Omiodori Bridge, Road bridge in Ritto, Japan
Omiodori Bridge is a road bridge in Japan that connects the cities of Ritto and Koka across a deep valley, supported by two concrete towers. The roadway was built to carry six lanes of traffic, though it currently operates with four.
The bridge opened in 2008 as part of the Shin-Meishin Expressway, a route built to improve connections across the region. Its construction used concrete plates reinforced with corrugated steel, a method suited to the scale of the crossing.
The name Omiodori means two cranes rising back-to-back in Japanese, a concept developed together by an American designer and local students. The upward curve of the towers reflects this image, and visitors crossing the bridge can see how the shape was inspired by it.
The bridge is open to vehicles only and is not accessible on foot. Visibility above the valley can drop quickly in rain or fog, so it is worth adjusting your speed when crossing.
The light brown color of the concrete was chosen to match the weathered granite of the mountains around the valley. Someone looking at the structure from below or at a distance may notice how it sits against the rock rather than standing out from it.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
