I recommend you consider a Tokyo Rainbow Bridge Bike crossing, if you have a goal of visiting the Odaiba area. Some many great places to visit in Odaiba including the Shiokaze Park,  Miraikan, Oedo Onsen, Sony ExploraScience and Lego Land. Here is our full list of family fun in Odaiba or Toyosu area.  I have probably driven over the  Rainbow Bridge close to 100 times but have never crossed with a bike or by foot until last weekend. The goal was to cross the bridge from the Shibaura, Minato-ku side and travel to Odaiba. The return route we put the bikes on the Tokyo Bay shuttle back to Hinode Pier. You are actually not allowed to bike across the bridge, but you are allowed to walk your bike across. Still, it was a lot of fun and great to have our bikes to ride on both sides of the bridge. Great 1/2 day adventure.

Tokyo Rainbow Bridge Bike Crossing – Great Views

The bridge is approximately 800 Meters in length so it can be walked easily in about 30 mins taking time to enjoy the views and read the information signs along the way.  The Rainbow Bridge is open to the public (bikes, joggers, and walkers) from 9:00 -21:00 in the summer, and 10:00 – 18:00 in the winter. Note entrance closes 30 mins before end time.  There is no charge to cross. Entrance on the Shibaura/Kaigan side is located here (3 -33 Kalgan, Minato-ku, Tōkyo, which is next to an athletic field at the base of one of the bridges main supports). The Odaiba entrance is located at the far end the public beach beneath the bridge.

You will push your bike up a small ramp and then be asked to velcro a roller skateboard-like device to your bike’s back wheel. This device is to prevent you from riding the bike. Secure it tightly because if it pops off it is a bit of a bother putting back on when walking.  You then will push your bike with roller device up two more ramps and into a air-conditioned building. There are vending machines and toilets here so take a break. Once ready you follow the arrows to and elevator (it can hold three bikes) and take it to the 7th floor. Your crossing starts from this point. The view is amazing of the Tokyo Bay and Skyline, and the wind quite cooling on a hot summer day. I can image it would be very cold in the winter, so bundle up.

Your children may be tempted to take the roller skate device off and bike across, but the staff is watching the entire walkway with cameras. My son sat on his bike with the device still on doing down the decline, and they called him out on it, and he had to apologize. If you have a baby/toddler seat, children are allowed to sit in the seat while crossing but parents must walk.

There are some interesting information signs in English and Japanese along the way the explain historical bits about Tokyo Bay industry, history and the Rainbow Bridge. Take some moments to read and enjoy the journey.  After some museum visits and shopping in Odaiba we took on bikes on the Tokyo Bay boat shuttle back to the Shibaura area.

P.S. Visit our Tokyo One Day Itinerary: Odaiba with Kids post.

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Tokyo Rainbow Bridge Bike Crossing – Great Views

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