The bridge was constructed to alleviate heavy traffic congestion caused by the older, narrower original bridge nearby.
The strait below, Ondo no Seto, was allegedly excavated by the legendary general Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th century to improve trade routes.
During the peak azalea season in late April, the hillside turns bright pink, creating a stark color contrast with the deep red bridge.
The strait remains one of the busiest narrow passages in the Seto Inland Sea for commercial vessels and ferries.
The Ondo Long Bridge is a prominent red-painted arched truss bridge connecting the mainland of Kure to Kurahashijima Island. It spans the Ondo no Seto, a narrow, historically significant strait that is heavily navigated by maritime traffic. The bridge serves as a major transit link alongside the original 1961 Ondo Bridge. The surrounding landscape is noted for approximately 8,000 azalea bushes that bloom along the roadside during the spring season. The structure is situated in a region with high tidal currents, affecting navigation through the strait below. It stands as a vital piece of local infrastructure within the Seto Inland Sea area.
The hillside viewpoints on the Kurahashijima side of the strait, which offer an elevated perspective of the red arches framing the water.
Visit during the azalea blooming season in late April for the most vibrant scenery.
Drive across both the new Long Bridge and the older, original bridge to experience different elevation levels and viewpoints.
Pull over at the designated observation areas on the Kurahashijima side for safe views of the strait traffic.
Do not attempt to walk on the bridge itself, as it is designed for vehicular traffic with minimal pedestrian space.
