[Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Tower Top Experience] A spectacular view of the suspension bridge and ocean at 300m above sea level

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is the world’s largest suspension bridge connecting Kobe City, Hyogo and Awaji Island. Did you know you can go up to the 300m-tall main tower which supports this bridge? It is usually a prohibited area, but the staff who was involved in the bridge’s construction serves as your guide and shows you around the maintenance path and the inside of the tower. Experience the one-and-only touching view at the height of 300m!

*The information provided is based on the event details as of 2023.
Information regarding the 2024 event will be announced as soon as it is confirmed on the official website of "Akashi Kaikyo Bridge World" and other relevant platforms.

Complete the safety preparation and head for the 40m-high maintenance path

Get together at the anchor block next to the “Roadside Station Awaji” before going to the main tower on the Awaji Island side. Inside the anchor block, you first get instructed about the safety issues on climbing to the tower, then put on a helmet and the strap that protects you from falling. When ready, begin walking up the 171 stairs of the maintenance path, equaling to the height of a 10-story building. This is the hardest part of the course, hang on!

A view from the Roadside Station Awaji. The concrete structure on the left is the 350,000-ton anchor block
A view from the Roadside Station Awaji. The concrete structure on the left is the 350,000-ton anchor block
Gather inside the anchor block, where you get instructed about the tour and watch a video on the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge’s construction
Gather inside the anchor block, where you get instructed about the tour and watch a video on the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge’s construction
Climb the stairs to the height equaling to a 10-story building
Climb the stairs to the height equaling to a 10-story building

Walking on the see-through stairs with the guide who knows all about the bridge

Guides are former engineers who were involved in the bridge’s construction. You can walk on the path which was actually used for construction, while listening to the pro sharing the bridge’s valuable technicalities and history. The floor of the maintenance path is just the metallic mesh to keep the effects of the wind to the minimum. You will be at the thrilling height of more than 40 m above sea level. As you move along watching the passing boats and sea, it makes you feel like walking in the air.

The guides talking about the bridge are former engineers involved in its construction
The guides talking about the bridge are former engineers involved in its construction
Avoid the dangerous edges of the maintenance path and walk in the middle
Avoid the dangerous edges of the maintenance path and walk in the middle
The view from the maintenance path is fascinating. The breeze comes freely and you are in the shade for a comfortable walk
The view from the maintenance path is fascinating. The breeze comes freely and you are in the shade for a comfortable walk

The huge panorama before you! The gorgeous view at 300m-high

After walking on the maintenance path for 1km, you arrive at the main tower at last. Get inside and shoot up to the top in the elevator. Getting out through the ceiling door, the scenery at 300m height will greet you - a sweeping panorama of Kobe’s cityscape far into Akashi. Some say you can even see the Abeno Harukas on a clear day. Take photos, making sure you do not fall. Walk back, receive a certificate, and you are done with the experience. If you are touring Awaji Island afterwards, make sure to see the illumination on the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge at night. The dreamy lights on the bridge are worth a look.

Arriving at the tower top finally. After the toil on 171 stairs and 1km climbing, the joy of seeing the beauty is incredible
Arriving at the tower top finally. After the toil on 171 stairs and 1km climbing, the joy of seeing the beauty is incredible
Kobe’s cityscape looked down from the tower on the Awaji Island side. Graceful arch of the cables on both sides
Kobe’s cityscape looked down from the tower on the Awaji Island side. Graceful arch of the cables on both sides
At the top of every hour, the bridge shines in rainbow colors, and in gem colors every 30 minutes (Photo credits: Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway Company)
At the top of every hour, the bridge shines in rainbow colors, and in gem colors every 30 minutes (Photo credits: Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Expressway Company)