Opened in 1995, the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is a 3,911-meter-long suspension bridge connecting Tarumi Ward in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, with Iwaya in Awaji City on Awaji Island. The bridge is beautifully illuminated seasonally, with lights on display from sunset to 11 PM on weekdays and from sunset to midnight on weekends and public holidays.

You can easily access the Maiko Marine Promenade, just a short walk from JR Maiko Station. The entrance fee is 250 yen on weekdays and 300 yen on weekends and public holidays. An elevator takes you up to the 8th floor, where some walkways are made of reinforced glass, allowing you to look down at the sea. While it might be challenging for those with a fear of heights, the view is truly breathtaking.

Nearby JR Maiko Station is Maiko Park, which also offers a stunning view of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge. The photos shown are taken from Maiko Park, but the view of Kobe from the “Awaji Service Area” on Awaji Island is equally spectacular.