Yokohama Bay Bridge

last update: August 12, 2021

The Yokohama Bay Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge 860 meters long, which connects two artificial islands used for port activities. Opened in 1989, it has been one of the symbols of Yokohama ever since, being visible in the distance from different points of the city, especially when it is illuminated in the evening. Transit is reserved for motor vehicles only, but on the north side of the bridge it is also possible to walk up for a close-up view from a 360-degree observatory located just below the bridge's street level.

All the details about the Yokohama Bay Bridge

Historical background

The first traces of this bridge date back to 1964, when it was included in the city's master plan, which also took the trouble to give it the name it still has today, Yokohama Bei Buridji (横浜ベイブリッジ). Construction began in 1981 and ended on September 27, 1989. It is not a simple bridge useful for Yokohama's port activities, but an important part of the Trans-Tokyo Bay Expressway and the Bayshore Route, two highways that connect the Yokohama area with the Chiba area on the other side of Tokyo Bay, avoiding the roads of the Japanese capital. The height of the bridge above sea level is 55 meters, which allows almost all ships to pass under it, but not all. Some huge cruise ships are unable to reach the the Ōsanbashi Pier in the city center and stop at a second cruise terminal located right next to this bridge (Daikoku Pier).

Yokohama Bay Bridge at sunset

Yokohama Bay Bridge Skywalk and Skylounge

(free admission, variable opening hours)
On the north side of the bridge there is a glass and steel tower that also allows you to go up to the level of the bridge by taking a lift. Once up, an open-air pedestrian path begins (Sky Promenade, about 100 meters long), and leads to a 360-degree panoramic observatory (Sky Lounge) located just below one of the two large pillars of the bridge. The pedestrian path was once open on both sides, and the observation deck housed a cafe. Already many years ago the structure fell into disuse and was closed in 2010. In 2019 it was partially reopened. Now you can go up to the third floor of the glass building and walk along the pedestrian walkway, but only on the east side, to observe the cruise ships anchored in the nearby pier (the walkway on the other side remains closed). The 360-degree panoramic observatory is open but there are only tables with chairs. The facility is not open every day but only on those Saturdays or Sundays when cruise ship arrivals are expected at the nearby pier or large ships are expected to pass under the bridge. It is a matter of a few days a month, and the opening calendar can be viewed on this page.

the entrance tower to the Skywalk (credits)

Skywalk of Yokohama Bay Bridge (credits)

the 360-degree viewing platform under the Yokohama Bay Bridge

view from yokohama bay bridge observation deck

view from the 360-degree observation deck under the Yokohama Bay Bridge (credits)

The best places to view the Yokohama Bay Bridge

The Yokohama Bay Bridge is visible from different points of the city, adding an extra element of charm to the view of Yokohama Bay, especially with night lighting. You have a great view of the bridge from the Ōsanbashi Pier, the Yokohama Marine Tower and the Harbor View Park. For a closer view of the bridge, you can opt for one of the cruises on Yokohama Bay, which almost always include passing under the Yokohama Bay Bridge along the journey.

view of the bridge from the observatory of the Yokohama Marine Tower (credits)

view of the bridge from Ōsanbashi Pier

view of the bridge from the sea

How to get to the Yokohama Bay Bridge

Getting to the Yokohama Bay Bridge Skywalk is quite complicated by public transport. First you need to reach Tsurumi station. Tsurumi can be reached easily from Yokohama station (10 minutes) and from several Tokyo stations (20 minutes from Shinagawa). Then you have to take bus No.17 and get off at the "Sky Walk Iriguchi" stop (20 minutes). This bus line offers few departures (about one per hour), so check the timetables before you go (it is advisable to use the website of the Transportation Bureau di Yokohama).

Map of the Yokohama Bay Bridge, Yokohama

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