Onomichi Bridge

Onomichi Bridge is located in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture, close to the center of Onomichi City. It opened in 1968 as Japan’s first cable-stayed bridge with a main span exceeding 200 meters. It was once a toll road, but today it can be crossed for free and also serves as an everyday local route. In 1999, Shin-Onomichi Bridge—its "twin bridge"—opened 55 meters to the west. Shin-Onomichi Bridge was designed with a similar structure to Onomichi Bridge in consideration of the landscape, but its cables are thinner and the overall form is slimmer, reflecting how technology advanced over the 30 years between them. Driving while comparing the two parallel bridges—the Onomichi Bridge unchanged for 50 years and the Shin-Onomichi Bridge evolved with newer technology—could be an interesting way to feel the passage of history. Onomichi Bridge is also the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido. With many rental bicycle shops available, cycling while looking out at the sea is refreshing and highly recommended. Onomichi Bridge is about a 5-minute drive from JR Onomichi Station.