Tokyo Gate Bridge
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.
Many of the best Dinosaur Bridge photos are of it. When the afternoon sun lights it up, it’s beautiful. The pictures 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. With the right conditions, you’ll get something special.
I walked over the bridge. The view was great, but it’s not picture-worthy. 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.
What to 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
The best time to photograph Tokyo Gate Bridge
Sunset and night are great. When the bridge lights up, it is gorgeous. When the weather is good, Mount Fuji is visible.
Photography tips
- Tripods are not allowed on the bridge decks.
- You can only walk on one side of the bridge, the north path.
- 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 north’s concrete seawall.
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
- Going there by public transport is problematic. Once you get to the closest train station, you 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 windy. Keep a 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. They can be slippery when wet. Waves hitting them can create spray that might damage your camera.
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 near the elevator, on the east side.
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.
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 is beautiful in the afternoon and at night. 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. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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