The bridge saw the “before and after” of Bubble economy, and the Godzilla?
There are millions of reasons why you visit the Odaiba area (waterfront area of Tokyo). Trade show held at Tokyo Big Sight, the shopping or dining at Venus Fort in Aomi. Or you feel the sky high by riding on the Ferris wheel.
The official name of the Rainbow Bridge, is simply “Connection Bridge of Tokyo Bay”, which is nothing intriguing and romantic. The construction of the bridge was started in 1987 and completed in 1993.
In those 6 years, the Japanese economy went through the rise and collapse of Bubble economy.
As is often the case with the history, the Bubble economy saw its demise out of the blue.
It happened in 1990 and the Rainbow bridge saw the glorious heyday of the Bubble economy and the aftermath of the collapse.
To meditate the irony of the history that Japan has gone through, the crossing either by a car or “Yurikamome” (unmanned train connecting Shimbashi and Daiba area) is too short. Here is a recommendation.
You can cross the bridge on foot by feeling the breeze from the Tokyo bay overviewing the port scenery.
The good starting point for walking is JR Tamachi station / East exit. (Tamachi is located between Tokyo terminal and Shinagawa terminal). Within 10 to 15 minutes, you reach the foot of the Rainbow bridge, that is an observatory. You can go up to the starting point by taking a lift.
Depending on whether you take a left side or right side of the pedestrian path (Rainbow promenade), you can enjoy the different view. In either case, you can reach the other side of the bridge, Odaiba in about 15 or 20 minutes.
The promenade stretches for the length of 1.7 km (approximately 1 mile). Not a big deal!
The bridge has a two-story construction. The upper story is allocated for the Metropolitan expressway, while the lower story is reserved for “Yurikamome”, ordinary road and the promenade.
Lastly, if you are into the Godzilla, the bridge is a must place to visit. Why? They say the height of the Godzilla’s eye is approximately 50 m (164 Ft) high from the ground and the view you can enjoy from the promenade corresponds to what the Godzilla saw.
It is highly unlikely that the bridge will be demolished by the Godzilla soon just like he did in the movie, but you might as well do the walking to experience the same viewing with the God of destruction.
In the summer (April 1st to October 31st) the Rainbow promenade is open for a pedestrian between 9:00 to 21:00.