A viral video of a bridge in Japan has stunned social media users with its deceptively steep incline. The Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Japan has been posted multiple times on TikTok, with a recent video garnering over 25 million views and attracting a range of comments from people baffled by its almost vertical gradient.
Some TikTok users debunked the viral video and pointed out that the angle of the video creates an optical illusion, making the bridge appear more vertiginous than it is. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) website, the 1.7km bridge spans Lake Nakaumi and is situated between Sakaiminato in the Tottori Prefecture and Eshima in Shimane Prefecture.
The JNTO said that the Eshima Ohashi Bridge “looks impossibly steep” but in reality, its 6.1 per cent gradient (from the Shiman Prefecture side of the bridge) is minimal in comparison to the world’s steepest street, Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand, which boasts a gradient of 34.8 per cent.
Since construction finished in 2004, the Eshima Ohashi Bridge has become a popular tourist destination. A spokesperson for Sakai Port Authority – the organisation that manages the bridge – told Japanese news outlet Japan News in 2021 that it received a plethora of photograph requests. The Bridge has an approximate apex of 44.7m and was built so cargo ships can enter and leave the Matsue Port without interruption.
JNTO said the Eshima Ohashi Bridge is the largest rigid-frame bridge in Japan and the third largest in the world. It had its first taste of stardom when it was featured in a local Daihatsu commercial.
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge has captured the attention of social media once again, with a recent viral video showcasing its seemingly steep incline. While some users were amazed by the bridge’s design, others pointed out that the angle of the video created an optical illusion. Despite the debate, the bridge remains a popular tourist destination in Japan, offering stunning views and unique architectural features.
Constructed in 2004, the Eshima Ohashi Bridge spans Lake Nakaumi and connects Sakaiminato and Eshima. With a gradient of 6.1 per cent, the bridge may appear daunting in videos and photos, but in reality, it is much less steep than it seems. The bridge’s strategic location allows cargo ships to pass through easily, showcasing the blend of functionality and aesthetics in its design.
The Sakai Port Authority, responsible for managing the bridge, has received numerous requests for photographs and inquiries about shooting locations. The bridge’s fame has continued to grow over the years, with its appearance in a Daihatsu commercial further solidifying its iconic status.
Despite the initial confusion caused by the viral video, the Eshima Ohashi Bridge remains a symbol of innovation and modern engineering in Japan. Its unique design and impressive scale continue to attract visitors from around the world, highlighting the enduring appeal of this architectural marvel.