Since its development in the 1990s, Odaiba has become a popular Tokyo tourist destination. Its many attractions include one of the world's largest ferris wheels, as well as several shopping malls and entertainment centers.
Built in 1996 by the Tokyo Metropolitan government, the Tokyo International Exhibition Center, also known as "Tokyo Big Sight" boasts the Japan's largest exhibition and conference facilities. It consists of the East Hall, West Hall, and the Conference Tower. 20 conference rooms are housed in the 58-meter tall Conference Tower that is known as the landmark of this complex with its inverted pyramid shape, 6 exhibition halls with the mobile roof controlling amount of sunlight lined up on both sides of the Galleria in the East Hall, and 4 halls in the two-storied West Hall. The rooms and halls are available in various sizes and restaurants, cafes, and a convenience store are available in the area called, "Restaurant Avenue." A total of 9 artworks placed around the Conference Tower are enhancing the contemporary feature of this center. Approximately 11.5 million visitors came for the trade shows and other events in one and a half years since the opening.
Address: 3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5530-1115 Access: 3-min. walk from Kokusai Tenjijo Seimonmae Stn. (Yurikamome) 5-min. walk from Kokusai Tenjijo Mae Stn. (Rinkai Line)
One of the world's largest Ferris wheel is the landmark of the Palette town, a major entertainment complex that contains the Tokyo leisure land, Venus Fort, MEGA WEB, Sun Walk, and Zepp Tokyo. The 115 meter tall Ferris wheel commands a fine view of the bay area as well as the Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge in distance. The Ferris wheel is lit up at night in different designs. Sun Walk located on the first floor is a shopping area popular among children by housing shops for sports, kids, pets and books. Venus Fort is also a shopping area but it houses shops, cafes, and restaurant geared to women. Adjacent to the Venus Fort is Mega Web that is a large display area for TOYOTA, where you can see Toyota's latest models and have a test drive or drive an electric vehicle in the test course. Zepp Tokyo on the second floor is a concert venue. Tokyo leisure land is open 24 hours and you can find all kinds of entertainment facilities such as a game room, a bowling alley, and Karaoke room. Palette Town is a place for people of all ages.
Address: Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Access: 1 min walk from Oume sta. on Yurikamome 2 mins walk from Tokyo teleport sta. on Rinkai Line
The statue of liberty came from France for two year in commemoration of the "French Years in Japan." The program gained much popularity, so much so that France approved of making a replica of the Statue of Liberty after the event. The replica made of bronze was copied and manufactured in France, and the finished statue was positioned near the rocky shore in the Odaiba Seaside Park in 2000. With a height of 11 meters and a weight of 9 tons, the bronze statue has become a landmark of the Sea Side Park since then. Having the Rainbow Bridge and high-rise buildings in downtown Tokyo on its background, it has also been one of the most popular spots for a photo shoot in the park.
Address: 1-4-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5531-0851 Access: 2 mins walk from Daiba sta. on Yurikamome 5 mins walk from Tokyo teleport Sta. on Rinkai Line
Odaiba area was developed on unclaimed land during 1990s and has grown into one of the most attractive spot with amusement and shopping facilities. As the part of this development, "Odaiba Beach" as a marine leisure space was built by converting breakwaters and the Daiba Park surrounding the cove into the artificial beach. With a boardwalk along the seashore, a beach zone with white sand, and observatory deck, the artificial beach along the bay presents atmosphere of Southern California. Trees and grass cover other parts of the park. Fishing can be enjoyed at the rocky shore and sailboat can be enjoyed at the off shore. There are large shopping complexes, restaurants, cafes, and amusement facilities in the park. Being on the other side of the water from the metropolitan area of Tokyo and near the Rainbow Bridge, many visits here are fascinated with the beautiful sunset and the spectacular night view from the park.
Address: 1-4-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5531-0851 Access: 3 mins. walk from Odaiba-kaihinkoen Sta. on Yurikamome 7 mins. walk from Tokyo-Teleport St. on the Rinkai Line
Adjacent to Odaiba Kaihin Park (Odaiba Seaside Park), Aqua City Odaiba is a large shopping mall featuring about 120 different stores, restaurants and cafes. It also features Cinema Mediage, a huge multiplex boasting 13 screens, each with the latest sound and image equipment. With its resort atmosphere and spectacular view of Central Tokyo from the Rainbow Bridge, Aqua City is one of Odaiba's most popular recreational sites.
Address: 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: :03-3599-4700 Access: 6-mins. walk from Tokyo Teleport Sta. 1-mins. walk from Daiba Sta. URL: http://www.aquacity.jp/en/index.html
Occupying one third of Aqua City Odaiba's area is Mediage - a mega entertainment complex. The name "Mediage" comes from the concept of connecting people to other people and places through 'media', 'image' and 'message'. Its various attractions include Cinema Mediage - a 13 screen multiplex with a total of more than 3,000 seats, Sony Explore Science - a science museum produced by Sony, and numerous restaurants, cafes and shops. Mediage is connected to Aqua City Odaiba, with the entrance located on the third floor. With so much to do, visitors can enjoy the whole day here!
Address: 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5531-7800 Access: 5-mins. walk from Tokyo Teleport Sta.<br>2-mins. walk from Daiba Sta. URL: http://www.mediage.jp/e/index.html
Located near the seaside, Decks is another large amusement complex in Odaiba. It has a diverse collection of stores, including several fashion shops, restaurants and cafes. When it comes to dining, Japanese, Western and Asian food are all available. "Daiba Little Hong Kong", a food theme park with dozens of Hong Kong inspired shops and restaurants, is on the 6th and 7th floors. For entertainment, visitors can enjoy the Sega amusement park, "Tokyo Joyopolis" or go to "Muscle Park", a sports theme park that is divided into 11 different events. Here you can try an array of games that test your physical ability. With such a wide range of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Decks.
Address: 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3599-6500 Access: 2-min. walk from Odaiba Kaihin Koen Sta. URL: http://www.odaiba-decks.com
Opened in 2003, this is the only onsen (hot spring) theme park in Tokyo. Baths are designed in traditional Japanese style and are filled with natural hot spring water pumped from 1,400 meters underground. In addition to other bathing facilities, there is a foot bath within a large Japanese garden, as well as indoor and outdoor baths. Ideal for relaxing under the night sky, the open air baths are particularly enjoyable. The park also offers visitors an authentic onsen experience with its re-creation of a traditional street from the Edo Period. Restaurants, massage services, souvenir shops and accommodation are also available for visitors.
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) is a new type of museum that aims to introduce cutting-edge science and technology to the public in order to connect them with the 21st century and to enrich human culture. Visitors can learn the latest on information technology, space exploration, robotics, environmental issues and biology. There are also a variety of interactive exhibitions including robot operation. Services are available in both Japanese and English.
Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3570-9151 Access: 4-mins. walk from Tokyo Teleport Center Sta. URL: http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/
Sightseeing Spots in Odaiba(Tokyo)
