Onawaba Bridge

Onawaba Bridge connects Matsue in Shimane Prefecture with Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, spanning across Lake Nakaumi with a length of about 1.7 kilometers. The structure has separate lanes for vehicles and pedestrians, allowing both types of traffic to cross safely.

The bridge was completed in 2004, replacing an older drawbridge that blocked traffic flow and frequently caused delays due to ship passages. This new structure greatly improved transportation conditions between the two regions.

The bridge name, written as 大縄場大橋 in Japanese characters, reflects the local geographic nomenclature and traditional naming conventions for infrastructure projects.

The crossing offers separate lanes for cars and dedicated paths for walkers, making passage clear and safe. Visitors can enjoy the landscape while crossing, but should be prepared for changing weather conditions and wind gusts over the water.

The bridge was built with a curved design, climbing the lake at different grade angles of 6.1% on one side and 5.1% on the other. These asymmetrical slopes were necessary to accommodate the varying elevation differences between the two shores.