Rainbow Bridge: The Most Colorful Landmark in Tokyo Bay
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Since its opening in 1993, the Rainbow Bridge has become an iconic symbol of the Tokyo Skyline. This stunning suspension bridge, connecting the Shibaura Pier with the Odaiba waterfront, is particularly famous for its nighttime illumination resembling a rainbow, hence the name.
Beyond just looking pretty, this bridge serves as a crucial transport link while also offering pedestrians crossing it, breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji, and the Tokyo Tower. This is why the Rainbow Bridge is a popular scenic route for those who drive or walk through it, as well as those taking the monorail on the Yurikamome line.
See also: 15 Best Things to Do in Odaiba
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What is the Rainbow Bridge?
The Rainbow Bridge (レインボーブリッジ), officially known as Tokyo Port Bridge, is a suspension bridge spanning 798 meters across Tokyo Bay. Completed in 1993, it was constructed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries over six years. The bridge’s design incorporates solar-powered lights, which illuminate it in different colors, earning it the “Rainbow” moniker.
The colors also vary often, especially during festive seasons and special events, so over the years it has become a very popular spot for night photography. When it’s not displaying its famous color palette, it’s usually illuminated in warm white during winter and cool white during summer.
The bridge has two decks: the upper deck carries the Shuto Expressway’s Daiba Route, while the lower deck hosts the Yurikamome Line, a pedestrian walkway, and local traffic routes. The illumination and its strategic location near Odaiba make it a major attraction in the area, appearing in lots of media like movies, shows or videogames.
What to do at Rainbow Bridge
- Walk across the pedestrian walkways for panoramic views. The north walkway provides views of the inner harbor and Tokyo Tower, while the south walkway looks out over the bay and Odaiba.
- Enjoy night views with the illuminated bridge from either side.
- Take a Yurikamome train ride for a scenic journey with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and surrounding areas.
- Capture photographs of Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji from the bridge.
- Visit Odaiba Marine Park (Odaiba Kaihin Koen) for a relaxing stroll and to enjoy the vantage point for viewing the Rainbow Bridge, especially during sunset. On the Tokyo side, Shibaura Minami Futo Park is also a very good spot to enjoy the views.
- For a different perspective of the Rainbow Bridge, consider taking a boat cruise on Tokyo Bay. Various cruise options are available, ranging from short sightseeing tours to dinner cruises. These cruises offer unique views of the bridge and the Tokyo skyline, particularly enchanting when the bridge is illuminated at night.
How to get to Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge can be accessed by multiple means. For pedestrians, the nearest stations are Shibaura-futō on the Yurikamome Line and Tamachi Station on the JR East Line. The pedestrian walkways are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM in summer and from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in winter. Cyclists can walk their bicycles across the bridge. Alternatively, you can drive across the bridge via the Shuto Expressway or take the Yurikamome Line for a convenient and scenic route.
Tourist attractions near Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge is not only a captivating landmark in itself but also serves as a gateway to several nearby attractions that offer diverse experiences for visitors. Here are some notable places to explore:
1. Tokyo Joypolis
Tokyo Joypolis (東京ジョイポリス), located in the Decks Tokyo Beach shopping mall in Odaiba, is one of Japan’s largest indoor amusement parks. It is operated by SEGA and features a variety of virtual reality rides, arcade games, and interactive attractions. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides like the “Halfpipe Tokyo” and immersive experiences such as the “Transformers Human-Alliance Special.”
<<Book your Tokyo Joypolis Passport here!!>>
More info: Tokyo Joypolis: Japan’s largest indoor theme park!
2. TeamLab Planets Tokyo
TeamLab Planets Tokyo is an immersive digital art museum located in Toyosu, not far from the Rainbow Bridge. It offers a unique, interactive experience where visitors can walk through water, navigate a garden of flowers, and become part of the art installations. The museum is designed to engage all the senses, creating a transformative experience that blurs the line between art and reality.
<<Book your teamLab Planets TOKYO tickets in Toyosu here!>>
More info: TeamLab Planets Tokyo in Toyosu
3. Statue of Liberty
A surprising sight near the Rainbow Bridge is Odaiba’s replica of the Statue of Liberty. Located in Odaiba Seaside Park, this statue is a smaller version of the iconic American landmark and has become a popular spot for photos. The statue was initially installed temporarily to celebrate the “French Year in Japan” but became so beloved that it was made a permanent fixture. It’s a fun combination of Western and Japanese cultural symbols, with the Rainbow Bridge often visible in the background.
4. Fuji TV Building
The Fuji Broadcasting Center, also known as Fuji TV Building or FCG Building (エフシージービル), short for Fujisankei Communications Group, is a distinctive structure housing one of Japan’s major TV networks. Visitors can take a tour of the studios, visit the observation deck for panoramic views of Tokyo, and shop for exclusive Fuji TV merchandise.
Information
 Access |
4-min walk from Daiba Station |
|---|---|
 Official Website |
https://www.fujimediahd.co.jp/index.html |
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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