Akashi Kaikyo Bridge for ¥250! Complete Guide to Maiko Marine Promenade & Sunset Views

As I stepped off the train at Maiko Station, the scent of the sea breezed across my face.

Today was the day I’d see the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge up close. When I heard you could experience the world’s longest suspension bridge from directly underneath for just ¥250 (weekdays), I couldn’t wait any longer.

Come, let’s embark on this little journey together.

Duration: 4-5 hours | Budget: ¥500-2,000 | Best Season: Year-round (No holidays April-September)

First Stop: Maiko Marine Promenade

A 5-minute walk from the station brought me to the entrance.

What to Know Before Entering

Item	Details
Admission	Adults: ¥250 weekdays/¥300 weekends & holidays, High school students & under free, Seniors (70+) ¥100 weekdays/¥150 weekends
Hours	9:00-18:00 (until 19:00 during GW & summer) *Last entry 30 min before closing
Closed	April-Sept: No holidays, Oct-March: 2nd Monday (or following day if holiday), Dec 29-31
Time Needed	60-90 minutes
Deals	3-facility pass ¥840 (includes Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall & Bridge Exhibition Center)

I bought my ticket and headed inside.

Three Overwhelming Views

1. First, Look at This Glass Floor

The floor is transparent. Look down, and you see the ocean 47 meters below.

Honestly, it was scary at first. But when I mustered up the courage to take that first step, I felt this strange sensation of walking in mid-air. Never knew the sea could feel so close.

2. Look Up: A Testament to Human Engineering

Tower Height: Approx. 300 meters (same as Tokyo Tower)
Total Length: Approx. 3,911 meters (world’s longest suspension bridge)
Center Span: 1,991 meters

Viewing the bridge from directly below, it was even more massive than I’d imagined. To think this bridge stretches 3,911 meters all the way to Awaji Island. Humans really do accomplish amazing things.

3. 360-Degree Spectacular Views

Step into the observation area, and your view suddenly opens up. Awaji Island, Osaka Bay, ships passing by.

The wind was strong that day, letting me feel the raw power of the strait. I took my time and stayed for about 90 minutes.

A Few Tips

Arrive around 2-3 PM for perfect timing before sunset viewing
Sea wind can be strong—bring a light jacket
Weekday mornings are best for unhurried photography

Walking Along the Coast to Marine Pia Kobe

After enjoying the Promenade, let’s head to the next destination.

Looking at the map, I noticed Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe was just a 22-minute walk away. Why not take a coastal stroll?

A 2km walk with the sea breeze. People fishing, joggers passing by. Everyone enjoying this seaside time in their own way.

Once at Marine Pia Kobe, I took a break at a café overlooking the sea. Sipping coffee while watching ships come and go through the harbor. Kobe is a city that truly suits these moments.

A Little Luxury at LAGOON TOOTH TOOTH

If you have time, there’s a place I highly recommend visiting.

“LAGOON TOOTH TOOTH” in the Lagoon Area. A spectacular BBQ park overlooking the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Lagoon Beach.

More spacious than the Kobe TOOTH TOOTH, with a full resort atmosphere. You can enjoy BBQ plans featuring carefully selected seasonal ingredients, or bring your own for a casual experience.

BBQ while gazing at the lagoon—doesn’t that sound perfect?

LAGOON TOOTH TOOTH

Location: Marine Pia Kobe, Lagoon Area
Style: Choose from hands-free BBQ plans or bring-your-own
View: Stunning Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Lagoon Beach
Features: More spacious than Kobe location, premium urban resort

Marine Pia Kobe Basic Info

Address: 12-2 Kaigandori, Tarumi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
Hours: Varies by store (generally 10:00-20:00)
Access: 9-minute walk from JR Tarumi Station
Official Website

And Then, the Journey’s Highlight

Before I knew it, the sky began turning crimson.

“Going home now would be such a waste.”

That’s what I thought, so I decided to return to Maiko once more.

Best Spot for Sunset Views

Outside the Promenade, along the park’s coastline—that’s the best spot. No admission fee needed, and you can photograph the entire bridge with the sunset.

Photography Timing

Fall-Winter (November-February): 17:00-17:30
Spring-Summer (May-August): 18:30-19:00
A tripod helps (but be considerate when crowded)

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge bathed in orange light showed a completely different face from daytime. The sea surface sparkled, and I was truly glad I came back just for this moment.

And at Night: Art of Light

After sunset, the bridge illumination begins.

Watching the colors gradually change—in contrast to daytime’s strength—revealed a fantastical, gentle expression. I stood there for a while, just watching.

How to Enjoy the Illumination

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge illumination is actually quite elaborate.

Basic Patterns (Colors Change by Season)

Spring (April-June): Pearl Green - Fresh like new leaves
Summer (July-September): Pearl Blue - Blues of sea and sky
Fall (October-December): Pearl Pink - Gentle like autumn leaves
Winter (January-March): Pearl Yellow - Warm glow

Weekends & Holidays Special Colors

Green Blue - More vivid and calm than weekdays

Every Hour (for 5 minutes) Rainbow Colors!

At 17:00, 18:00, 19:00… rainbow colors appear every hour
Perfect timing for photography

Every 30 Minutes: Birthstone Colors

Changes to colors representing each month’s birthstone
Visiting to see your birth month’s color is also lovely

Lighting Hours

Weekdays: Sunset to 23:00
Weekends/Holidays/Special Days: Sunset to 24:00

Special Day Illuminations

New Year (Jan 1-3): Festive Red Top
Cherry Blossom Season (Early April): Pink
Golden Week: All 31 patterns in succession
Summer Vacation: Sky Blue Top
Autumn Leaves (Nov 3-7): Orange
Christmas (Dec 19-25): Special program
New Year’s Eve: Countdown program

Every first Sunday is “Kobe Proposal Day” with romantic Red Top. At 19:59-20:00, lights dim for proposal staging.

Check the official website for detailed schedules.

If You Have Time, Consider These Spots

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Ijinkan)

Beautiful hexagonal architecture, right near the Promenade.

Hours: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Mondays (or following day if holiday), Year-end (Dec 29-Jan 3)
Admission: Adults ¥300, High school & under free, Seniors (70+) ¥200
Time Needed: About 30 minutes
Deal: 3-facility pass ¥840 (with Promenade & Bridge Exhibition Center)

Bridge Exhibition Center

Learn about Akashi Kaikyo Bridge construction technology.

Hours: 9:15-17:00 (Entry until 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (or following day if holiday), Year-end (Dec 29-Jan 3) *No holidays during GW & July 20-Aug 31
Admission: Adults ¥500, Elementary/Junior high ¥250, Seniors (65+) ¥350
Recommended: Must-see for bridge & engineering enthusiasts
Deal: 3-facility pass ¥840

Azure Maiko

Beach for summer swimming and BBQ. Also popular as a walking course.

Access: 7-minute walk from JR Maiko Station
Use: Beach (summer season), BBQ facilities, walking path
Features: Beach experience with Akashi Kaikyo Bridge views

☕️ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I visit on rainy days? There are roofs, but depending on wind direction, rain may blow in. Be careful on the glass floor area as it can get slippery ☔️

Q. Is it okay with children? The glass floor might be a bit scary for small children. Strollers are allowed, but take it easy on windy days 👶

Q. Where should I take photos? Along the coastline or under the bridge—the atmosphere changes completely with different angles 📸 Shooting at different times of day is also recommended.

What I Found on This Journey

A small journey that began with just ¥250.

Yet, the excitement of experiencing the world’s longest suspension bridge up close, the pleasant fatigue from a seaside walk, the quiet beauty of dusk. It was a richer day than I’d expected.

Kobe always transforms ordinary days into something special.

What kind of light awaits the next visit?

Access Information

Maiko Marine Promenade

Address: 2051 Higashimaiko-cho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 655-0047
Train: 5-minute walk from JR Maiko Station or Sanyo Electric Railway Maiko Station
Car: 5 minutes from Daini Shimmei Road “Takamaru IC” (Parking: ¥200/hour)
Official Website: Maiko Marine Promenade

Access from Major Cities

From Osaka: About 50 minutes on JR Kobe Line
From Kobe Sannomiya: About 15 minutes on JR Kobe Line

Let’s Go Meet the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Next holiday, catch the 2 PM train to Maiko Station.

For just ¥250 (weekdays), you can experience these views and moments at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Walking the Maiko Marine Promenade alone is worth the trip.

Drawn by the afternoon light, let’s embark on a small journey. You’re sure to encounter scenery that stays with you.