Saikai Bridge

The Saikai Bridge is a steel arch structure that crosses the Ino-ura Strait to link Sasebo City with the Nishisonogi Peninsula. Its curved design forms a distinctive outline visible from both shorelines, making it a recognizable landmark in the coastal landscape.

Construction started in 1950 using post-war reconstruction funding and was completed in 1955. The structure demonstrated new engineering techniques that Japan developed during its post-war recovery period.

The bridge links two communities and allowed residents of Nishisonogi Peninsula easier access to Sasebo's services and markets. It has become an important passage that shapes how people move between the mainland and the peninsula today.

The bridge is open to both pedestrians and vehicles, with viewing areas where you can watch the water below from its span. Visiting during quieter times allows you to better observe the waters and take photos without heavy traffic.

The strait beneath the bridge is home to one of Japan's three major tidal currents, where powerful swirling waters form under certain conditions. This natural force makes the location an interesting observation point for those curious about the ocean's raw power.

Location: Sasebo

Location: Saikai

Inception: November 1955

Official opening: December 1, 1955

Length: 316.26 m

Part of: 100 bridges in Japan

GPS coordinates: 33.05306,129.75778

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:22