石田大橋

Ishida Ohashi Bridge is a rigid frame bridge spanning 1.7 kilometers across Lake Nakaumi, connecting Matsue in Shimane Prefecture with Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture. The structure carries cars, bicycles, and pedestrians across what was once crossed by an older drawbridge that frequently opened for boat traffic.

Construction occurred between 1997 and 2004, replacing the earlier drawbridge system that significantly blocked traffic flow. This project finally enabled continuous passage between two regions that had been separated by the water for many years.

The bridge has become part of the regional infrastructure, facilitating daily transportation and commerce between the Shimane and Tottori prefectures.

The bridge is easily reached from Sakaiminato Station, roughly two kilometers away, and accommodates walking, cycling, and driving. The well-built structure handles traffic reliably throughout the year under all weather conditions.

The bridge creates an optical illusion through its height and slope angles that make it appear far steeper from a distance than it actually is. This effect makes it a favorite for photography, as pictures often look dramatically steep even though the grade is quite manageable for crossing.