Tatara Bridge, Onomichi

The Tatara Bridge spans the Seto Inland Sea between Omishima Island in Ehime Prefecture and Ikuchijima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, forming a vital link in the Shimanami Kaido expressway. Opened in 1999, this cable-stayed bridge was designed by renowned bridge architect Katsuhiko Watanabe and represents a remarkable achievement in Japanese civil engineering. At the time of its completion, it held the world record for the longest cable-stayed bridge with a center span of 890 meters, a distinction it maintained until 2008.

The bridge's distinctive white towers rise 220 meters above sea level and have become an iconic feature of the Setouchi region's landscape. The design incorporates advanced engineering techniques to withstand the area's seismic activity and typhoon conditions while maintaining elegant proportions that complement the natural beauty of the island-dotted seaway. The structure uses a unique two-hinged stiffening girder system that allows for flexibility while ensuring stability.

Visitors can experience the bridge from multiple perspectives. The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route, one of Japan's premier cycling destinations, includes a dedicated cycle and pedestrian path alongside the roadway, allowing travelers to cross the bridge while enjoying panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and its scattered islands. The Tatara Shimanami Park on the Omishima side provides observation decks, rest facilities, and informational displays about the bridge's construction and the region's maritime heritage. The park also features the Tatara Tower, an observation facility offering elevated views of the bridge structure.

The bridge is accessible via the Shimanami Kaido expressway, which connects Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. Express buses run regularly between these cities, stopping at various islands along the route. Cyclists can rent bicycles at terminals on either end of the Shimanami Kaido, with rental stations available throughout the island chain for convenient one-way trips. There is no admission fee to cross the bridge on foot or by bicycle, though tolls apply for vehicles.