Odaiba

Odaiba is a magical wonderland of entertainment, situated on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Not only does this location afford an unbeatable view of the Rainbow Bridge (especially during the Tokyo Bay fireworks, unfortunately postponed until after the 2020 Olympics), it also showcases some of Japan’s best and most futuristic architecture.

Odaiba offers spectacular views back across the water of the Tokyo skyline and Rainbow Bridge.

Use your feet or hop onto a water bus to feel the sea breeze and admire the scenic cityscape from afar. Copious amounts of green spaces and parkland surround this area making it a go-to destination for picnics and young families.

Alternatively, take a ride on the Yurikamome, an automated, elevated train with rubber tires, connecting Shimbashi Station on the Yamanote Line and Toyosu Station on the Yurakucho Subway Line with all of Odaiba’s attractions. Be sure to grab a seat at the front of the train to really cash in on those stunning views of the Rainbow Bridge.

The life-sized Gundam robot comes alive at 17:00 daily – flashing its lights and emitting steam. From 19:30, this performance is accompanied by an original anime projected onto the wall behind the statue (every 30 minutes).

Also, keep an eye out for the Fuji TV Building (with a giant metallic-looking Pokeball for an observation deck), Telecom Centre (resembling the Arc de Triumph if it was twice the size and made out of glass) and Tokyo Big Sight (host of Tokyo’s big exhibitions, including the world-famous Comiket) to name a few.

If strolling around these space-age structures is giving you that geeky feeling, you’re in the right place. The National Science Museum offers an interactive dose of Japan’s renowned technological flair. If you want a sneak peek into the world of emerging tech, head to Toyoto Mega Web flaunts the newest in the world of cars in its beautifully designed showrooms or the Panasonic Centre to get the lowdown from staff about what electronics you should invest in next.

Get a spot at the front of the Yurikamome to capture a time lapse of the monorail’s journey which cuts through the city’s skyscrapers before crossing Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba.

Odaiba is for everyone, so if science or architecture don’t float your boat, rest assured we have you covered. Fancy a relaxing weekend? Go shopping at Aquacity or Diver City, Odaiba’s impressive shopping complexes, then fasten your yukata before enjoying a dip at the Oedo Onsen. Urge for a musical night out? The Zepp Tokyo music venue boasts both local and international talent year-round.

Brought the kids or just a kid at heart? Your choices abound. Tokyo Legoland is every child (and adult’s) dream with tons of exciting rides and activities, whereas Madame Tussauds is rife with photo ops that you’ll share on your Timehop again and again. Not to mention the Ferris Wheel, for romantic first dates or a bird’s eye view of Tokyo Bay.