The Eshima Ohashi Bridge, often dubbed the “world’s scariest bridge,” draws crowds of tourists eager for its dramatic incline. Spanning Nakaumi Lake in Japan’s Chugoku region, this structure links Matsue in Shimane Prefecture with Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture.
Construction and Design Features
Engineers completed the rigid-frame bridge in 2004 after seven years of construction. It stands as Japan’s largest of its type and one of the world’s biggest. The design replaced an older drawbridge that halted vehicle traffic for passing ships. To allow large vessels to navigate underneath uninterrupted, the bridge features a notable incline, stretching 1.1 miles in length.
The Optical Illusion Behind Its Fame
Photos capturing the bridge’s steep angle, especially from the Shimane side, have gone viral online, creating an illusion of near-vertical ascent. Telephoto lenses exaggerate the slope, likening it to a rollercoaster. Japan’s National Tourism Organisation highlights its reputation as the planet’s most frightening crossing. In reality, the gradient measures 6.1% on the Shimane side and 5.1% on the opposite, making it fully safe for drivers. Side views reveal a far less intimidating profile.
Visitor Reactions
Travelers share mixed experiences. One visitor on TripAdvisor noted: “From side on it doesn’t look so imposing. When you are going up or down it doesn’t feel that bad. But when you are at the bottom looking up, it is mind-bogglingly steep.” Another drove across twice and observed: “It don’t look as steep as some of the picture or video show.”
Project Cost
The bridge’s construction totaled 22.8 billion Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately £106.8 million at current exchange rates. Note that yen-pound values have varied significantly over the past two decades.
