Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Tour – Bridge World in Japan
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which spans between Honshu and Awaji Island, is recognized by Guinness as the world’s longest suspension bridge with a total length of 3,911 meters and a central span of 1,991 meters.
Height above sea level is the next largest structure after Tokyo Sky Tree (634.0 m), Tokyo Tower (332.6 m) and Abeno Harukas (300.0 m).
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge World is an experience tour in which you can go up to the main tower 298.3 meters above the sea by passing through a management passage that is usually closed.
The view overlooking the bridge is breathtaking and thrilling! There’s a lattice at the foot, and it can be seen through, so you are nervous.
There’re only 2 tours around the world where you can climb to the top of the main tower. You can experience valuable things at the Australia Harbor Bridge bridge climb and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge “Bridge World“.
What’s on the tour?
In Bridge World, after learning about Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, you can actually walk up the bridge to the top of the main tower that supports it.
It took about 10 years to complete the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and those who were involved in its construction will guide you. Enjoy the thrilling 360 degree panorama and the high level of Japanese science and technology.
Bridge World is held every Thursday to Sunday from April 1 to November 30 and on national holidays.
The participants are junior high school students or older (Accompanied by a guardian) who can walk more than 2km on their own.
Let’s make a reservation in advance on the website, and Bridge Exhibition Center on the north side of the bridge will meet on the day.
To Bridge World
First, at the Bridge Exhibition Center, you will receive a lecture on various precautions when walking on the bridge and the construction technique of the bridge.
There’s no restroom in Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, so let’s go to the restroom here.
Then, you will go to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge wearing a helmet. You walk on the administrative sidewalk toward the elevator going up to the main tower.
You walk about 1 km, and the height is 50 meters from the sea surface.
In addition, the sidewalk has a lattice, so you can see the sea surface through the gap and it’s thrilling.
It must be a precious experience for a ship to pass the sea surface far below your feet.
After walking 1 km, the main tower elevator ascends to a height of about 300 meters above the sea surface. It takes about 2 minutes to reach the tower top.
The 360 degree panorama is far more spectacular than you’d expect.
If the visibility is good, you can see Abeno Harukas in the east and Seto Inland Sea in the west.
After taking a commemorative photo at the top of the tower, you will be given a certificate at the end.
Bridge World will give you the world’s longest scale experience.
It’s also a good walking because you walk a long distance!
How to Participate
You need to make a reservation to join the Bridge World. Reservations start at 10:00 on the 1st of the month 2 months before the opening month.
It’s held 2 times a day and starts at 9:15 and 13:15. The capacity is 42 people in both morning and afternoon.
Participation fee: 3,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for junior high school students
You need an ID on the day. Junior high school students should not forget their student IDs.
You can’t bring a camera or smartphone without a strap. People who are taking pictures with their smartphones need to be careful.
They will lend you a smartphone case with a strap, but you may not be able to take a good picture due to the distortion of the plastic sheet. I recommend you to attach a strap from the beginning.