Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing northern Tokyo Bay between Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront development in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, with construction starting in 1987 and completed in 1993. The bridge is 798 metres long with a main span of 580 metres.
The bridge has two decks – one to carry the Shuto Expressway’s Daiba Route, and the second hosts Tokyo Prefectural Route 482 and the Yurikamome, the automated transport system running from Shimbashi to the island and around its perimeter. Sidewalks are on either side of the lower deck, with one underpass available for a pedestrian to change from the north to the south walkway. The walkways have opening hours, as well – 9 am to 9 pm in the summer; 10 am to 6 pm in the winter. The gates are closed after that time. Walking the length of the bridge (access it from Shibaura-futo Station on the Tokyo side, Odaiba-kaihinkoen on the Odaiba side) takes approximately 30 minutes. The distance is about 1.7 km from entrance to exit. The north side offers a view of the inner Tokyo harbour and Tokyo Tower, while the south side offers views of Tokyo Bay and occasionally Mount Fuji. Admittedly, many people don’t care to walk across the bridge breathing exhaust and hearing the din of passing cars, so I couldn’t rate this more than three stars, but the determined – particular walking to Odaiba on the south side – you will be treated to some great views!
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