Rainbow Bridge, The Beauty of Night Rainbows in Tokyo

Rainbow Bridge, The Beauty of Night Rainbows in Tokyo

Rainbow Bridge! The name itself sounds beautiful, and in reality, this bridge in Tokyo is just as lovely as its name suggests. For those wanting to witness a rainbow-like spectacle at night in Tokyo, visiting the bridge after dark is a must.

The Expressway System And The Name History of Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge is part of the Kousoku 11 Gou Daiba-sen wa or Shuto Expressway No. 11 Daiba Route. Initially, this bridge located in the Minato district of Tokyo was named 'Tokyo Minato Renraku-bashi' or 'Shuto Expressway No. 11 Daiba Route - Port of Tokyo Connector Bridge', connecting Shibaura Pier and the artificial island of Odaiba. The name "Rainbow Bridge" was later given by the public, who admired its beauty.

Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo

Construction History And Inauguration of Rainbow Bridge

Construction of the bridge began in January 1987, with Kawasaki Heavy Industries as the main contractor. The project was completed in 1993, and the bridge officially opened on August 26, 1993. Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the northern part of Tokyo Bay, connecting mainland Tokyo with the artificial island of Odaiba. It stands 52 meters above sea level, with a total length of 798 meters, a width of 49 meters, and a main span of 570 meters. The bridge is supported by a pair of 126-meter-tall towers.

The Nighttime Beauty of Rainbow Bridge

Hundreds of lights are installed on the towers, cables, and underside of the bridge, giving it a beautiful appearance at night. There are a total of 520 lights on the bridge, including 152 colorful lights on the supporting cables. These lights are energy-efficient and eco-friendly as they are powered by solar energy.

Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge, A Popular Tourist Attraction in Tokyo

Besides serving as a crossing route, Rainbow Bridge is also a well-known tourist attraction famous for its beauty. The bridge’s true charm can only be witnessed at night when the lights illuminate, and the Rainbow Bridge glows with various lights. The combination of colorful lights creates a stunning rainbow effect, allowing visitors to enjoy a nighttime rainbow in Tokyo.

Enjoying The Spectacle of Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo

Rainbow Bridge, an iconic structure connecting central Tokyo with Odaiba Island, offers spectacular views from every angle. Whether during the day or night, this bridge provides visitors with an unforgettable visual experience.

1. The Northern View of Rainbow Bridge

• Panorama of Tokyo City and Tokyo Tower 

Rainbow Bridge and Panorama of Tokyo City

From the northern side of Rainbow Bridge, you can see a fantastic panorama of Tokyo city. The skyscrapers of Shiodome and Shinagawa rise elegantly, creating a unique urban landscape. In the distance, Tokyo Tower stands tall, adding a classic touch to Tokyo’s modern skyline.

• Fuji TV Building

Fuji TV Building

You can also spot the Fuji TV Building, a futuristic structure that stands out in Odaiba. This building is known for its large observation sphere at the top and is a notable landmark visible from Rainbow Bridge, especially at night when it is lit with colorful lights.

On clear days, you can even see the Tokyo Skytree from this side. As the tallest tower in Japan, it adds a majestic view to the Tokyo skyline, enhancing the modern cityscape you observe.

The view from the northern side is breathtaking at dusk when the sky changes color, and city lights begin to glow. At night, the shining Tokyo Tower and the sparkling Fuji TV Building make the view even more mesmerizing, adding to the rainbow-like glow of the Rainbow Bridge.

2. The Southern View of Rainbow Bridge

• Tokyo Bay And Odaiba Bay Area

 

Switching to the southern side of Rainbow Bridge, you are greeted by views of Tokyo Bay and Odaiba Island. From here, you can watch the ships passing by and enjoy the vast sea view with a backdrop of blue sky or golden-orange hues at sunset.

• Odaiba Statue of Liberty

Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba Statue of Liberty

Another attraction visible from the southern side is the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba. This replica stands proudly at Odaiba Seaside Park and is a popular photo backdrop. With Tokyo Bay in the background, the Statue of Liberty adds an exotic touch reminiscent of New York.

• Odaiba Seaside Park

On the southern side, you can also see Odaiba Marine Park or Odaiba Seaside Park, a popular waterfront park with an artificial beach. The park offers a peaceful atmosphere, where visitors can often be seen relaxing or strolling along the shoreline.

• DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

DiverCity Tokyo

From Rainbow Bridge, you can also glimpse DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, known for its giant Gundam statue in front. This statue is a major attraction for anime fans and tourists, and while it appears smaller from a distance, its presence still adds to the unique view from the bridge.

Visiting the southern side in the morning is a great choice if you want to enjoy a calm and peaceful view, especially as the morning sun reflects off the sea. Watching from this side in the afternoon is also appealing, particularly as the sky turns golden-orange.

Visiting the southern side at night offers an unforgettable experience. As the lights turn on, visitors are treated to a stunning view where Rainbow Bridge glows with rainbow-colored lights. The combination of the sea view, the illuminated Statue of Liberty, the glowing Gundam statue, and the nighttime atmosphere in Odaiba makes the southern side of Rainbow Bridge a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to enjoy Tokyo’s charm at night.

Walking Across Rainbow Bridge

For those who want to experience Rainbow Bridge up close, walking across it is the best option. There are pedestrian paths on both sides of the bridge, allowing you to switch from one side to the other. Walking offers a chance to enjoy the views from various angles and take amazing photos.

Pedestrians are allowed to cross Rainbow Bridge from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM from April to October. From November to March, the operating hours are slightly shorter, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is important to note that the pedestrian paths are closed during bad weather, such as strong winds or storms.

Viewing The Bridge from A Boat

Besides walking, you can also enjoy the view of Rainbow Bridge from a sightseeing boat sailing in Tokyo Bay. From the boat, you can see the bridge from different perspectives, including a unique view from underneath. Nighttime is the best time to enjoy the view of Rainbow Bridge from a boat, as the bridge lights up, creating a romantic atmosphere.

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