Make sure you bring your camera when you walk over Rainbow Bridge, as you will want to record the appealing views of the city's skyline. It's a very easy walk too which takes you right to Odaiba, a popular tourist spot. The 798-metre bridge's official name is more prosaically Shuto Expressway No. 11 Daiba Route – Port of Tokyo Connector Bridge. Construction began in 1987 and was finished in 1993. The bridge got its more popular name through the coloured lights that illuminate the towers supporting its suspension cables. The solar-powered red, white and green lights create a rainbow effect which is reflected down into the waters of Tokyo Bay.
The bridge has two decks – one where you pay a toll, and a lower deck which has lanes for regular traffic and a monorail. It connects Shibaura Pier to the Odaiba waterfront area in Minato.
Rainbow Bridge has several observation platforms on the north side from which to enjoy views of the Tokyo Tower, Skytree, and the rest of the city’s skyline. On the south side, you can get shots of Odaiba’s beachfront, the Fuji Television building, and weather permitting, Mount Fuji in the distance.
For the best views of the bridge, head to Odaiba, where as well as great hotels and museums, you will find many waterfront vantage points and restaurants with outside tables. At sunset, the view gets even more impressive as the bridge and nearby skyscrapers are lit up.
The bridge is free for pedestrians and is open from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. in summer, 10 a.m. - p.m. in winter. It is also closed on the third Monday of the month, from 29 to 31 December, and during bad weather. The easiest way to get to Rainbow Bridge is to get the Yamanote line to Shinbashi Station, then take the Yurikamome train from Shinbashi to Shibaura-Futou. Odaibakaihinkoen station in Odaiba also has a connecting walkway to the bridge.
