Tokyo Gate Bridge is like a dinosaur?

Tokyo Gate Bridge at sunset
Can you see the dinosaurs?

Two massive steel giants seem to face off in Tokyo. It’s a scene straight from prehistory. Known as “Dinosaur Bridge,” Tokyo Gate Bridge doesn’t just connect two sides of the city. It’s a place to capture the contrast of urban beauty and nature. Fiery sunsets light its framework. Mount Fuji’s silhouette is majestic on clear days. Photographers have a unique playground. But is it worth the trek? Let’s find out.

Are you wondering where the nickname comes from? Many Tokyoites say the bridge looks like two Tyrannosaurus Rexes facing off. Dinosaurs are very popular with Japanese kids.

Let’s get back to our topic, photography! Do you know its more famous cousin, Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba? That one is very close to the Tokyo skyline. The Dinosaur is much further away. It’s out towards Tokyo Disneyland. So the perspective of the city waterfront is very different.

Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree isn't far away.

Many of the best Dinosaur Bridge photos are of it. When the afternoon sun lights it up, it’s beautiful. The pictures I have here don’t do it justice. I’ll take a tripod when I make the journey again.

You can also get some great pictures of it with Mount Fuji. The mountain lies to the southwest and is easily visible in good weather. If you get the right conditions, you’ll get something special.

I walked over the bridge while I was there. The view was great, but I didn’t find it very worthy of pictures. Still, I have posted a few for reference. The strength of the wind made that problematic. That was a pity, especially as I like bracketing my photographs.

Mount Fuji seen through the middle of Tokyo Gate Bridge
Can you see Mount Fuji through the bridge?

What can you photograph from Tokyo Gate Bridge?

  • Aircraft operating from Haneda Airport
  • Anglers (the area is popular for fishing)
  • Ferries and other vessels
  • Great Sky Wheel in Odaiba
  • Mount Fuji
  • Tokyo city skyline
  • Tokyo Skytree
  • Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower seen from Tokyo Gate Bridge
Who is poking their head over the buildings?

When is the best time to photograph Tokyo Gate Bridge?

I recommend sunset and night. Both are great. When the bridge lights up, it is gorgeous. You’ll see Mount Fuji between the bridge’s spans if the weather is good.

Photography tips

  • Tripods are not allowed on the bridge decks.
  • You can only photograph from one side of the deck, the north side.
  • I’d suggest taking at least one wide-angle and a long lens. The longer one will be useful for photographing Mount Fuji and places like Tower Tower. If you took only one, I think you’d regret it.
  • There are two spots to photograph the length of the bridge. One is the low grassy slope on the south side. The other is the concrete seawall on the north.

Does the bridge light up?

Yes, it does. The nice thing is that the colors vary for each event. A link to the relevant page is at the bottom.

Photography problems

  • It is problematic to get there by public transport. Once you get to the closest train station, you must catch a bus, which only runs a couple of times per hour.
  • The last bus back from the bridge leaves at 9:15 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. On holidays, it leaves at 9:05 p.m. Make sure you check the timetables before you go.
  • The bridge can get incredibly windy. Keep a firm grip on your belongings.
  • If you walk over the bridge, you need to go back! That’s right. There is only one entrance and exit.
  • There is only one side of the bridge to walk on, the north side. That side faces the city. It’s difficult to photograph the open ocean and Chiba from the observation deck.
  • Be careful climbing the rock seawalls to get a better view of the bridge. Waves hitting them create spray spray that might wet your camera. The rocks might be slippery. Watch your footing.

Where is Tokyo Gate Bridge?

Address: 3 Uminomori, Koto City, Tokyo

Here it is on Google Maps:

Closest train station

Shin-Kiba Station on the following lines:

  • Keiyo and Musashino (JR East)
  • Rinkai (TWR)
  • Yurakucho (Tokyo Metro)

Once there, take the number 11 bus at stop 1 to Wakasu Park Camping Grounds. Make sure to check with the bus driver of your destination when you get on. The bridge is only a short walk from the stop.

Admission costs

None

Public Restrooms

They are next to the bridge. You can find them on the east side, near the elevator.

Tokyo Gate Bridge opening hours

  • From October 1 to June 30: from 10 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
  • From July 1 to September 30: from 10 AM to 8 PM (last entry at 7:30 pm)
  • The bridge is closed to pedestrians on the third Tuesday of every month. It is also closed on the first Tuesday in December (or the next day if it is a public holiday). When there is bad weather it might also close.

Other photo spots near Tokyo Gate Bridge

  • Disneyland
  • Kasai Rinkai Park
  • Tokyo Sea Life Park
  • Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse

Are bicycles allowed?

No.

Conclusion

Tokyo Gate Bridge is far.  For example, it’s thirty minutes from Shinjuku and another twenty for the bus. That trip can take a long time. Some might not want to make such a long journey with camera gear. That is understandable, but they might miss a great opportunity.

Let’s put that aside. Once there, you’ll forget about the hardships of travel. The bridge in the afternoon and at night, is beautiful. Take a tripod for shots from the seawall for sunset photographs. You’ll go home feeling quite satisfied. It’s another great Tokyo photo spot.

Picture of Rohan Gillett
Rohan Gillett

Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.

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