Tsunoshima Bridge Overview
Tsunoshima Bridge is located in Yamaguchi Prefecture and connects the island of Tsunoshima to mainland Japan, crossing the Amagaseto Strait in the Sea of Japan. Stretching 1,780 meters, it is one of the longest toll-free bridges in Japan. Its graceful, gently curving silhouette set against vivid cobalt-blue water has made it one of the country’s most photographed locations — and a beloved setting for car commercials, films and TV dramas.
The bridge was intentionally curved to avoid passing through Hatoshima, an uninhabited island in the strait, as it sits within the Kita-Nagato Kaigan Quasi-National Park. The pier height was also kept low to preserve the surrounding landscape, giving drivers the sensation of gliding just above the water’s surface.
Prior to the bridge’s construction, Tsunoshima was connected to the mainland by a ferry making seven daily round trips, frequently delayed by inclement weather. Construction began in September 1993 and the bridge opened on November 3, 2000. In 2003, it received the Excellence Award from the Japan Society of Civil Engineers for its environmentally conscious design.
On the island itself, visitors can explore the Tsunoshima Lighthouse — one of Japan’s oldest western-style lighthouses on the Sea of Japan coast, first lit in 1876 — along with white-sand beaches and scenic nature trails.
Best Times To Visit Tsunoshima Bridge
The sea is at its most vivid during summer (June to August), when the water glows a brilliant emerald and the beaches are open for swimming and marine sports. Sunsets are especially striking in autumn (October to November), when the setting sun silhouettes the bridge dramatically against the sky. Visiting on a clear day is strongly recommended, as the sea’s color changes dramatically with the weather. Coastal winds can be strong, especially in winter, so warm layers are advisable. Note that stopping or parking on the bridge itself is prohibited — the Amagase Park viewpoint on the mainland side is the best spot for photos.