A day in Odaiba can feel like an escape from the hectic pace of Tokyo. Built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, it is a short ride on the fully automated Yurikamome line from Shimbashi Station. You can also get to Odaiba by driving or walking over the scenic Rainbow Bridge. The whole island is a mix of anime inspired futuristic buildings and love hotel inspired kitsch, complete with a replica of the Statue of Liberty on the beach.
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| Lady Liberty in Odaiba |
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View from Observatory
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One of the most distinctive buildings is the Fuji TV Building. You can visit the observatory and take a studio tour.
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| Fuji TV Building |
Other than the views, my favorite thing about Odaiba is probably the theme malls. This is an only in Japan kind of experience with shopping malls designed to look like 1950s Japan (Decks) and 18th century Venice, complete with marble fountains and a changing sky (Venus Fort). Until recently, there was also a Little Hong Kong with an amazing number of Dim Sum options.
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| Little Hong Kong |
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| Decks |
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| Decks |
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| Venus Fort |
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| Central Fountain, Venus Fort |
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| "Night Time" at Venus Fort |
Toyota MEGA WEB is located right next to Venus Fort. It is a great showroom, and you can even make advance reservations to test drive some vehicles.
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| Toyota MEGA WEB |
Odaiba is also home to entertainment centers including Joypolis, with excellent "virtual" amusement rides and Tokyo Leisure Land with arcade games, bowling, billiards, and karaoke. For a more relaxing day, you can visit Oedo-Onsen Monogatari, a large Edo-Era themed hot spring complex. No matter how you spend your time in Odaiba, a sunset or evening view of Rainbow Bridge is one of the best ways to end the day.
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| Rainbow Bridge |
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