Tsunoshima Bridge

Why visit

The colour of the water is the star here. On a sunny day, the sea around Tsunoshima turns a clear emerald and cobalt blue, and the slender bridge curves across it, rising gently around the small island of Hatonoshima on the way. It has appeared in many car adverts, and it is just as striking in person. The island itself is a quiet, rural place with good beaches and a fine old lighthouse.

What to see and do

• The viewpoint: the classic view of the bridge is from the car park and hill on the mainland side, near the start of the bridge.
• The drive: cross slowly and enjoy it. There is nowhere to stop on the bridge itself.
• Tsunoshima Lighthouse: a granite lighthouse from 1876, designed by the British engineer Richard Henry Brunton. You can climb to the top for a small fee.
• The beaches: Tsunoshima Ohama and Kotoshiro beaches have white sand and clear water, and are popular for swimming in summer.

Getting there

By car, Tsunoshima is about 1 hour 20 minutes from central Shimonoseki and about an hour from Motonosumi Shrine. Without a car, take the JR San’in Line to Takibe Station, then a local bus across the bridge to the island. Buses and trains are infrequent, so check the times before you go.

Tips

• Come on a sunny day around midday, when the water is at its bluest.
• Summer weekends are very busy, with traffic queues to cross the bridge.
• Bring a picnic or eat at the small restaurants near the bridge, which serve local squid and sea urchin.
• Combine the bridge with Motonosumi Shrine on a drive along the north coast.