An Artistic Design Inspired by Waves and Fishing Nets
A Bridge Shaped by the Sea
The most distinctive feature of Hashii Tower is its artistic design, which incorporates imagery connected with the Sea of Japan and the local fishing culture.
The main tower is designed to evoke the image of waves breaking along the Sea of Japan, expressing a sense of familiarity with and affection for the sea.
The wires extending from the tower are inspired by the movement of a cast fishing net being pulled back in. This design cleverly incorporates the area’s long relationship with fishing and the sea into the structure itself.
The Story Behind the Name “Hashii Tower”
The name Hashii Tower was selected through a public naming competition. It combines the nearby place name Hashi with the Japanese word for a bridge, hashi.
The shape of the structure has also been said to resemble the long neck of a dinosaur. This playful image, together with its unusual form, gives the landmark a memorable character that appeals to visitors of all ages.
A Rare Cantilever Cable-Stayed Bridge
An Unusual Engineering Design
Hashii Tower is also notable for its unusual structural design. Conventional cable-stayed bridges generally use cables extending from towers on both sides. Hashii Tower, however, uses a cantilever cable-stayed bridge design, with the cables extending from only one side.
This type of structure is relatively uncommon in Japan and gives the bridge an especially distinctive appearance.
Impressive Scale and a Boat-Shaped Profile
The bridge is approximately 130 meters long, consisting of approximately 76 meters of cable-stayed bridge structure and another 54 meters of connecting sections.
The main tower rises approximately 46 to 50 meters high, while the bridge is approximately 6 meters wide, providing a spacious passage for pedestrians.
The cross-section of the bridge has a softly rounded, boat-like form. Its smooth curves create a gentle appearance and reinforce the visual connection between the bridge and its seaside surroundings.
A Scenic Spot for Photography
With its distinctive silhouette and the Sea of Japan stretching out behind it, Hashii Tower is an excellent photography spot.
The bridge looks particularly impressive against a clear blue sky or during sunset, when the changing colors of the sky create a dramatic backdrop for its sculptural form.
Walking across the bridge also provides a different perspective of Iwami Seaside Park. Visitors can look out over the coastline, white sandy beaches, and Japanese black pine forests while enjoying the sea breeze.
Part of the Iwami Seaside Park Experience
Hashii Tower is located within Shimane Prefectural Iwami Seaside Park, a large coastal recreation area stretching approximately 5.5 kilometers across Hamada City and Gotsu City.
The park’s approximately 3.5-kilometer-long white sandy coastline forms a broad arc along the Sea of Japan. Its shallow, clear waters are among the area’s most attractive natural features, and the beach has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Swimming Beaches.
The combination of beaches, pine forests, open spaces, recreational facilities, and coastal scenery makes the park a popular destination for both local residents and travelers.
Family-Friendly Recreation by the Sea
Aquas Land
One of the park’s family attractions is Aquas Land, which features one of Japan’s largest-scale wooden athletic playgrounds.
The area includes an approximately 60-meter-long slide, trampolines, and playground equipment for young children. Its barrier-free design also allows people of different ages and abilities to enjoy the facilities.
Shimane AQUAS Aquarium
The nearby Shimane AQUAS Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. Approximately 400 species and 10,000 marine animals are displayed, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the diverse marine life of the region and beyond.
The aquarium’s beluga whales are especially popular, including their famous “Magic Ring” performance. Visitors can also observe sharks, rays, and other marine animals swimming through the large panoramic tanks.
A Hub for Swimming and Marine Sports
Anegahama Beach
At Anegahama Beach, visitors can experience a variety of marine activities, including banana boats and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Programs are available for beginners, with staff providing guidance so that first-time participants can enjoy the water with confidence.
Hashihama Beach
Hashihama Beach offers a more relaxed seaside experience. Visitors can enjoy the beach while making use of facilities such as restrooms and showers.
The nearby Marine House provides showers, a rest area, and light refreshments, making it convenient for visitors who plan to spend a longer time by the sea.
Comfortable Facilities for Outdoor Recreation
Iwami Seaside Park offers a variety of facilities beyond its beaches. Visitors can enjoy tennis courts, open grassy areas, walking paths, observation points, and camping facilities.
The park also provides an auto campsite, cabin-style accommodations, and free camping areas, allowing visitors to extend their stay and enjoy the coastal environment at a relaxed pace.
These facilities make it possible to combine a visit to Hashii Tower with swimming, camping, sports, sightseeing, and a trip to the nearby aquarium.
A Landmark Where Culture, Nature, and Technology Meet
Hashii Tower is more than a pedestrian bridge. Its unusual structure and artistic design bring together local maritime culture, coastal nature, architecture, and engineering.
The imagery of waves and fishing nets incorporated into the design reflects the area’s close relationship with the Sea of Japan, while the bridge itself provides a practical connection between the different areas of Iwami Seaside Park.
When visiting the park, take the time to walk across Hashii Tower and appreciate both its architecture and the scenery around it. The combination of sea, sky, sand, and the distinctive bridge creates a memorable experience in western Shimane.
Easy Access from Hamada and Hashi Station
Hashii Tower is approximately 5 minutes by car from the Hamada-Higashi Interchange on the Hamada Expressway and approximately 10 minutes on foot from Hashi Station on the JR San’in Main Line.
The tower can also be seen from National Route 9 and the JR San’in Main Line, making it an easy landmark to spot while driving or traveling by train through the area.
Whether you visit specifically to admire its architecture or encounter it while exploring Iwami Seaside Park, Hashii Tower offers a unique perspective on the relationship between people, the sea, and the landscape of western Shimane.