Guide
Ejima Ohashi Bridge is a 1,446.2-meter long viaduct connecting Sakaiminato City in Tottori Prefecture and Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture across Nakaumi Lake. It gained widespread fame after being featured in a Japanese television commercial as the "Beta-fumi Saka" (the steep slope). The bridge's design allows 5,000-ton class ships to pass underneath, with the highest point reaching approximately 45 meters. The steep incline when approaching from the Shimane side creates a breathtaking and iconic silhouette that is highly photogenic.
This bridge is recognized as a representative example of a Prestressed Concrete (PC) frame bridge in Japan. It serves as a vital piece of transportation infrastructure, linking the Shimane and Tottori prefectures across the waters of Nakaumi. The engineering design ensures that the road surface is set at a high elevation to prevent obstructing the navigation of large vessels, while utilizing the natural topography to create a landmark structure.
The greatest attraction is the visual impact created by the bridge's unique shape. In particular, the steep gradient from the Matsue side creates an illusion for drivers as if they are ascending directly into the sky. When viewed from the side, the elegant curve and impressive height of the structure are truly striking. The contrast between the calm waters of Nakaumi and the soaring white bridge makes it a premier destination for landscape photography.
Ejima Ohashi Bridge is accessible 24 hours a day, making it a perfect stop at any time. During the day, the bright sunlight highlights the sharp white contours of the bridge against the blue sky and sea. At sunset, the bridge's silhouette becomes particularly dramatic against the changing colors of the sky, offering a completely different mood than the daytime. Regardless of the season, it is a wonderful addition to any driving itinerary to enjoy the shifting natural scenery.
The primary way to experience this landmark is through driving. The sensation of driving up the steep incline is a unique experience for travelers. Additionally, many visitors enjoy stopping at nearby vantage points to capture the perfect shot of the bridge's geometry. Since the bridge is located near the popular Sakaiminato area, you can easily combine a scenic drive with a visit to local sightseeing spots.
The areas surrounding Ejima Ohashi are rich in tourism resources. Sakaiminato is famous for its incredibly fresh seafood, and the area is easily accessible from Yonago Kitaro Airport. Nearby, you can also explore the scenic landscapes of Tottori Prefecture, including the relaxing Togo Onsen. This makes the bridge an ideal destination for a coastal road trip through the San'in region.
Please note that Ejima Ohashi is a vehicle-only bridge; pedestrians are strictly prohibited from walking on the bridge. All visitors must use a car or bus. When taking photographs, please ensure you do so from a safe location that does not obstruct traffic. While there are no fees or reservations required to cross, it is recommended to carry cash if you plan to visit nearby facilities or restaurants. As English signage may be limited in the surrounding area, we recommend checking your route and map in advance.