Can you walk across Rainbow Bridge?

Yes, Rainbow Bridge has pedestrian walkways on both the north and south sides of the lower deck. The North Route offers views of Tokyo's inner harbor and cityscape, while the South Route provides views of Tokyo Bay and the ocean. Walking the entire 795-meter length takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes one way. However, the walkways have restricted operating hours and close in the evening, typically around sunset. Access is also closed during strong winds or bad weather for safety reasons.

How do I get to Rainbow Bridge?

The easiest access is via the Yurikamome Line, an automated elevated railway that crosses directly over the bridge. Exit at Shibaura-futo Station on the Tokyo side or Odaiba-kaihinkoen Station on the Odaiba side to reach the pedestrian entrances. Alternatively, take the JR Yamanote Line to Tamachi Station or the Toei Asakusa Line to Shibaura-futo Station, then walk to the bridge entrance. Many visitors also view the bridge from Odaiba Seaside Park or aboard Tokyo Bay cruise boats.

Is there an admission fee to visit Rainbow Bridge?

No, walking across Rainbow Bridge via the pedestrian pathways is completely free of charge. However, if you're driving across, standard toll fees apply for using the Shuto Expressway. Taking the Yurikamome Line train across requires a regular transit fare. Viewing the bridge from surrounding parks and public areas is also free.

What time does Rainbow Bridge light up?

Rainbow Bridge is illuminated every evening from sunset until midnight using solar-powered LED lights. The bridge typically displays white lighting, but switches to green or rainbow colors during special events and holidays. The illumination has made the bridge one of Tokyo's most photographed nighttime landmarks. For the best photography opportunities, visit Odaiba Seaside Park or the waterfront promenades during evening hours.

Why is it called Rainbow Bridge?

The bridge earned its name from the colorful solar-powered lamps installed along its structure. While the nightly illumination usually appears white, the lighting system can create rainbow-colored displays during special occasions and celebrations. The name also reflects the bridge's role as a symbolic connection between Tokyo's traditional center and its futuristic waterfront developments. Despite its name, the bridge's actual structure is primarily white, with the rainbow effect visible only through its nighttime lighting.

Tokyo

Rainbow Bridge

4.5 (3891)BridgeTourist AttractionTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Rainbow Bridge spans Tokyo Bay, connecting the Shibaura and Odaiba districts in Tokyo, Japan. Completed in 1993, this suspension bridge was constructed as part of Tokyo's waterfront development project and serves as a vital transportation link carrying both vehicular traffic and the automated Yurikamome Line. The bridge measures 798 meters in length and stands 126 meters above the water at its highest point.

The bridge holds significant importance as a symbol of Tokyo's modern development and technological advancement. Its distinctive white towers and cables create an iconic silhouette against Tokyo's skyline, while its strategic location provides unobstructed views of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and the surrounding metropolitan area. The structure represents Japan's engineering prowess and serves as a gateway between central Tokyo and the artificial island of Odaiba.

Visitors can experience Rainbow Bridge from multiple vantage points, with the most popular being the Promenade walkway that runs along both sides of the bridge. The walkway operates daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (until 6:00 PM from November to March) and offers pedestrian access with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline. Aqua City Odaiba and Palette Town provide excellent viewing platforms, while boat cruises departing from Hinode Pier offer water-level perspectives of the bridge's full span.

The bridge's illumination system creates distinct seasonal atmospheres, with solar-powered LED lights creating different color schemes throughout the year. During cherry blossom season in spring, special pink lighting complements the sakura blooms, while winter months feature cooler blue and white tones. Summer evenings showcase the bridge against Tokyo Bay's firework displays, and autumn illumination emphasizes warm colors that complement the changing foliage in nearby parks.

Rainbow Bridge is accessible via the Yurikamome Line to Shimbashi Station or Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station, with JR Yamanote Line connections available at Shimbashi. The Toei Bus system provides direct routes to Odaiba, while Tokyo Cruise boats operate regular services from Asakusa and Hinode Pier with journey times of approximately 40-50 minutes. Pedestrian access to the promenade is free of charge, though visitors must pass through security checkpoints. Parking is available at Odaiba's shopping complexes, with rates typically ranging from ¥300-500 per hour.

Phone

+81 3-5463-0223

Website

www.shutoko.jp

The area

Address

3 Chome Kaigan, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0000, Japan

Phone

+81 3-5463-0223

Website

www.shutoko.jp

What other travelers are saying about Rainbow Bridge

Walking toward the Rainbow Bridge during that April 2019 trip was the perfect way to wrap up our first day. These photos really bring back the atmosphere of that evening—the cool breeze coming off the bay and the bright city lights starting to take over the skyline. We found a great spot on a deck that gave us a front-row seat to the entire bridge. Seeing it stretched across the water with the Tokyo Tower glowing in the distance felt like a scene straight out of a movie. It was my first time seeing a view like that in person, and the way the lights reflected on the water was just stunning. The walk along the waterfront was so peaceful compared to the busy streets of the city. Standing there on the deck, taking in the massive scale of the bridge and the skyline, was a real "I'm finally here" moment. Looking at these recovered photos seven years later, that view still looks just as awesome and futuristic as it did that night. It was definitely the highlight of the evening!

Nearby attractions to see

Rose Town Tea Garden, Ome

Oyokogawa Water Park, Sumida

National Museum of Nature and Science, Taito