Saikai Bridge

The Saikai Bridge spans 316 meters across the Ino-ura Strait, connecting Sasebo City with the Nishisonogi Peninsula through a robust steel arch structure.

Construction began in 1950 using post-war reconstruction funds, and upon completion in 1955 it became Japan's first toll bridge crossing a major strait.

The bridge received Important Cultural Property status in 2020 for its engineering excellence and role in establishing Japanese bridge construction techniques.

Visitors can access the bridge by taking a 50-minute bus ride from Sasebo Station to the Saikai Bridge West Exit stop.

The bridge stands above one of Japan's three major tidal currents, where visitors observe powerful whirlpools forming in the waters below.

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: November 28, 2025 14:29