Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Maiko Promenade, Awaji & Kobe, Hyogo

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Maiko Marine Promenade, Awaji Island & Kobe, Hyogo. Connecting Kobe with Awaji Island across the churning currents of the Akashi Strait, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is one of the world's grandest engineering marvels. By night, illuminated cables shine in vibrant rainbow colors earning it the name "Pearl Bridge." Visitors walk glass-floored sky corridors at Maiko Marine Promenade before heading to Akashi's Uonotana Market for piping hot Akashi-yaki (egg dumplings) at Honke Kitahachi, and raw shirasu whitebait bowls at Michi-no-Eki Awaji. ✦ Must-Visit Highlights: ▸ World-Class Suspension Wonder: Walk glass-floored walkways suspended 47 meters above the swirling Akashi Strait currents. ▸ Golden Dashi Akashi-yaki: Dip delicate, fluffy octopus-filled egg puffs into hot savory dashi broth at Uonotana Market. ▸ Luminous Pearl Bridge Nightscape: Admire dazzling computerized LED light displays reflecting across the Seto Inland Sea.