Odaiba, situated in Tokyo Bay, is an artificial island boasting an array of tourist attractions. From shopping malls and museums to theme parks and beaches, it offers diverse options for a unique and enjoyable day in the Japanese capital.
Here are some ideas on what to see and do in Odaiba.
Sights and attractions in Odaiba
Statue of Liberty
When one mentions the Statue of Liberty, the grand figure gracing New York City often comes to mind. However, did you know that a replica of this iconic statue exists in Japan?
Located in the Odaiba district, there stands a scaled replica of the renowned Statue of Liberty found in Paris. Unveiled in 1998, this rendition symbolizes the enduring friendship between Japan and France, drawing fascination from visitors worldwide.
In contrast to the New York statue, this replica mimics the statue situated on Swan Island in Paris. Standing at about 12 meters tall, it mirrors a similar stance to its French counterpart, raising the torch and exuding the spirit of freedom and camaraderie.
From this vantage point, one can witness the vibrant lights of the Rainbow Bridge casting reflections on Tokyo Bay, crafting a breathtaking and unforgettable spectacle.
Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge stands as a prominent symbol of Tokyo, a suspension bridge connecting Shibaura harbor (between Shinagawa and Hamamatsucho) to the artificial island of Odaiba.
Named after the colorful lights adorning its supporting cables, powered by solar energy, the bridge offers panoramic vistas of the Odaiba waterfront, Tokyo Tower, and even Mount Fuji.
Since its inauguration in 1993, the Rainbow Bridge has held a place as an iconic Tokyo landmark, featuring in numerous TV series and movies.
Spanning 798 meters in length, with a principal span measuring 570 meters, the bridge features two levels: the upper deck for vehicular traffic and the lower deck hosting the Yurikamome line—an automated train providing sweeping vistas of the city.
Moreover, the bridge incorporates two pedestrian walkways, one on each side, offering visitors an alternative perspective to admire the cityscape.
Gundam
If you’re a fan of colossal robots, a visit to DiverCity’s Gundam is an absolute must. This life-size statue represents a giant robot from the renowned anime series Gundam, standing at a towering 18 meters tall and weighing 25 tons.
Beyond marveling at its impressive stature, visitors can witness the statue’s movements and hear it speak at various times throughout the day. Furthermore, it illuminates brilliantly at night. Within the DiverCity shopping center, an entire store is devoted to the Gundam universe, offering a wide array of merchandise ranging from figures to T-shirts.
For enthusiasts seeking a deeper dive, the interactive Gundam Base Tokyo museum awaits. Here, visitors can delve into the franchise’s history, explore its characters, and behold hundreds of scale models representing different types of Gundam.
Miraikan
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, often referred to as Miraikan Museum or the “Museum of the Future,” is an interactive museum showcasing the cutting-edge developments in science and technology. Visitors can delve into various fields including robotics, space exploration, environmental studies, and biology.
At the museum, visitors can witness ASIMO, the renowned humanoid robot capable of walking, running, and dancing, up close. Additionally, you can experience “Miraikan Live,” an engaging live show presenting astounding science experiments.
The museum also hosts workshops, lectures, and special events accessible to the public. Among its popular attractions is the Geo-Cosmos, a massive spherical display projecting real-time images of Earth.
Museum of Maritime Science
Situated opposite the Miraikan, this ship-shaped museum features numerous interactive exhibits showcasing the underwater realm, spanning ancient vessels to contemporary technologies.
Visitors can marvel at the giant aquarium housing over 500 species of marine animals up close. For the adventurous, there’s a chance to step into the submarine simulator and experience the sensation of navigating ocean depths.
Operating daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., admission to the museum is priced at 1200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children.
Fuji TV
The Fuji TV headquarters in Odaiba stands out as one of Tokyo’s most distinctive buildings.
Its futuristic architecture, featuring a large metal sphere suspended between two towers, commands attention even from a distance. The sphere, measuring 32 meters in diameter and weighing 1,200 tons, contains an observatory offering a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge.
Additionally, the Fuji TV headquarters offers a diverse range of leisure and cultural amenities. These include a theater, museum, art gallery, library, aquarium, planetarium, and a dedicated One Piece theme park. Visitors can also explore numerous stores and restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets.
Standing at a height of 123 meters with 25 floors, the building accommodates over 5,000 individuals, comprising television network staff, production partners, and employees from other companies. It houses more than 20 recording studios, with select studios accessible via guided tours for visitors.
Tokyo Joypolis
Tokyo Joypolis is an indoor amusement park designed for family fun. Visitors can engage in interactive games, simulators, roller coasters, and 3D shows within the premises.
The park features themed sections dedicated to beloved characters like Sonic the Hedgehog, Evangelion, and Detective Conan. For thrill-seekers, the Storm-G ride is a must-experience, offering a 360-degree spin at 44 km/h. Alternatively, those seeking a more serene experience can unwind at the café or in the massage area.
Tokyo Joypolis está ubicado within the Decks shopping center. Operating daily from 10:00 to 22:00, the entrance fee varies based on the type of pass selected. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the park’s ticket office.
Palette Town [closed]
Here, a range of attractions awaits visitors, encompassing Japan’s largest Ferris wheel, a Venice-themed shopping mall, an interactive science museum, an aquarium, and an indoor amusement park.
Daikanransha, the colossal Ferris wheel, towers at 115 meters, offering breathtaking vistas of the cityscape, sea, and Rainbow Bridge. Inaugurated in 1999 as the world’s largest Ferris wheel (later surpassed by the London Eye), Daikanransha translates to “big observation wheel” in Japanese.
With 64 air-conditioned cabins accommodating up to six people each, the full ride spans about 16 minutes, priced at 1,000 yen per person. Particularly enchanting at night when adorned with changing colors, it provides an ideal setting for a romantic, entertaining, or serene experience in Odaiba.
Venus Fort
Venus Fort is a themed shopping mall drawing inspiration from 18th-century European architecture and ambiance. It hosts an array of stores, restaurants, and attractions catering to diverse tastes and ages. Among its popular offerings are fashion boutiques, accessory shops, cosmetic stores, and souvenir outlets.
The mall also houses an automobile museum, a casino, and a spa. Notably, the standout feature of Venus Fort lies in its roof, designed to change colors and lighting throughout the day, simulating an outdoor atmosphere.
Additionally, the mall is adorned with fountains, statues, staircases, and ornamental elements reminiscent of the European Baroque style, contributing to its distinctive charm.
Oedo Onsen Monogatari [closed]
Oedo Onsen Monogatari is a hot spring resort nestled in Odaiba, offering an ideal setting to unwind and immerse in Japanese culture by recreating a traditional Edo-era village ambiance. The resort boasts various hot water pools, both indoors and outdoors, sourced from a natural spring situated 1400 meters underground.
Additionally, the facilities include saunas, massage services, restaurants, game rooms, and stores. Visitors have the option to spend the day or opt for an overnight stay in one of the resort’s rooms.
Teamlab Borderless [closed]
Teamlab Borderless stands as an interactive digital art exhibition offering a distinctive experience melding lights, sounds, colors, and motion to craft enchanting and immersive settings. Visitors can venture through various rooms and zones where artworks interact with one another and with the audience, generating a seamless and cohesive effect.
Among the most sought-after attractions are the Forest of Resonating Lamps, the Dreaming Aquarium, and the Valley of the Fallen Gods.
Where to eat in Odaiba
If you’re seeking dining options in Odaiba, here are some restaurant suggestions:
- If you’re looking for a meal with a breathtaking city view, consider Sky View restaurant on the 25th floor of Hotel Nikko Tokyo. This elegant eatery offers an array of international cuisines, from Japanese to Italian dishes.
- For a casual and enjoyable experience, Gundam Café, inspired by the famous anime series, is a great choice. Dine amidst a giant replica of the Gundam robot and savor themed dishes like Haro’s curry or Zaku’s cake. The café also houses a store where you can purchase Gundam-related souvenirs.
- To explore traditional Japanese cuisine, Oedo Monogatari restaurant recreates the Edo period’s ambiance. Offering various room styles like tatami, zashiki, or hori-gotatsu, the menu features specialties such as sushi, tempura, shabu-shabu, or sukiyaki.
- For meat enthusiasts, Gyu-Kaku restaurant, a yakiniku or Japanese barbecue chain, is a must-visit. Grill your own meat at the table and choose from a selection of cuts and sauces. The restaurant also offers salads, soups, rice, and desserts to complement your dining experience.
- If you’re up for something unique and exotic, Kua Aina restaurant, specializing in Hawaiian cuisine, is worth exploring. Indulge in burgers, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies infused with a tropical flair. The vibrant and cheerful décor of the restaurant will transport you to an island paradise during your dining experience.
Where to sleep in Odaiba
If you’re planning to stay overnight in Odaiba, one of Tokyo’s trendiest and most vibrant areas, there are various accommodation choices available. You can select from luxurious hotels like the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba or the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba, providing stunning views of the bay and the Rainbow Bridge.
For more budget-friendly options, consider the Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel or the Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside, conveniently located near the Tokyo Big Sight convention center and the Odaiba Kaihin Koen park.
If you’re seeking a distinctive experience, consider staying at the Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari, a hot springs complex that authentically recreates the ambiance of ancient Edo. This facility offers traditional Japanese rooms for guests to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere. [CLOSED]
How to get to Odaiba
To travel from central Tokyo to Odaiba, there are various public transportation options available.
One popular choice is taking the Yurikamome line, an automated train that traverses an elevated bridge, offering panoramic vistas of the city and the sea. You can board the Yurikamome line from either Shimbashi or Toyosu stations, with multiple stops in Odaiba depending on your intended destination.
An alternative route is via the Rinkai line, a subway train connecting Odaiba with Shin-Kiba, Tokyo Teleport, and Osaki stations. This line can be coupled with other JR lines like Yamanote or Saikyo, providing access from various points across the city.
Moreover, several buses operate to Odaiba from different areas of Tokyo, such as Shibuya, Shinagawa, or Tokyo Station. Buses are generally more economical than trains, albeit slower and less frequent.
For a unique experience, travelers can opt for a boat ride to Odaiba from Asakusa, Hinode, or Toyosu. These boats offer a distinct perspective of the Tokyo skyline and the Rainbow Bridge, which links Odaiba to the rest of the city.
If you’re seeking more tips and recommendations to explore Tokyo, don’t miss our comprehensive 7-day Tokyo itinerary!
