rainbow bridge02

Odaiba, a manmade island atop Tokyo Bay, is famous for its sightseeing attractions, amusement parks, and entertainment venues. Places such as Joypolis, Pallet Town, Diver City, and the Miraikan science museum are all touted as terrific date spots but can prove quite costly in the long run.

Luckily, we’ve got some good news for all you penny-pinchers. Unbeknownst to many, the Rainbow Bridge, gateway to Odaiba, is an awesome date spot all its own! And, it’s absolutely free!

The Rainbow Bridge is a double-decked suspension bridge spanning the northern corner of Tokyo Bay, connecting Tokyo to the artificial island of Odaiba. The top deck carries expressway vehicles, while the lower level is reserved for local transportation and the monorail. What many people don’t realize is that the lower level also supports a pair of walkways for pedestrians crossing the bridge and that the atmosphere is perfect for spending some time with your special someone.

There are two routes that one can take to cross the Rainbow Bridge on foot. The path to the north gives pedestrians an unhindered view of the city’s skyscrapers. The one to the south shows the shores of Odaiba and sometimes, when the conditions are just right, a view of Mt. Fuji. Both sides come with a refreshing sea breeze that’s both cool and revitalizing, especially on a hot summer day.

Access to the Rainbow Bridge’s walkway lies about a five-minute walk from Shibaura Futou Station on the Yurikamome Line. Otherwise it can be reached with a 15-minute walk from Odaibakaihin Park Station on the far side of the bridge. Just follow the signs and take the elevator up to the seventh floor, where the walkway begins.

The mile-long (1.7 km) walk takes 20 to 30 minutes going one-way, depending on the person’s walking pace. If there’s time we’d recommend an hour-long round-trip, taking a different route in each direction for the full experience.

Now, while the bridge itself is free to walk along, there’s still the matter of getting to it. Public transportation is cheap and easy, though if you prefer to drive, there are plenty of public parking in the area. Or, if you’d rather go eco, you can ride your bike over and park it in one of the nearby bike racks. Unfortunately, people not allowed to wheel their bikes across the actual bridge. Anyone who wants to take theirs with them must fold it up and carry it in a bag somehow.

The bridge is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the warmer months (April through October) and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter (November through March), making it a suitable spot for an afternoon walk, a sunset stroll, or an evening out.

All things said, the Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful place for lovebirds on a tight budget. Make a romantic rendezvous in  the crisp sea breeze with your special someone to show them you care without spending all your cash.

Source: Nanapi (Japanese)
Top image: Wikipedia

rainbow bridge01