Odaiba is a shopping and entertainment district set on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. Originally a set of smaller defensive islands built in 1854, the islands were joined together with landfill in the 1930s. In the 1980s, residential and commercial building began in order to create a futuristic precinct. Today, appreciate the area’s amazing architecture, open spaces and great views of Tokyo.
Start with one of the island’s landmark structures, the Fuji TV Building, headquarters of Japan’s Fuji Television. This distinct building’s exterior features a 105-foot (32-meter) silver sphere. This sphere actually contains an observation deck, where visitors can enjoy views across Tokyo Bay and Odaiba. Inside, investigate exhibits displaying the network’s history and programs and browse through merchandise from some of Japan’s most popular television shows.
Get a better view of the Fuji TV Building from the observation deck in the nearby Telecom Center, another ultramodern building. On a clear day, look for the Tokyo Skytree and perhaps even far-off Mount Fuji.
Sample regional ramen recipes from all over Japan in the gourmet zones on the Aquacity Odaiba building’s fifth floor. Soak in the relaxing baths at Oedo Onsen, a hot spring park fed by natural water sourced from 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) below ground. Interact with the exhibits and robots in the National Museum of Emerging Science.
Browse through the shops in Venus Fort, a shopping mall modeled after an 18th-century European town. In addition to offering dozens of boutiques and restaurants, this mall is home to Japan’s biggest washroom. Go for a spin on Odaiba’s 378-foot (115-meter) Ferris wheel. Odaiba is a popular date spot for Tokyo’s youth and the Ferris wheel is a favorite attraction of young couples.
Odaiba is connected with the rest of Tokyo via the two-story Rainbow Bridge. Make your way across the bridge to Odaiba on foot using the pedestrian walkway on either side. This scenic walk is particularly lovely after dark when the bridge is illuminated. Alternatively, reach the district by monorail or waterbus.
