Lake Nakaumi Japan
Japan's 5th largest brackish lake, famous for the visually dramatic Eshima Ohashi Bridge and abundant waterfowl.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for bridge photos
Lake Nakaumi Japan
Best Time
Best for bridge photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Japan's 5th largest brackish lake, famous for the visually dramatic Eshima Ohashi Bridge and abundant waterfowl.
"The Eshima Ohashi Bridge's steep illusion makes for unforgettable photos and a unique driving experience."
📸 Bridge Photo Trick
Drive from a distance to capture the Eshima Ohashi Bridge's steep illusion. It's less daunting up close!
🚗 Scenic Drive
The Mihonoseki Yatsuka Matsue Line offers great views of the bridge and Mt. Oyama.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eshima Ohashi Bridge
Connecting Matsue and Sakaiminato
A visually dramatic bridge with a steep incline, famous for its optical illusion in photos. A must-see engineering feat.
Lake Nakaumi Waterfowl
Various points around the lake
Abundant birdlife graces this large brackish lake, offering a peaceful natural spectacle for birdwatchers.
Scenic Island Views
Daikon Island and other small islands
Explore picturesque islands dotting the lake, offering serene landscapes and unique perspectives of the surrounding area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge Illusion
Nature and Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Bridge Photo Trick
Drive from a distance to capture the Eshima Ohashi Bridge's steep illusion. It's less daunting up close! 
🚗 Scenic Drive
The Mihonoseki Yatsuka Matsue Line offers great views of the bridge and Mt. Oyama.
🎣 Fishing Spots
Plenty of calm fishing areas around the lake for a relaxing day.
🚢 Sightseeing Cruises
Consider a boat cruise from Yonago for a different perspective of the lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Bridge Photo Trick
Drive from a distance to capture the Eshima Ohashi Bridge's steep illusion. It's less daunting up close!
🚗 Scenic Drive
The Mihonoseki Yatsuka Matsue Line offers great views of the bridge and Mt. Oyama.
🎣 Fishing Spots
Plenty of calm fishing areas around the lake for a relaxing day.
🚢 Sightseeing Cruises
Consider a boat cruise from Yonago for a different perspective of the lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Eshima Ohashi Bridge's dramatic appearance, often describing it as a 'roller coaster' bridge. The lake itself is appreciated for its calm, wave-free waters and natural beauty, offering peaceful spots for fishing and birdwatching. Some find the bridge's real-life gradient less extreme than photos suggest, but its visual impact remains a major draw.
"Perfect place for pleasant weather"
Arun kumar Chavan
"Nice place for kiting"
Taka Kite
"A very calm lake with no waves.
From the Mihonoseki Yatsuka Matsue Line, which runs along the lake, you can get a beautiful view of Eshima Ohashi Bridge and Mt. Oyama.
It is the fifth largest lake in Japan (a brackish lake), and is connected to Lake Shinji and the Ohashi River.
There was a bucket full of jellyfish swimming around."
4M-2M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Nakaumi is accessible by car, with the Eshima Ohashi Bridge connecting Matsue and Sakaiminato. Public transport options include local buses and trains to nearby cities like Matsue and Yonago, from where you can arrange local transport or taxis to reach the lake's various points.
Yes, despite its appearance, the Eshima Ohashi Bridge has manageable gradients (around 6.1% and 5.1%) and is designed for regular vehicle traffic.
Driving along the Mihonoseki Yatsuka Matsue Line offers excellent views. For a different perspective, consider boat tours or visiting the smaller islands.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Nakaumi itself is a natural body of water and does not have an entrance fee. Access to public areas, viewpoints, and driving across the Eshima Ohashi Bridge is generally free.
No, there are no tickets required to drive or walk across the Eshima Ohashi Bridge. It is a public road connecting two cities.
As a natural lake, Lake Nakaumi is accessible at all times. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended, especially for photography.
📸 📸 Photography
To capture the dramatic, steep illusion of the Eshima Ohashi Bridge, position yourself at a distance, often from the Sakaiminato side, and use a telephoto lens. Shooting during clear daylight hours enhances the effect.
Yes, the Mihonoseki Yatsuka Matsue Line provides excellent viewpoints overlooking the lake and the Eshima Ohashi Bridge. Daikon Island also offers scenic photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for landscape photography around Lake Nakaumi. However, for the Eshima Ohashi Bridge's unique perspective, midday light often works best to emphasize its steepness.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Yes, Lake Nakaumi is known for its fishing opportunities. It's a brackish lake, so you can find a variety of fish species. Many locals and visitors enjoy fishing from the shores or designated spots.
Sightseeing boat cruises are available, particularly from areas like Yonago, offering a unique way to experience the lake's expanse and surrounding scenery.
Lake Nakaumi is a haven for waterfowl, making it a great spot for birdwatching. You might also encounter jellyfish in the water, especially during certain seasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Beyond the bridge, the lake's calm waters and abundant birdlife provide opportunities for gentle outdoor fun. Consider a picnic by the lake or looking for designated fishing spots where children can try their hand at fishing under supervision. Boat tours, if available from nearby towns like Yonago, can also offer an enjoyable way for families to see the lake's scenery and islands from a different angle.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Beyond the bridge, the lake itself offers beautiful landscape photography opportunities. The small islands, the reflections on the calm water, and the surrounding natural scenery can be captured during various times of day. Sunrise and sunset can provide stunning light, while the clear blue skies of midday can emphasize the bridge's structure. Don't forget to look for wildlife, especially the diverse waterfowl that inhabit the lake.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge: An Optical Marvel
+3This impressive structure was built between 1997 and 2004 and is the largest rigid-frame bridge in Japan. The design was not for thrill-seekers but was engineered to allow large ships to pass underneath the bridge, necessitating its considerable height and the resulting steep inclines. Despite its intimidating look in photos, drivers report that it is a manageable drive, with clear signage and a steady ascent.
+2For visitors, the bridge offers a unique photo opportunity. The best way to capture the dramatic illusion is to view it from a distance, often from the Sakaiminato side, using a telephoto lens. This perspective exaggerates the incline, creating the viral images seen online. While driving across is an experience in itself, taking the time to find the optimal vantage point for photography is highly recommended.
+1Nature and Biodiversity of Lake Nakaumi
The lake's calm, wave-free surface also makes it an ideal spot for various recreational activities. Fishing is a popular pastime here, with many enjoying the tranquility of casting a line from the shore or from small boats. The presence of small, scenic islands scattered across the lake adds to its picturesque charm, offering peaceful retreats and scenic viewpoints.
Beyond the visual appeal and recreational opportunities, Lake Nakaumi plays an important ecological role. Its brackish nature supports specific types of marine life, and it serves as a crucial habitat for migratory birds. Visitors can appreciate the natural beauty by driving along the scenic routes like the Mihonoseki Yatsuka Matsue Line, which offers panoramic views of the lake, its islands, and the distant mountains.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit