Cross the Bridge to Adventure at Seto Ohashi Memorial Park
Nestled at the香川県 side of the iconic Seto Ohashi Bridge, this roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to the rich history and natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. More than just a stopover, Seto Ohashi Memorial Park is a dynamic cultural and recreational hub, where engineering marvel meets serene landscape. Visitors are greeted by a lush, water-ribboned path leading to the Seto Ohashi Bridge Memorial Museum, where immersive films and real construction machinery bring the bridge’s monumental story to life.
The park offers a diverse range of experiences—from scenic views and a tranquil garden inspired by the surrounding mountains, to family-friendly playgrounds, a marina, and outdoor activities like cycling and kayaking. With free parking for nearly 500 vehicles, ample facilities, and a variety of dining and shopping options, it serves as both a perfect rest stop and a full-day destination. Whether exploring the art of East Mountain Kawai or enjoying a sunset over the sea, Seto Ohashi Memorial Park delivers unforgettable moments for travelers of all ages.
Why Visit
Seto Ohashi Memorial Park stands as the only roadside station in Japan where you can stand directly beneath the iconic Seto Ohashi Bridge while touring the actual construction machinery used during its 1988 completion. Inside the free-to-enter Bridge Memorial Museum, visitors experience a powerful Brige Theater showing real footage of the bridge’s construction, followed by hands-on exhibits of massive cranes and steel beams. The park also features the only official art installation dedicated to the bridge’s 35th anniversary—its arch-shaped monument—making it a unique destination for history, engineering, and photography enthusiasts.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and relaxing rest areas.
Parking Lot
Available for 159 regular vehicles, 8 large vehicles, and 13 accessible parking spaces. The parking lot is open 24 hours, though there are temporary nighttime closures to prevent disruptive behavior such as reckless driving or noise.
Main roadside station area
Toilet
Includes 15 male toilets and 12 female toilets. Accessible toilets are available for people with disabilities.
Main roadside station area, near the museum and marindome
Information Corner
Provides information and assistance to visitors. Located within the roadside station complex.
Main roadside station area
Children's Playground
Features large playground equipment and a grassy area for children. Popular with families and school groups.
Within the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park
Hot Spring
A public hot spring facility available for visitors to enjoy.
Main roadside station area
Shower
Public showers available for visitors' convenience.
Main roadside station area
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facility. Note: As of October 15, 2025, the rapid charging equipment is temporarily out of service.
Main roadside station area
Nursing Room
A dedicated space for breastfeeding and changing diapers, equipped with baby changing tables.
Main roadside station area
Grassy Area
A large open grassy field ideal for relaxation, picnics, and outdoor activities.
Within the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park
Park Playground
A playground with large play equipment designed for children.
Within the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for visitors at the roadside station.
Main roadside station area
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on workshops, seasonal events, and outdoor adventures by the sea.
Bridge Theater Experience
ブリッジシアター
Watch a powerful film about the construction of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, presented in a dedicated theater space at the memorial park.
Duration
30 min
Bridge Construction Machinery Exhibition
展示広場
Explore the actual machinery used during the construction of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, displayed in an open-air exhibition area.
Duration
60 min
Yoga Class
ヨガ教室
Participate in a guided yoga session held at the park, promoting relaxation and mindfulness in a natural outdoor setting.
Duration
90 min
Outdoor sessions may be canceled or moved indoors in rainy weather.
Virtual Bridge Experience
バーチャル体験
Explore a virtual reality experience of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, offering immersive views and historical insights.
Duration
45 min
Landscape Garden Walk
庭園
Stroll through a beautifully designed garden inspired by the mountain streams of Sanuki, surrounded by greenery and water features.
Duration
60 min
Children's Playground
こども広場
Enjoy large-scale playground equipment designed for children, ideal for family outings and school trips.
Duration
120 min
Viewpoint and Observation Deck
展望地
Visit a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and the surrounding Seto Inland Sea.
Duration
30 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around opening hours and seasonal events for the best experience at the roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM on weekdays to enter the Seto Ohashi Memorial Park museum before it opens at 9:00 AM, avoiding the mid-morning crowd and ensuring you can watch the free Bridge Theater film before it fills up.
- Hidden Gems: At the Hashicafe restaurant, order the "Sakawa Special" lunch box (available only from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) — it includes locally made Sanuki-style udon and a seasonal vegetable side, a menu item exclusive to the roadside station.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Hashicafe kitchen counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to witness the live preparation of the "Sakawa Mochi" — a seasonal sweet made with local azuki beans and rice flour, sold only during the morning hours.
- Best Viewing Spot: Walk along the water corridor from the park entrance to the Seto Ohashi Memorial Museum and stop at the southern edge of the water path just before the museum — this spot offers the clearest, unobstructed view of the Seto Bridge at sunset, especially during the winter months.
- Event Timing: Attend the free yoga class held every Sunday morning at 9:00 AM in the marindome area — it’s hosted by a local wellness group and is only announced on the official website’s event calendar.
- Parking Tip: Use the designated accessible parking near the museum entrance (13 spaces) if you plan to visit the exhibition hall — it’s the closest spot to the museum’s main entrance and avoids the need to walk through the full park.
- Food Timing: Visit the deli counter in the marindome building before 2:00 PM to get the last fresh batch of “Seto Ohashi Curry Rice” — this special lunch item, made with local ingredients, sells out by early afternoon and is not restocked.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in full color from late March to early April, creating a vibrant sea of yellow near the park’s entrance.
Summer (June–August): The bridge’s nightly illumination draws visitors, while the waterside park offers cool respite from summer heat.
Autumn (September–November): The park’s foliage turns rich hues from late October, enhancing views from the observation deck.
Winter (December–February): The bridge’s illuminated night view is especially striking during cold winter evenings, with fewer crowds.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a large playground with giant equipment, a grassy field, baby facilities, nursing rooms, and changing tables. Interactive exhibits and a family-friendly environment enhance the experience.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse dining options including restaurants, cafes, and local specialty stalls. Fresh produce and regional products are available, with a strong focus on authentic Shikoku cuisine and quality ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, restrooms, showers, and a quiet environment. Overnight stays are permitted, though parking access is restricted at night to prevent disturbances.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts stunning views of Seto Ohashi Bridge, lush greenery, and water features. The park offers excellent photo spots, seasonal landscapes, and a serene, picturesque atmosphere.