Ohashi Bridge Matsue
Japan's Eshima Ohashi Bridge: an engineering marvel that creates a dramatic optical illusion of extreme steepness.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for clear views
Ohashi Bridge Matsue
Best Time
Best for clear views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Japan's Eshima Ohashi Bridge: an engineering marvel that creates a dramatic optical illusion of extreme steepness.
"The Eshima Ohashi Bridge looks much less steep in person than in photos; a telephoto lens is key for the illusion."
📸 Lens for the Illusion
Use a telephoto lens to capture the bridge's famously steep appearance.
🚗 Drive with Confidence
Don't be intimidated by photos; the actual drive is smoother than it looks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rollercoaster Illusion
Viewpoint near FamilyMart
Witness the optical illusion that makes this bridge appear nearly vertical, like a thrilling rollercoaster.
Engineering Marvel
Across Nakaumi Lake
Experience one of Japan's largest rigid-frame bridges, a testament to impressive modern engineering.
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Scenic Drive
Connecting Matsue and Sakaiminato
Enjoy a unique drive across the bridge, offering decent views despite the perceived steepness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Illusion of Steepness
Photography Tips & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Lens for the Illusion
Use a telephoto lens to capture the bridge's famously steep appearance.
🚗 Drive with Confidence
Don't be intimidated by photos; the actual drive is smoother than it looks.
🅿️ Parking Patience
Finding parking for photos can be tricky; consider nearby convenience stores.
💡 Understand the Illusion
The steep look is an optical trick, not a reflection of the actual gradient.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Lens for the Illusion
Use a telephoto lens to capture the bridge's famously steep appearance.
🚗 Drive with Confidence
Don't be intimidated by photos; the actual drive is smoother than it looks.
🅿️ Parking Patience
Finding parking for photos can be tricky; consider nearby convenience stores.
💡 Understand the Illusion
The steep look is an optical trick, not a reflection of the actual gradient.
🗺️ Location Context
This bridge connects Matsue and Sakaiminato, offering a unique travel experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the Eshima Ohashi Bridge less steep in person than its viral photos suggest, attributing the dramatic look to telephoto lenses. While the drive is manageable, the real thrill comes from capturing the optical illusion from specific vantage points. It's a unique engineering feat that offers a memorable experience, though tempering expectations about its actual gradient is advised.
"While photos online makes the place look very steep, it actually isn't very steep. It takes a special camera and lens to get that effect. Nevertheless the bridge is still pretty high and has a decent view of both sides while you're driving across and back"
Grahf Lee
"While photos of the Eshima Ohashi Bridge make it look incredibly steep and dramatic, seeing it in person is noticeably less overwhelming. Nevertheless, it attracts a fair number of tourists, and there are plenty of warning signs along the road to remind visitors to stay off the road. For the best photo opportunities, the area around the nearby FamilyMart offers the ideal vantage point. It's worth a visit if you're in the area, but temper your expectations if you're looking for something truly breathtaking."
T. GeBrim
"The Eshima Ohashi Bridge, located between Tottori and Shimane prefectures in Japan, is widely known for its strikingly steep appearance in photographs. However, in reality, the gradient is not as extreme as it seems in those images. The illusion of steepness is achieved through the use of telephoto lenses, which compress the perspective and make the slopes appear more dramatic.
This bridge has a total length of 1,700 meters, with a height of approximately 45 meters above the water level. The slope is 6.1% on the Matsue City side and 5.1% on the Sakaiminato City side. Despite its visual steepness, vehicles can ascend and descend the bridge without much effort, often not requiring the accelerator to be pressed.
The bridge became famous due to its steep-slope appearance in a popular TV commercial. It was later compared to other steep bridges in Japan, such as the Sakai Suido Bridge, which is 709 meters long, 40 meters high, and has a slope of 7.25% on one side, and the Nakaumi Ohashi Bridge, which is 1,446 meters long, 45 meters high, with a 7% slope. The Namihaya Bridge in Osaka, measuring 1,740 meters with a height of 47 meters and a 6.9% slope, also shares a similar design. However, the visual impact of Eshima Ohashi Bridge remains unparalleled due to its prominence in media.
Visiting the bridge provides a unique experience, but finding parking near the site for photography can be challenging. The design of the bridge, which connects to the Sea of Japan, is an impressive feat of modern engineering and resembles a rollercoaster ride when viewed from certain angles. Driving across it reveals that the ascent and descent are much smoother than they appear in photos.
For those interested in capturing the iconic steep perspective, a telephoto lens and a tripod are recommended. The best spot for such photos is from the Daikon Island side, where the lens compression effect enhances the illusion of steepness. The overall experience of driving over and photographing this famous bridge leaves a lasting impression on visitors."
A J Bashha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge connects Matsue in Shimane Prefecture and Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture. It's accessible by car, and driving across it is part of the experience. Public transport options might involve buses or trains to reach the vicinity, followed by a short taxi or walk.
Yes, despite its appearance in photos, driving across the Eshima Ohashi Bridge is generally straightforward. The actual gradient is manageable, and vehicles can ascend and descend without much difficulty.
For the best photographic opportunities, consider driving to a vantage point. The area near a FamilyMart is often recommended for capturing the bridge's dramatic illusion.
While primarily designed for vehicles, walking across parts of the bridge might be possible, but it's not the typical way to experience it. The main draw is the drive and the visual spectacle.
Information regarding tolls for the Eshima Ohashi Bridge is not widely available in the provided sources, but most major bridges in Japan do not have tolls for regular vehicle passage. It's advisable to check local signage or a navigation app for real-time information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit or drive across the Eshima Ohashi Bridge. It's a public infrastructure, and access is free.
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge is open 24/7 as it is a public road. However, for photography, daytime and golden hour offer the best lighting conditions.
There is no admission fee to view or drive across the Eshima Ohashi Bridge. The experience is free for all visitors.
Stopping on the bridge itself for photos is generally not allowed due to safety regulations. It's best to find designated viewpoints or pull-offs if available.
The main restriction is not stopping on the bridge for extended periods for photography. Always adhere to traffic laws and safety signs.
📸 📸 Photography
A telephoto lens is crucial for capturing the dramatic, steep illusion of the Eshima Ohashi Bridge. A tripod can also be helpful for stability and sharper images.
The area near the FamilyMart convenience store is a popular and effective spot for capturing the bridge's iconic steep appearance.
Daytime offers clear views, but the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide dramatic lighting that enhances the bridge's visual impact.
No, the bridge appears significantly less steep in person than in photographs, which often use telephoto lenses to exaggerate the incline.
Yes, viewing the bridge from a distance with a telephoto lens compresses the perspective, making the slopes appear much steeper and more dramatic.
🎫 💡 Interesting Facts
The bridge's appearance of extreme steepness is an optical illusion, primarily achieved through the use of telephoto lenses in photography, which compress the perspective.
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge has a gradient of 6.1% on the Matsue side and 5.1% on the Sakaiminato side, which is steep but not as extreme as it appears in photos.
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge is approximately 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) long.
The bridge's design, while appearing steep, allows large, deep-sea ships to pass underneath.
While its appearance can be intimidating in photos, the actual driving experience is not considered particularly scary by most. It's more of a visual spectacle. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that stopping on the bridge for extended periods is not allowed. The best way to enjoy it with kids is to drive across and then find a safe viewpoint nearby for photos. Pack some snacks and drinks, as facilities directly on the bridge are limited. The nearby areas might offer more family-friendly amenities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Seek out the recommended viewpoints, such as the area near the FamilyMart, and be prepared to wait for the right light. The golden hour can add a magical quality to your shots. Remember that safety is paramount; never stop on the bridge itself. Instead, utilize designated areas or nearby overlooks for your creative endeavors.
🚗 Road Trip Adventurers
Plan your route to include the bridge as part of a larger road trip through the Shimane and Tottori prefectures. The surrounding areas offer beautiful scenery and other points of interest. Remember to adhere to traffic laws and be mindful of other drivers, especially those who might be less familiar with the bridge's unique appearance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Behind the Illusion
+1The bridge's distinctive appearance, often described as a roller coaster, is not a result of a design flaw but a deliberate choice to accommodate maritime traffic. The steep gradients, 6.1% on one side and 5.1% on the other, create a dramatic visual effect, especially when viewed from a distance with a telephoto lens. This optical illusion has made it a popular subject for photographers and a unique attraction for tourists.
Despite its intimidating look in photographs, the actual driving experience across the Eshima Ohashi Bridge is surprisingly smooth. Many drivers report that they don't even need to press the accelerator to ascend the slopes, highlighting the bridge's well-engineered structure. This contrast between perception and reality is a key part of its allure.
Capturing the Iconic Shot
The most popular and effective vantage point for these iconic shots is often cited as being near a FamilyMart convenience store located in the vicinity. From this location, with the right lens and angle, you can recreate the breathtaking images seen online. While stopping directly on the bridge for photography is not permitted due to safety regulations, this external viewpoint offers the perfect opportunity.
Beyond the lens, timing also plays a role. While daytime offers clear visibility, shooting during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can add a dramatic flair to your photographs with warm, evocative lighting. Remember to be patient, as finding the perfect angle and light might take a few tries.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit