The Seto Ohashi Bridge and the birthplace of Japanese-made jeans
Kojima is the area in southern Kurashiki near the foot of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and contains Japan's first national park, Setonaikai National Park. Approximately 150 years ago, the powerful merchant Buzaemon Nozaki built a fortune developing vast salt farms here. The area is also historically associated with the textile industry and is known as a “town of textiles.” The 1960s saw Japan's first domestically produced jeans here, and Kojima continues to develope as a main area that produces Japanese jeans. Lying at the base of Washuzan Hill is Shimotsui, one of the major fishing ports in the Seto Inland Sea (Setonaikai), and fresh treats from the sea can be enjoyed.
Seto Ohashi Bridge
Opened in 1988, the Seto Ohashi Bridge carries both road and rail traffic across the Seto Inland Sea. In the evening on Saturdays and national holidays, the bridge is illuminated from sunset onward, creating a romantic atmosphere.
The Seto Ohashi Bridge measures 9,368 meters
between spans, and the total length is 13.1 km
(8.1 mi.) when all elevated portions are included. It is
also the world's longest double-decker bridge and
accommodates both road and rail traffic. It is
composed of six separate bridges including
suspension, cable-stayed and truss bridges.
Washuzan Hill
Located in a special district of Setonaikai National Park, Washuzan is a 133-meter hill with a splendid view, and is designated by the Japanese government as a special place of scenic beauty. The peak, known as Shoshuho, offers a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and the entire span of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. In particular, sunsets viewed from here are fantastic and are ranked among the 100 best in Japan. Washuzan has two lookout points.
Kojima Sightseeing Pier
Sightseeing boats departing from this pier go under the Seto Ohashi Bridge and out into the Seto Inland Sea, offering an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy its marvelous scenery.
- Operation
- 4 to 5 times a day
(explanations in Japanese only).
Cruises are ~45 minutes - Days off
- boats run on Sat and Sun and national holidays from Dec 1 to Mar 19
(but boats run on Jan 1 to Jan 3) - Cost
- Adults ¥1,550 (reduced for children)
Kumano Shrine
Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property
En no Ozunu, founder of the syncretic religion Shugendo, and his disciples built Kumano shrines all around Japan. The shrine in Kurashiki is composed of six structures that astonish visitors with their splendor. The second structure is designated by the national government, and the other structures are designated by the prefectural government, as important cultural properties.
Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum
This museum is housed in a carefully recreated Meiji-period (1868–1912) shipping agency building. It exhibits materials related to the Shimotsui area and also offers local specialties for sale.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00 (reception closes at 16:30)
- Closed
- Tue (Wed instead if Tue is a national holiday), Dec 29–Jan 3
- Admission
- Free
Nozaki House / Salt History Museum
The house is the former home of Buzaemon Nozaki, a tycoon of the salt industry. The main house and seven storehouses stand on a property of about 10,000 square meters, and teahouses scattered throughout the grounds hint at the affluence of the household during its prime. Materials related to the history of the salt industry are on view in the museum.
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00 (reception closes at 16:30)
- Admission
- ¥500 (reduced for children)
- Closed
- Mon (Tue instead if Mon is a national holiday), Dec 25–Jan 1
