Ever wonder what it feels like to stand on Japan’s longest horizontally curved box girder bridge? That’s the Namihaya-Ohashi Bridge and that’s exactly where we are now. The Namihaya-Ohashi Bridge isn’t just a way to get from Taisho Ward to Minato Ward. It’s an experience.
The Namihaya-Ohashi Bridge stretches 580 meters long and 11 meters wide. Its construction finished in 1994. This bridge has an irregular curve that makes it unique. Look at the horizontal connecting beams. Notice anything unusual?
For those of you interested in the stats, the distance between the central upright beams measures 250 meters. The high beam section on the Taisho Ward side is 500 meters long. It is also 11 meters wide. The Namihaya-Ohashi Bridge is a vital evacuation route for the harbor district. It can be used in times of disaster.
Originally, crossing the Namihaya-Ohashi Bridge meant paying a toll. The toll booth was on the Taisho Ward side. Standard cars paid 100 yen. However, the Osaka Municipal Road Public Corporation dissolved in 2014. Now, it’s free for everyone.
The Namihaya-Ohashi Bridge is very high to allow large vessels to pass underneath. The bridge reaches 47 meters high which is about the 15th floor of a building. This also means that the slope is about 6.9%. For every 100 meters you walk, you go up 6.9 meters. The steepness has earned it the nickname “Osaka’s Petafumi Slope”. The bridge looks like the Japanese hiragana character “く” from above.
Many Osaka residents don’t even know about the Namihaya-Ohashi Bridge. It’s away from the typical tourist spots. But those who cross it are rewarded with amazing views. On a clear day, you can see Osaka City.
Whether you’re on foot, on a bicycle, or in a car, crossing the Namihaya-Ohashi Bridge is a memorable experience. Just remember to take it slow. Enjoy the view and appreciate this feat of engineering.