spring and summer bring the brightest water colours, ideal for driving and beaches
• autumn is cool and good for photography
• winter brings rough seas and wind, so check the weather before travelling.