来島海峡大橋

The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge is a major bridge on the Shimanami Kaido route, connecting Imabari and Oshima. Stretching about 4 km in total length, it is known as the world’s first triple suspension bridge. From the Oshima side toward Imabari, it consists of the First Bridge (960 m), Second Bridge (1,515 m), and Third Bridge (1,570 m). Cyclists can cross the full bridge in about 25 minutes. An elevator installed on the bridge allows pedestrians, bicycles, and motorbikes under 125 cc to descend to Umashima Island, where large anchorages (massive structures that secure the suspension cables) are located. If time allows, stopping on Umashima to view the bridge from below provides an impressive perspective. From Shitadami Port on Oshima, visitors can also take the “”Kurushima Kaikyo Rapid Current Sightseeing Boat,”” which passes under the bridge (ticketing is handled inside the shop at “”Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan””). In Imabari, the “”Kurushima Kaikyo Observatory”” displays materials about the bridge, and the area in front of it is also a scenic viewpoint where the bridge appears close and dramatic.