Oshima Bridge, Concrete girder bridge in Sakaiminato and Matsue, Japan
Oshima Bridge is a concrete girder structure spanning Lake Nakaumi to connect Sakaiminato and Matsue, rising 44.7 meters (147 feet) above the water. Its rigid-frame design features distinct gradients on each side, creating an asymmetrical and visually distinctive profile.
Built between 1997 and 2004, the bridge replaced an older drawbridge that prevented heavy vehicles from crossing. This new structure finally removed a major transportation bottleneck between the two cities.
The bridge gained worldwide attention after appearing in a Japanese car advertisement that showcased its striking incline. Locals and visitors alike now associate the structure with this unexpected moment of international fame.
The bridge center features observation areas where visitors can stop and enjoy views across the lake and surrounding landscape. Bring a camera, as the perspective changes dramatically depending on which direction you travel.
Each side of the bridge has a different slope, creating a noticeably uneven ride depending on your direction of travel. This asymmetry is one reason why photographs taken from different vantage points look so dramatically different.
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