Guida
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 of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and provides technical insights into its unique structure. Within the park, you can find unique fountains designed to mimic the shapes of suspension and cable-stayed bridges, alongside expansive lawns and dedicated children's play areas. The park is also home to various sculptures by the renowned artist Masayuki Nagare. Adjacent to the park, you can visit the Seto Ohashi Tower, which offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea from a height of 108 meters, and the Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Museum. The area is also famous 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 site for communicating the construction process and the technical background of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, one of Japan's most important pieces of infrastructure. The park also holds significant artistic value, with many works by sculptor Masayuki Nagare installed throughout the grounds. Together with the neighboring museum, it serves as a cultural hub that preserves the history of regional art, culture, and civil engineering technology.
The park offers diverse facilities themed around the structure of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. The fountains, designed with the shapes of suspension and cable-stayed bridges, are iconic landmarks. For those looking to relax or stay active, there are large lawns, a soccer field, and a target bird golf course. A highlight of any visit is the Seto Ohashi Tower; from its 108-meter observation deck, visitors can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the Seto Inland Sea. Additionally, the memorial museum provides detailed exhibits and documents regarding the construction and engineering of the bridge.
The park itself is open 24 hours a day, offering different atmospheres depending on the season and time of day. During the daytime, you can enjoy the bright blue sea of the Seto Inland Sea contrasted against the majestic engineering of the bridge. Summer is an excellent time for outdoor recreation on the lawns or near the fountains. Please note that the East and North parking lots are closed on Friday nights, Saturday nights, and the nights before public holidays, so it is important to check the schedule if you plan to visit during these times. The scenery changes beautifully with each season, providing a fresh perspective on the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
Visitors can engage with nature and art through various activities. You can relax in the spacious lawn areas or the children's playground, or enjoy sports at the soccer field or target bird golf course. For a more cultural experience, you can visit the Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Museum or take in the views from the Seto Ohashi Tower. Exploring the park's paths, which are adorned with sculptures and architectural designs inspired by the bridge, is a wonderful way to spend your time.
The park is surrounded by several cultural and tourist facilities. The Kagawa Prefectural Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Museum offers a chance to experience fine art, while the Seto Ohashi Tower is a must-visit landmark located right next to the park. Additionally, there is a 'Michi-no-Eki' (roadside station) nearby, where you can shop for local specialties and gather information about the region. The entire area is characterized by the beautiful coastline of the Seto Inland Sea.