For unrivaled views of the Seto Inland Sea, visitors take a tour that lets them climb to the top of a tower on the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge. This immense suspension bridge, which actually consists of three suspension bridges, measures a total length of 4,105 meters. The bridge is part of the Shimanami Kaido expressway connecting the main islands of Honshu and Shikoku.

The tower stands on Umashima, a small islet within the Kurushima Strait. To reach it, participants board a sightseeing boat from Shitadami Port on the island of Oshima, Ehime Prefecture. Tour guides offer information about the strait’s complex tidal currents, regional history, and marine life. Visitors may view the scenery from the interior of the cabin or from the lower or upper exterior decks. Once the boat reaches the islet, an elevator swiftly carries participants from the base of the bridge tower to the top.

A Cruise Through the Swirling Currents of the Kurushima Strait

The cruise traverses the roiling waters of the Kurushima Strait, which is known for having one of Japan’s fastest-moving tidal currents. One group in history known for mastering these treacherous currents were the Murakami Kaizoku pirates. This band of experienced seafarers dominated the Seto Inland Sea from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century, becoming known for their expertise in negotiating its perilous tides. Because the Murakami Kaizoku piloted boats through difficult sea lanes such as the Kurushima Strait for a fee, they were essential to shipping at the time. From the sightseeing boat, participants can glimpse the ruins of one of the group’s strongholds on a small island north of the bridge.

The fast-moving waters near the bridge contain many fish prized by anglers and commercial fishermen. Sea bream from the straits, strengthened by swimming against the currents, are said to have particularly firm and delicious flesh. These fish feature prominently in local dishes such as taimeshi, made from strips of raw, steamed, or grilled sea bream served on rice. This delicacy is readily available at the roadside station adjacent to Shitadami Port.

Spectacular Views From the Top of the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge

The boat docks at Umashima Island, a small islet supporting one of the bridge’s six towers. Visitors are led up a flight of stairs to the tower’s base, entering via a heavy metal door. An elevator then whisks them up to the top of the tower, where another set of stairs provides access to the viewing platform. This platform, enclosed on all four sides for safety, sits approximately 184 meters above sea level.

A panorama of blue waters and countless islands can be seen from the tower. The coast of Shikoku is visible to the west, with the cranes and dockyards of Imabari discernible in the distance. To the east lies Oshima Island, with the other islands of the Shimanami Kaido trailing off toward the horizon. The view also encompasses the bridge itself.

Tour Instructions and Safety Equipment

Prior to departure, a video conveys essential tour instructions and information regarding safety equipment on the sightseeing boat. Helmets issued by the tour company must be worn at all times during the bridge tower experience. Participants are strictly forbidden to carry anything in their hands or pockets; special straps are provided for securing smartphones and eyeglasses. Tours are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather, including high winds or rain.

A Highlight on a Journey Through the Shimanami Kaido

To reach the starting point for the Kurushima Kaikyo cruise and bridge experience from Shikoku, travelers must cross the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge to Oshima. This can be accomplished by taxi or rental car, but cycling is also popular. Bicycle rentals are available from Sunrise Itoyama near the Shikoku side of the bridge.

Pathways keep cyclists and pedestrians separate from car traffic both on the roads and on the bridge. Such paths are integral to the larger cycling network known as the Shimanami Kaido that traverses the islands from Imabari to the port of Onomichi on Honshu. Cyclists traveling along this celebrated route in either direction can easily make the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge experience a highlight of their journey.