Rainbow Bridge is a renowned landmark in Tokyo, connecting the man-made island of Odaiba to the heart of the city across Tokyo Bay.
The bridge is a double-decker structure, where the upper deck serves as an expressway, and the lower deck is home to the Yurikamome line, local roads, and a pedestrian walkway.
The bridge is especially admired for its panoramic views of Tokyo, making it a favorite for joggers and tourists alike. Whether you are exploring the city or seeking a scenic walk, crossing Rainbow Bridge on foot is an unforgettable experience.
Why Cross Rainbow Bridge?
Free Access: The entrance to the bridge is free, making it an affordable way to experience stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline and the Bay Area.
Stunning Views: From the bridge, the northern route offers a view of the iconic Tokyo Tower, while the eastern side showcases the towering Tokyo Skytree. The southern route presents a fascinating perspective of shipping cranes, which appear like giant birds, and on clear days, you may catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.
Illumination: At night, the bridge becomes a spectacle, with solar-powered lights illuminating its structure. The white lights change to vibrant colors during holidays and special events, adding an extra layer of beauty to your walk.
Walking Across Rainbow Bridge
Two Starting Points: You can begin your walk from either the Odaiba side or the Shibaura side. Starting from Shibaura is easier, as it requires taking an elevator to reach the pedestrian walkway. However, if starting from Odaiba, be prepared to walk up a long incline to access the bridge's pedestrian level.
Bridge Length and Elevation: The total length of the bridge is 798 meters (2,618 feet), but the pedestrian route stretches to 1,523 meters (4,996 feet). The highest point of the bridge sits 58 meters (190 feet) above sea level, offering a magnificent view of Tokyo.
Route Information: You may walk the north or south route, depending on your preference. However, cyclists must take the designated routes with a small trolley provided to push their bikes across the bridge.
How to Get There: Shibaura Side
Dear Lykkers, to access the bridge from the Shibaura side, take the Yurikamome line to Shibaura-futō Station. Upon exiting, use the east exit and walk straight until you reach Shibaura Mooring, where the entrance is on the right. If you're cycling, don’t forget to pick up a trolley.
Duration of Walk: It takes about 20 minutes for joggers and 30-40 minutes for walkers, depending on how much time you take to pause and enjoy the views or snap photographs.
On the Bridge
While walking across Rainbow Bridge, the sides are enclosed with large mesh wire to ensure safety. Photographers can easily capture the views through the gaps, though larger lenses may have difficulty.
Arriving at the Odaiba Side
Upon reaching the Odaiba side, several convenience stores are available nearby. If you walk along the waterfront, you’ll reach Odaiba Seaside Park, a great place to relax. Nearby attractions include shopping malls like Decks and Aqua City, and for those seeking entertainment, Venus Fort and Palette Plaza, home to the Giant Sky Wheel, are just a short walk away.
Public Transit: The nearest stations to the Odaiba side are Odaiba-kaihinkōen on the Yurikamome line and Tokyo Teleport on the Rinkai line.
Arriving at the Odaiba Side – Shin Toyosu
If you're up for a longer walk, head to the left after crossing the bridge towards the Ariake Sports Center, and continue across the Nozomi Bridge to Toyosu Gururi Park, which adds about 2 km (1.24 miles) to your journey. In Toyosu, you’ll find the Toyosu Fish Market, famous for its seafood and immersive experiences like TeamLab Planets.
Getting There: You can take the Yurikamome line to Odaiba-kaihinkōen station or Tokyo Teleport station, which are both close to the Odaiba side. Alternatively, take the Odaiba Rainbow Bus to Odaiba Gakuen, which connects to other areas like Tamachi and Shinagawa stations.
Arriving at the Shibaura Side
Upon arriving at Shibaura Anchorage, take the elevator to ground level. From here, you can head to Shibaurafuto Station to catch the JR Yamanote and Keihin Tohoku lines, or walk a short distance to Tamachi Station.
Views of Rainbow Bridge: Sunset or City Backdrop
For those hoping to catch a sunset view of the bridge, you can visit Gururi Park on Toyosu. Alternatively, the Tokyo Bay Cruise or the Tokyo Cruise Water Bus also offers stunning views of the bridge and its surroundings, especially if the weather is clear enough to see Mount Fuji in the distance.
Rules
Allowed: Strollers and bicycles (if mounted on a trolley and pushed), walkers and joggers.
Not Allowed: Pets, smoking, throwing objects over the bridge.
Pedestrian Path Hours
April to October: 9 am – 9 pm
November to March: 10 am – 6 pm
Closed on the third Monday of each month
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, and visitors must exit before closing time.
On windy days, the bridge may be temporarily closed for safety reasons
