The Great Seto Bridge: Views from the Nanpu’s window on the journey from Shikoku to Honshu

The Great Seto Bridge: Views from the Nanpu’s window on the journey from Shikoku to Honshu

Now approaching the Great Seto Bridge. 
Please look to your left and right—this is the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, dotted 
with countless small islands and known for its calm waters and gentle sea breeze.
The Great Seto Bridge is one of the longest two-tier bridges in the world. Opened in 
1988, it stretches about 13 kilometers, connecting the islands of Shikoku and 
Honshu. The upper level carries cars, while the lower level, where 
we are now, is used by trains. The bridge links five small islands between 
Shikoku and Honshu, using various types of bridge engineering, including suspension 
bridges, cable-stayed bridges, and truss bridges. Each section was carefully 
designed for its specific conditions. You are now crossing the longest section 
of the bridge—a grand suspension span with a central length of about 1,100 meters. It was 
engineered to withstand strong winds, earthquakes, and the weight of passing trains like ours.
Near the bridge towers, you may see traditional lighthouses such as Nabeshima Lighthouse, guiding 
ships through the Seto Inland Sea. On clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the 
surrounding islands and coastline. We’re now nearing the end of the bridge, 
arriving soon on the Honshu side. Before the bridge was built, people had to travel by 
ferry—a journey that took nearly an hour. Today, thanks to this bridge, it takes just 
about 15 to 20 minutes by train or car. We’ll soon reach Kojima Station in Okayama 
Prefecture, our gateway to mainland Japan. From here, travelers can connect to the Shinkansen 
and explore destinations east and west. The Great Seto Bridge took ten years to build, 
from 1978 to 1988, and stands as a triumph of Japanese engineering. We hope this short journey 
across the sea has given you a sense of its scale, beauty, and significance. Please enjoy 
the rest of your journey in Japan.

Let’s cross the Great Seto Bridge together on the Nanpu Express.

The Great Seto Bridge is one of the longest two-tier bridges in the world. Opened in 1988, it stretches about 13 kilometers, connecting the islands of Shikoku and Honshu.

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