Tokyo Gate Bridge opened on February 12 this year.
A feat of engineering that cost an estimated ¥113 billion.
It’s 2,618 metres long. Has a height of 87.8 metres. And, due to its design, has been nicknamed Dinosaur Bridge, as it is said to look like two prehistoric beasts facing each other.
But most importantly, it’s there. And can be walked across. So I did.
The only trouble is, after reaching the other end, the lift and path are currently blocked, so I ended up walking it one more time than I wanted to.
@tkyc says
Nice pics… interesting bit of architecture..
Where is it exactly?
Doesn’t appear on Google maps… or am I not looking hard enough.
Michael Flux says
I’m guessing Google Maps still din’t get updated (I’m talking about the actual maps of course) I’d be surprised if the satellite images get updated even in the next 12 months.
Unless I’m horribly mistaken here, which I don’t think I am, here’s where it’s located: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=35.610383,139.82729&spn=0.040717,0.068793&sll=35.610906,139.827375&sspn=0.081433,0.137587&t=h&z=15
On the satellite image you can still see it being built.
But on topic of this post, goodness gracious this thing is ugly! Expected way more. This looks like something designed and built in the 60s…
Lee says
Cheers tkyc, and that’s the spot that Michael has kinked to.
I’m somehwere in the middle of you both in regards the look of the bridge. From the angle of the 1st and 4th photos, I quite liked it, particularly its gentle curve. From the other side though, it didn’t do much for me. And even more so when actually on it.
It is actually being used though, which for a public project in Japan that costs billions of yen, makes it a huge success…
@tkyc says
Thanks both…
I guess I was looking further away from there, expecting a grander bridge and span.
If its bring used, it is indeed a smart spend.
El-Branden Brazil says
It’s very bridgey.
Lee says
It is. Very.
Andy says
That’s hideous! But good photos, as always, Mr Lee sir.
Lee says
Cheers!
Poor Gate Bridge. It’s not that bad, is it?
Jim says
Yup, agree with some of the others, pretty darn ugly!
Lee says
That seems to be the common consensus!
Don says
My viewpoint is biased by Texas roadworks projects, which granted do not typically cross bodies of water like this. They’re lots and lots of precast and sitecast concrete with some steel girders thrown in where the cheaper concrete can’t make the span.
With that qualifier – I kind of like this one in terms of materials. I appreciate that there’s some visual appeal in how the stone supports were made and appear, and there’s actually some nice paver variety in the surface of the pedestrian area. I’m not really seeing the dinosaurs, and it’s a stretch to try and find any torii resemblence to back up the ‘gate’ idea – but it’s a nicer structural solution than typical long-span steel.
I guess my stance is it has a nice clean aesthetic, though more functional than artistic. Shot #2 is pretty appealing, though.
Lee says
Yeah, I’m not convinced by the whole dinosaur thing either.
I personally went there to walk across it, not for its looks, but yeah, from that side, the curve of the bridge does have some appeal.
winnie says
Nice Shots!! 🙂
I think this Dinosaur Bridge look cool!!
I also want to walk across this bridge!
Lee says
Cheers Winnie!
Pick a nice day if you do. We walked from Shin-Kiba station. If you head for the waterfront by the golf course, you can cut out a lot of the industrial area on the way.
winnie says
From Shin-Kiba? Okay, I had just written down. Thank you! 🙂
Jeffrey says
As my heart still belongs to Rainbow Bridge, I agree with others that that is one ugly bridge. Also, given the light traffic I can see in the photos, is it yet another “bridge to nowhere”?
Lee says
Amazingly it doesn’t appear that way. As far as I’m aware its focus is getting stuff in and out of the industrial area that surrounds the bridge, and there was a steady stream of commercial vehicles using it.
Elaine A. says
I think that for who studies something related with architecture or engineer this bridge is beautiful, especially because it has some several structures against earthquakes, tsunamis and etc.
The bridge was supposed to connect the city with th island that the Olimpic Games would happen, but then Japan lost it to Rio and the island became a park or something like that. 😀
Chris says
I often went to Kaisai-rinkai-koen and saw this bridge during construction. I had always wonder what this bridge was really called, though I had christened it “Duck Kiss Bridge”. I still like my version better.
leo salvador says
I like to see it personally, how can i get in this place, because Sunday are good weather here in Tokyo, can you give the Exact direction to reach this place? let say I’ll start in Shinkiba Station the what?
Lee says
Then basically head south. You can’t go wrong. Very industrial round there though, so my advice would be to walk by the bay. A slightly longer route, but far more pleasant.