Tsunoshima Bridge

Tsunoshima Bridge (Japanese: 角島大橋, Hepburn: Tsunoshima-Ōhashi) is a bridge located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. The 1,780 m (5,840 ft) bridge connects the island of Tsunoshima to mainland Japan.

Tsunoshima Bridge

角島大橋
The bridge as viewed from the mainland
Coordinates34°21′09″N 130°53′13″E
CrossesAmagaseto Strait, Sea of Japan
BeginsShimonoseki
EndsTsunoshima
Characteristics
Total length1,780 m (5,840 ft)
History
Construction startSeptember 1993
OpenedNovember 3, 2000
Location

Overview
The bridge as viewed from Tsunoshima

Tsunoshima Bridge crosses the Amagaseto Strait in the Sea of Japan, linking the island of Tsunoshima with the mainland at Hōhoku, Shimonoseki.[1] It is 1,780 m (5,840 ft) long, making it the second-longest bridge in Japan behind the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge.[2][3]

The bridge is noted for its distinctive curved shape: it proceeds straight as it extends from the mainland before curving as it passes Hatoshima, an uninhabited island located in the strait. As Tsunoshima Bridge is located within the borders of Kita-Nagato Kaigan Quasi-National Park, the bridge was intentionally curved to avoid passing through Hatoshima, thus preserving its natural environment; the height of the bridge was also limited to preserve the landscape of the surrounding area.[2][4]

History

Prior to the construction of Tsunoshima Bridge, Tsunoshima and the mainland were connected by a ferry that made seven daily round-trips.[5] The ferry was frequently delayed and cancelled due to inclement weather, particularly in the winter;[5] in 1983, a group of roughly 100 island residents formed a group to advocate for the construction of a bridge.[1] Construction on Tsunoshima Bridge began in September 1993, with a total project cost of JP¥14.9 billion. The bridge opened on November 3, 2000.[5] In 2003, the bridge was recognized with the Excellence Award by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers for its environmentally-conscious design.[6]

Tourism

While the transportation access provided by Tsunoshima Bridge has contributed significantly to Tsunoshima's tourism industry, the bridge is itself a popular tourist destination for its panoramic views of the island and its proximity to several sub-tropical beaches.[2][5] Several viewing platforms and other amenities are located at Amagase Park, a park that is split into two sections on both ends of the bridge.[2] Automobile commercials and television dramas are frequently filmed on and around the bridge.[1]

Panorama of Tsunoshima Bridge from the mainland side of the bridge

See also

References
  1. "角島大橋（山口県下関市）". Asahi Digital (in Japanese). January 18, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  2. "Tsunoshima". GaijinPot Travel. 29 December 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  3. "Tsunoshima Bridge". Cool Japan. All Nippon Airways. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  4. "角島大橋交通指南". Tabirai Japan (in Chinese). Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  5. Sadamatsu, Shinjiro (November 3, 2020). "橋のおかげ にぎわう観光地に 角島大橋開通20年". The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  6. "優秀賞:角島大橋". Japan Society of Civil Engineers (in Japanese). Retrieved July 18, 2021.
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