Completed in 1998, the Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge in Japan is to date the longest suspension bridge in the world. Stretching out at a length of about 4km, the bridge lies between Kobe and Awaji Island, as part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. At the Kobe end, there is a Bridge Exhibition Center that will give you an in-depth understanding of the bridge and the other famous suspension bridges in the world, albeit in Japanese. Note that the center is closed on Mondays and from 29 December to 3 January. For lovely views of the Akashi Straits and Osaka Bay, the Maiko Marine Promenade under the bridge platform is at your service.