A Walk on Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge

Architectural highlights and great views

George Popescu Jun 04, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Seen from the Decks Tokyo Beach mall area; through a Valentine's Day set up it's easy to see why falling in love with Rainbow Bridge comes naturally. </p>

<p>On Tokyo's mainland side there is a huge industrial area with many factories and other manufacturing and shipping areas. </p>

<p>The bridge makes a huge turn on the mainland side. You cannot walk this part, but you can ride it on the train! </p>

<p>Cars have their own lanes, as do pedestrians who walk the bridge, and the trains are also on the same level on the right side. </p>

<p>You can see some magnificent views of Tokyo from the bridge walkway. In the distance Tokyo Skytree can be seen between the buildings. </p>

<p>This is the industrial area with the buildings all having access to the waterway to carry their wares by ships. </p>

<p>The bridge is a marvel of architecture from any angle and looks amazing; you can't take a bad photo of it if you tried. </p>

<p>There are different boats that you can take for a short ride in the water under the bridge and from the mainland to Odaiba. </p>

<p>This is a small lantern designed in an older style which is so different from the overall look of the bridge. </p>

<p>Another look at the many turns and twists as well as all the metal that is on this bridge, from the top and the bottom and the one separating the car lanes from the train tracks. </p>

<p>Some people have their own boats and go fishing. The water has a beautifully blue color and is usually very calm, unless the weather is windy. </p>

<p>I am fascinated with the architecture of this bridge, so many things fit so intricately together to form the whole. </p>

<p>On the Odaiba island side this is the view you will see once you walk off the bridge. Notice the big Ferris wheel in the distance, that's near the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. </p>

<p>One last look at the curves of the bridge and the Odaiba beach shore on the left side of the photo. </p>

The Rainbow Bridge connects Tokyo's mainland to the reclaimed Odaiba island waterfront. You use the Yurikamome train line, drive on it with your car, or the best option would be to walk it. You can see some amazing views from the bridge, both looking towards Tokyo as well as towards Odaiba. The walk is about 10 minutes long, if you don't stop to take many photos, and much longer if you spend the time to enjoy the views. Keep in mind the bridge will close half an hour before 9 p.m. in the summer and before 6 p.m. in winter.

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George Popescu @george.popescu

I was born in Bucharest, Romania and after a brief stay in London, England I settled and lived in Toronto, Canada for 20 years. I moved to Tokyo in late 2013 and have lived here ever since. I enjoy exploring the city with my camera as well as going to many special events that Tokyo has to offer e...