Crossing the Rainbow Bridge at Sunset

Built in 1993, the Rainbow Bridge is one of those landmarks you might completely forget about when it's not in the vicinity. Then the moment you see it, it's seems like it's been in your mind all along, familiar and constant. 

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge at Sunset

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge at sunset is as poetic an experience as it sounds. You are standing 50 meters above Tokyo Bay, watching the sun go down. The entire waterfront district is turning a beautiful sunset colour, some glass buildings are glistening. Leaving the ground to stand on it is a very different experience from being on the top floor of a tall building. The nearest buildings are on the mainland and even those are some distance away. You are suspended above the bay and away from the densely populated city at last. You can hear music coming from cruise boats carrying jolly passengers. Better yet, you can make your favourite music the soundtrack to this cinematic moment by listening to it over headphones.

Enjoy the View of Odaiba on the Rainbow Bridge

As you approach Odaiba, you can use a small connecting bridge to cross to the other walkway. Give it a try. If you started out on the south side, you've had your fill of beautiful buildings lit by the setting sun. Now go to the north side and watch Odaiba come alive. By the time you reach the end of the walkway, the sun will already be down. Contemporary works of art like the Fuji TV Building will be lit up, accentuating their own beauty.

If the weather is nice you can take a walk along the bay. When you reach the end of the walkway, people of different ages and ethnicities will be hanging out all along the promenade, looking at the small cruise boats dotting the bay and of course, the Rainbow Bridge.

The bridge consists of two decks with transportation lines for cars, pedestrians, and the Yurikamome Line. The two walkways are located on the north and south sides and can be accessed from the Tamachi and Shibaura-futo stations on the mainland. The distance of the walkway is 1.7 kilometers and it takes 20 to 30 minutes on foot.

Spot Information

  • Name: Rainbow Bridge 
  • Address: Kaigan 3-chome to Daiba 1-chome, Minato Ward, Tokyo 105-0000
  • Map: 

Index

Recommend