8. Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan
The remarkable Eshima Ohashi Bridge, connecting bustling Matsue and Sakaiminato in Japan, has achieved international fame for its seemingly steep appearance in photographs. The bridge's moderate 6.1% gradient appears absolutely extreme due to telephoto camera lenses, earning it memorable nicknames like "The Roller Coaster Bridge."
In actual reality, crossing the bridge proves much smoother than photographs suggest. Built specifically to allow large ships to pass safely underneath, the bridge rises an impressive 144 feet (44 meters) and spans nearly a full mile (1.7 kilometers). Its thoughtful design provides a completely safe, genuinely enjoyable driving experience, making it simultaneously a vital transportation link and an incredibly popular tourist attraction.
