Saikai Bridge Step out of the car and see the strait's currents at work

I parked the car and headed for the walkway on Shin-Saikai Bridge. The bridge deck stretched overhead, with diagonal braces to my left. Through the gaps, I could see the strait, and beyond it another bridge sweeping in a broad arch. It was a whole different view from the one I got passing through.

The bridge arcing right in front of us was Saikai Bridge, built in 1955. It's separate from Shin-Saikai Bridge, where we were walking. My friend and I compared their shapes and agreed this was a good place to take a walk and see both bridges properly.

Hands loosely clasped, I watched the water. A thin white streak crossed the blue sea. It shifted direction; the current seemed to gather, then spread out again. Rather than count the big whirlpools, I found myself following the smaller movements in the water.

Hario Strait, which Saikai Bridge crosses, is known for its swift currents and whirlpools. The cherry blossoms are lovely in spring, too, so after watching the water, you can make time for a stroll in the park. I came in a pale pink blouse under a navy cardigan, and with the sea breeze on my face, I was curious about the blossoms too.

Saikai Bridge's total length is given as 316m, and it rises 43m above sea level. Driving over it, it felt like one continuous stretch of road. From the side, though, its arch spans the whole strait. Crossing it, looking up at it, taking in the view from the side: each gives me a different picture of the bridge.

A seafood rice bowl at nearby Toto no Yado Restaurant sounds perfect after our stroll. But first, my friend and I are heading to the park for the cherry blossoms; we'll decide what to order after that. I'd planned to cross the bridge and go straight home, so I'm glad our trip made room for a walk and a proper look around.