Japanese Service Area Builds Rainbow Overhead Bridge To Its Carpark, Creating A Photogenic Spot

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Rainbow Bridge

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After you enter adulthood, you realise that life is not all rainbows and sunshine. That’s why we all reminisce about our younger days when everything was so much more simple. But an overhead bridge in Aichi Prefecture – that’s become a popular photo-taking spot – lets you walk on a rainbow, as if signalling better days to come.

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Photogenic spot

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Image adapted from: @fukiko50

The rainbow bridge, Oasis Rainbow (オアシスレインボー), finished construction on 1st March 2022. According to Kariya City Hall, they decided on the bridge’s name after sifting through 292 formal suggestions. 

(Left to right) The Oasis Rainbow bridge connects Kariya Highway Oasis to the carpark opposite it.
Image adapted from: Kariya City Hall and @46vr_34ks.jp

Oasis Rainbow, equipped with lifts on each side, connects the Kariya Highway Oasis service area to its carpark on the opposite side. The bridge was built to provide more accessible parking space for visitors driving to the area, since the service area’s adjacent carpark was often full. 

Pink represents Kariya Highway Oasis, green represents Rainbow Oasis, and the dark grey areas represent parking spaces.
Image adapted from: Kariya Highway Oasis

However, with the stairs on the side of the service area painted in the colours of a rainbow, the bridge has also become a popular photo spot for visitors. By playing with camera angles, visitors can look like they’re walking towards the sky or standing on top of the world.

Picture of a girl who looks like she’s on top of the world.
Image credit: @saoriphoto2021

The rainbow bridge has also gained fame among pet owners, who put their adorable animals on the pedestal, quite literally.

Image credit: @papismirui

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Visitors’ reviews

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“Rainbow Oasis is a great bridge!!!!!!!!!”
Image adapted from: @Coto3_86

Netizens who’ve seen Rainbow Oasis for themselves have praised the bridge, presumably for its aesthetics.

“I went to see Rainbow Oasis, (the bridge) near my workplace, after getting off work (smiling face emoji). It’s the best (heart eyes emoji).”
Image adapted from: @yuzulive_panda

Some have also expressed their intention to visit the bridge after seeing others post about it.

“I see you’ve dropped by Rainbow Oasis. I’m thinking of going there on my off day too.”
Image adapted from: @K1203_koji

Visuals aside, a member of the Kariya Sightseeing Association commented on how the bridge has made travelling to and from Kariya Highway Oasis and the carpark opposite safer.

“Rainbow Oasis has opened at Kariya Highway Oasis (rainbow emoji). I’m happy that it’s now also possible to travel safely from the carpark opposite to Kariya Highway Oasis (sparkle emoji).”
Image adapted from: @kariyakankou

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Getting to the rainbow bridge

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To reach Kariya Highway Oasis from Kariya Station, first head to the north station exit. 

Next, either take the Higashisakai-route bus bound for Suhara Onsen Pool or the Nishisakai-route bus bound for Kariya Highway Oasis. Kariya City provides the bus rides for free all year round. 

Lastly, for both buses, alight at the Kariya Highway Oasis bus stop and then walk for 5 minutes.

Although it looks like you need to travel a lot to reach a bridge, you can extend your trip to the all-in-one Kariya Highway Oasis. The service area includes a range of shops and facilities, including a natural hot spring, a wet market, and even a ferris wheel. You can view a full list of amenities via their official website.

Oasis Rainbow
Address: 55 Yoshino, Higashizakai, Kariya, 448-0007 Aichi

Kariya Highway Oasis
Address: 55 Yoshino, Higashizakai, Kariya, 448-0007 Aichi
Contact: 0566-35-0211 | Kariya Highway Oasis website

Also check out: 

• Bridge so steep it resembles a roller coaster
• Scenic ocean drive across a bridge in Yamaguchi
• Floating bridge in the sky
• Bath bomb that emits rainbows when used
• Giant squid statue that attracts over 4,000 visitors per month

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Cover image adapted from: @fukiko50