Kashima Bridge

Kashima Bridge is a truss road bridge that spans the Karōto-ko-seto strait in Kure with a distinctive triangular steel framework. Its metal structure connects the eastern and western sections of the city across the waterway.

The bridge opened in 1975 and replaced the traditional ferry service that once connected the two shores. This marked a major shift in how people and goods moved across the waterway in Kure.

The bridge name reflects the local geographic designation of Kashima, following Japanese traditions of naming infrastructure after surrounding areas.

The bridge is open daily for vehicle traffic and provides a direct route for drivers between the two sides of the city. Wind conditions over the water can be stronger than on land, so caution is advisable during storms.

The bridge was built with sufficient clearance height to allow warships and large cargo vessels to pass underneath, reflecting Kure's role as a major shipbuilding center. This design choice shows how local maritime industry influenced its construction.

Location: Kure

Official opening: December 6, 1975

GPS coordinates: 34.06831,132.54011

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26