Guide
Seto Ohashi Memorial Park is a vast 10.2-hectare seaside park located in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture. The park features a memorial museum that showcases the history of the construction and technical aspects of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The landscape is dotted with unique features, such as fountains designed to mimic the shapes of suspension and cable-stayed bridges, expansive lawns, and a dedicated children's play area. Visitors can also enjoy the works of sculptor Masayuki Nagare. Adjacent to the park, you will find the Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Museum of Art and the iconic Seto Ohashi Tower, which offers a stunning 108m high observation deck overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The area is also recognized as a filming location for the movie 'UDON'.
The park was developed on the site of the Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Expo (Seto Ohashi Expo '88/Shikoku). It serves as a vital center for communicating the construction process and the engineering brilliance behind the Seto Ohashi Bridge, one of Japan's most important pieces of infrastructure. The park also holds significant artistic value, with numerous sculptures by Masayuki Nagare integrated into the landscape. Together with the neighboring museum, the park acts as a hub for local culture, art, and the history of civil engineering.
The park offers diverse facilities themed around the structure of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The fountains, designed with the aesthetic of suspension and cable-stayed bridges, are a signature sight. For those looking to stay active, the park provides large lawns, a soccer field, and a target bird golf course, making it a popular spot for recreation. A highlight of any visit is the Seto Ohashi Tower; from its 108m high observation deck, you can experience a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. The memorial museum also provides fascinating exhibits regarding the bridge's construction.
The park itself is open 24 hours a day, offering different charms depending on the season and time of day. During the daytime, you can enjoy the refreshing view of the blue Seto Inland Sea set against the majestic structure of the bridge. In the summer, the wide lawns and fountains create a perfect environment for outdoor recreation. Please note that the East and North parking lots are closed on Friday nights, Saturdays, and the nights before public holidays, so please check schedules in advance if traveling by car. The scenery of the bridge changes beautifully with the seasons.
Visitors can engage with both nature and art through various activities. You can relax in the spacious lawns and children's areas, play soccer, or try target bird golf. For a more cultural experience, you can visit the nearby Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Museum of Art or take in the views from the Seto Ohashi Tower. The park is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll among sculptural works and architectural designs inspired by the bridge.
The park is surrounded by several cultural and tourist landmarks. The Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Museum of Art offers a chance to experience fine art, while the 108m tall Seto Ohashi Tower is a must-visit landmark. Additionally, the onsite 'Michi-no-Eki' (Roadside Station) allows you to collect local information and purchase regional specialties. The entire area is characterized by the beautiful coastline of the Seto Inland Sea.
The park is a large area perfect for walking and recreation, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. When visiting specific facilities like the museum or the tower, please check their individual opening hours and admission fees. Most facilities accept both cash and credit cards. The park has a total of 430 parking spaces, but be aware of nighttime closures on certain days (Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays). While English support is generally available at major nearby facilities like the Tower and the Museum, please check local details upon arrival.