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Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing northern Tokyo Bay between
the Shibaura Wharf and the Odaiba waterfront development in Minato Ward,
Tokyo. It was completed in 1993. The bridge spans 570 meters (1870 ft)
and carries three transportation lines: Metropolitan Expressway No.11 Odaiba
Route on the upper deck, and Route 357 (also known as "Rinkou Douro", Portside
Avenue) and the Yurikamome New Transit on the lower deck. The bridge has
separate walkways on the north and south sides; the north side offers views
of inner Tokyo Harbor and the Tokyo Tower, while the south side offers
views of Tokyo Bay and occasionally Mount Fuji. The walkways may only be
used during certain hours (9 am to 9 pm in the summer; 10 am to 6 pm in
the winter). Bicycles and light motorcycles (under 50cc) are not permitted
on the decks or the walkway of the bridge. The towers supporting the bridge
are white in color, designed to harmonize with the skyline of central Tokyo
seen from Odaiba. There are lamps placed on the wires supporting the bridge,
which are illuminated into three different colors, red, white and green
every night, using the solar energy obtained during the day. The bridge
can be accessed by foot from Tamachi Station (JR) or Hinode Station (Yurikamome)
on the mainland side. |
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