Sign in for a personalized experience.
Japan Guide Homepage
Travel
Living
A-Z
Forum
Jobs
Friends
Shopping
Essentials
-
Sightseeing
-
Accommodation
-
Transportation
-
Food
-
Budget Travel
-
Shopping
-
Questions
Search this site
Online Reservations
Hotel
 
Flight
 
Bus

(check-in)

Car Rentals Car Rentals
Compact cars from around 4,000 Yen/day!
Online Ticket Bookings Online Ticket Bookings
Special fares for domestic air tickets
Online Hostel Bookings Online Hostel Bookings
Hostels and inexpensive ryokan from $10 per night!

Related Pages
Travel
Sightseeing
Kanto Region
Tokyo

Central Tokyo
Western Tokyo
Northern Tokyo
Outlying Areas

Southern Tokyo
Odaiba
Shiodome
Kyu Shiba Rikyu
Roppongi
Akasaka Sacas
Tokyo Tower
Zojoji Temple
Shinagawa
Sengakuji Temple
Institute for Nature Study
Tokyo Water Bus

Tokyo Hotel Guide
Odaiba Shop Directory

Tokyo: Orientation

Related Questions
Is tokyo Joypolis closed?
 2 reactions, last updated 9 days ago
Any Budget Grocery Stores in...
 5 reactions, last updated 137 days ago
Odaiba affected by rolling...
 10 reactions, last updated 311 days ago
Odaiba
 2 reactions, last updated 333 days ago
Yurikamome Train
 4 reactions, last updated 454 days ago
Walk to Odaiba from Metro Stn
 4 reactions, last updated 617 days ago
Odaiba
 2 reactions, last updated 697 days ago
18m Gundam in Odaiba, Tokyo
 8 reactions, last updated 728 days ago
Oedo-onsen Monogatari overnight...
 4 reactions, last updated 747 days ago
New Years Fireworks in Odaiba?
 2 reactions, last updated 768 days ago
Tokyo Bay Wedding - Odaiba Ariake...
 6 reactions, last updated 790 days ago
Tokyo Water Cruises Odaiba
 1 reaction, last updated 790 days ago
Ueno to Odaiba
 1 reaction, last updated 809 days ago
Kokusai Tenjjijo to ikebukuro
 3 reactions, last updated 840 days ago
Last Yurikamome back to...
 2 reactions, last updated 877 days ago
Oedo onsen monogatari
 2 reactions, last updated 911 days ago
Odaiba - time and distances?
 2 reactions, last updated 918 days ago
Tokyo to Odaiba
 6 reactions, last updated 922 days ago
Cheap place to stay near Tokyo...
 0 reactions, last updated 946 days ago
Muscle Park days of operation
 1 reaction, last updated 982 days ago

Japan Sightseeing Guide
Hokkaido
Sapporo
Otaru
Hakodate
Asahikawa
Furano
Abashiri
Noboribetsu
Niseko
Lake Toya
Daisetsuzan
Shiretoko
Rishiri Rebun
Akan

Tohoku
Sendai
Matsushima
Hiraizumi
Akita
Kakunodate
Hachimantai
Aomori
Hirosaki
Lake Towada
Shimokita Hanto
Dewa Sanzan
Yamadera
Aizu
Bandai

Kanto
Tokyo
Yokohama
Kamakura
Nikko
Kinugawa
Hakone
Kawagoe
Kusatsu
Ikaho
Minakami
Oze
Narita
Ogasawara

Chubu
Nagoya
Inuyama
Mt.Fuji
Fujigoko
Izu Peninsula
Shizuoka
Hamanako
Nagano
Bessho Onsen
Matsumoto
Kamikochi
Kiso Valley
Hakuba
Yamanouchi
Sado Island
Takayama
Okuhida
Shirakawa-go
Gujo
Gero Onsen
Kanazawa
Kaga Onsen
Noto Peninsula

Kansai
Kyoto
Osaka
Nara
Kobe
Himeji
Kinosaki
Mount Koya
Kumano
Asuka
Yoshino
Amanohashidate
Hikone
Iga Ueno
Ise Shima

Chugoku
Hiroshima
Miyajima
Onomichi
Okayama
Kurashiki
Takahashi
Inujima
Tottori
Daisen
Matsue
Iwami Ginzan
Iwakuni
Yamaguchi
Hagi

Shikoku
Takamatsu
Kotohira
Naoshima
Shodoshima
Matsuyama
Uchiko
Kochi
Tokushima
Naruto

Kyushu
Fukuoka
Dazaifu
Arita
Nagasaki
Shimabara
Kumamoto
Mount Aso
Kurokawa
Minamata
Beppu
Yufuin
Mount Kuju
Miyazaki
Takachiho
Kagoshima
Kirishima
Satsuma Hanto
Yakushima

Okinawa
Honto
Kume
Miyako
Yaeyama

Survey
Have you visited Japan in the last 3 years?
Yes
No
see results
Other Surveys:
Preferred Airport
Favorite hotel reservation website
Favorite travel guide books
How to improve tourism
Next trip to Japan
Purpose of visit
Most popular region
Have you recently entered Japan?

japan-guide.com newsletter
Keeping you up to date on Japan travel and living related issues and site updates. Click here to subscribe!

Sponsored Listings
Japan - Order FREE Brochure!
About vacation plans and specialty travel.
Car Rental
The cheapest rates in Japan!
Tour Packages
Guided and individual tour plans.

Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kanto - Tokyo - Southern Tokyo
Odaiba
# 12   of 60 most visited
sights in Tokyo
access  -  hotels  -  reports  -  ratings  -  shops  -  tours  -  links
Rainbow Bridge from Odaiba

Odaiba (‚¨‘äê) is a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man made island in Tokyo Bay. It originated as a set of small man made fort islands (daiba literally means "fort"), which were built towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868) to protect Tokyo against possible attacks from the sea and specifically in response to the gunboat diplomacy of Commodore Perry.

More than a century later, the small islands were joined into larger islands by massive landfills, and Tokyo began a spectacular development project aimed to turn the islands into a futuristic residential and business district during the extravagant 1980s. But development was critically slowed after the burst of the "bubble economy" in the early 1990s, leaving Odaiba nearly vacant.

Aquacity and the Fuji TV Building

It was not until the second half of the 1990s, when several hotels, shopping malls and the Yurikamome elevated train line were opened, that Odaiba developed into one of Tokyo's most popular tourist attractions and date spots with a wide selection of shopping, dining and leisure options.

Despite the initial setbacks, several lavish development projects did materialize, including some of Tokyo's boldest architectural creations, such as the Fuji TV Building, Telecom Center and Tokyo Big Sight. Modern city planning furthermore provides Odaiba with plenty of green space and a pleasant division of motorized and pedestrian traffic using elevated walkways and the like.

Fuji TV Area

Fuji TV Building
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (some restaurants until 19:00)
Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday).
Admission: Free (observation deck: 500 yen)
The headquarters of Fuji Television, one of Japan's private, nationwide TV stations. You can see some exhibits on popular programs, buy Fuji TV goods at a shop and access the futuristic looking building's observatory deck housed in the sphere shaped part of the building.

Decks Tokyo Beach
Hours: 11:00 to 21:00
Restaurants: 11:00 to 20:00 (some restaurants until 24:00)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free (trick art museum: 900 yen)
Decks is a shopping mall featuring various stores, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The mall also houses the three story "Tokyo Joypolis" arcade (closed for renovation until mid July 2012) and a trick art museum. A Hong Kong themed food theme park and the Muscle Park were closed in 2010.

Aquacity Odaiba
Hours: 11:00 to 21:00
Restaurants: 11:00 to 23:00 (some restaurants until 5:30)
Closed: No closing days
Aquacity is a shopping mall featuring various stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and a 13 screen cinema complex. The fifth floor houses a ramen food theme park where you can try different ramen from all over Japan. There are nice views of the Rainbow Bridge from the wooden deck in front of Aquacity and neighboring Decks.

Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge connects Odaiba to the rest of Tokyo. The two story bridge is an iconic symbol of the bay and is especially beautiful during its nightly illumination. The bridge supports an expressway, a regular road, the Yurikamome train line and pedestrian walkways along both sides.

Telecom Center Area

Telecom Center
Observation Deck:
15:00 to 21:00 (weekdays)
11:00 to 22:30 (weekends and national holidays)
Closed Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
Admission: 500 yen (400 yen in combination with a Yurikamome day pass)
The Telecom Center is a major hub on the information highway with several large satellite antennas on its observation deck. The observation deck also offers nice view of the bay area and as far as Mount Fuji on clear days.

Museum of Maritime Science
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (weekends and holidays until 18:00)
Closed: Mondays (or following Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday)
December 28 to January 1
Admission: 700 yen
This museum looks like a large cruise ship docked along the Odaiba waterfront. Inside are exhibits on the history and technology of ships and shipping. Outside you can board two real ships on permanent display next to the museum.

National Museum of Emerging Science
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Closed: Tuesdays and December 28 to January 1
Admission: 600 yen
Also known as the Miraikan, this well done, highly interactive and bilingual science museum includes exhibits about environmental issues, robots (starring Asimo among others), information technology, biology and space exploration.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari
Open: 11:00 to 9:00 (last entry 8:00, no entry from 2:00 to 5:00)
Closed: One evening per month for cleaning
Admission: 2900 yen (2000 yen from 18:00 to 2:00, 1900 yen from 5:00 to 8:00). A 1700 yen overnight fee applies if you stay after 2:00.
Opened in 2003, Oedo Onsen is a hot spring theme park which reproduces the atmosphere of the Edo Period. Here you can enjoy various types of indoor and outdoor baths which are fed by hot spring water pumped from a depth of 1400 meters. Restaurants, massage, games and other entertainment, as well as overnight stays are available.

Palette Town

Palette Town is a large shopping and entertainment complex consisting of the Venus Fort shopping mall, Toyota Mega Web, a Ferris Wheel, the Zepp Tokyo music venue and Tokyo Leisureland.

Venus Fort
Hours: 11:00 to 21:00
Restaurants: 11:00 to 23:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free
Venus Fort is a shopping mall in the style of a 18th century South European town. The mall features over a hundred shops, fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants on three floors including a few outlets shops on the upper floor.

Toyota Mega Web
Hours: 11:00 to 21:00 (some attractions end 1-3 hours earlier)
Closed: Small number of irregular closing days
Admission: Free (test rides: 300 yen)
Mega Web is a giant Toyota showroom that shows off all of Toyota's latest models, car accessories and technologies. Attractions include test driving of cars (requires driving license valid for Japan) and a museum exhibiting cars from past decades.

Ferris Wheel
Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (until 23:00 or 24:00 on most Fridays, Saturdays)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 900 yen (entire cabin: 3000 yen)
This 115 meter tall ferris wheel is one of the world's largest and offers nice views of Tokyo Bay and Odaiba below. Each cabin seats six (or four in the all-glass cabins), and the complete revolution takes about 15 minutes.

Leisureland
Hours: 10:00 to 23:50 (some parts open 24 hours)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free (attractions are paid)
This huge entertainment complex features a large game arcade, bowling alleys, slots, batting cages, karaoke, darts, table tennis and sports games. There is also a ninja illusion house, a haunted house and food court.

Big Sight Area

Tokyo Big Sight
Hours and admission fees depend on the specific events.
Also known as Tokyo International Exhibition Center, Tokyo Big Sight is Japan's largest exhibition and convention center and one of the bay islands' boldest architectural creations. A wide array of events are held at the Big Sight throughout the year including the Tokyo International Anime Fair, the Comiket comic fair and the Tokyo Motor Show.

Panasonic Center
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (entry to Risupia until 17:00)
Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission: Free (Risupia: 500 yen)
The Panasonic Center is a showroom for the latest products and technologies by the Panasonic Corporation. On display are the newest cameras, TVs, computers, Nintendo games, home appliances and more. The third floor is Risupia, a hands-on math and science museum.

Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

How to get there
Access to Odaiba can be an attraction in itself, as the views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo's harbor and waterfront area from the Yurikamome elevated train and boats are quite spectacular. Furthermore, it is also possible to walk across the Rainbow Bridge.

By Yurikamome

The Yurikamome is an automated, elevated train with rubber tires, which connects Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line with all of Odaiba's attractions and Toyosu Station on the Yurakucho Subway Line. Trains depart every few minutes, and a ride between Shimbashi and Daiba Station takes 15 minutes and costs 310 yen. If you ride the Yurikamome more than twice, a one day pass for 800 yen is likely to cost less than regular fares.

The Yurikamome crosses the Rainbow Bridge to get to Odaiba and offers spectacular views of the harbor and the Tokyo waterfront. Sit or stand at the very front of the train for the most impressive views.

By Rinkai Line

The Rinkai Line connects Osaki Station on the JR Yamanote Line with Shin-Kiba Station on the JR Keiyo Line, stopping at the Tokyo Teleport and Kokusai Tenjijo underground stations on Odaiba along the way. Some trains on the JR Saikyo Line continue to run on the Rinkai Line and provide direct connections between Shinjuku, Shibuya and Odaiba.

The ride from Shinjuku to Tokyo Teleport Station on Odaiba takes 25 minutes and costs 480 yen. Note that the Japan Rail Pass, Seishun 18 Kippu and similar JR tickets are not valid on the Rinkai Line between Osaki and Shin-Kiba, even though the line is served by JR trains.

By Boat

Tokyo Water Bus operates boats between Odaiba Seaside Park and Hinode Pier (20 minutes, 460 yen, 1-2 boats per hour), where there are connections to Asakusa. Direct boats connect Asakusa and Odaiba less frequently (50 minutes, 1520 yen). Furthermore, there are boats from Hinode Pier to Palette Town and Tokyo Big Sight (25-35 minutes, 400 yen, one boat per hour except Mondays and Tuesdays).

On Foot

It is possible to cross the Rainbow Bridge on foot. The walk across takes about 30-45 minutes and offers nice views of the waterfront area. The pedestrian path begins a short walk from Shibaura-futo Station along the Yurikamome on the "Tokyo side" of the bridge, while Odaiba Kaihinkoen Station is the nearest station on the "Odaiba side". Bicycles are not allowed.

Note that the pedestrian walkways gets closed during the night (21:00 to 9:00 from April to October, 18:00 to 10:00 from November to March), on the third Monday of every month, from December 29 to 31, during the Tokyo Bay Fireworks Display and during bad weather.

Orientation in Tokyo

Crossing Rainbow Bridge on foot

Hotels and Ryokan
Odaiba has a few very pleasant hotels, especially the Hotel Nikko Tokyo and Grand Pacific Le Daiba, that come with a certain resort atmosphere. The area's downside as a base is its somewhat isolated location from the rest of the city.

Read more in our Tokyo Hotel Guide

Recommended Hotels around Odaiba - with lowest rates by selected hotel reservation websites
Grand Pacific Le Daiba Hotel
Centrally located hotel with good valued rooms.
Agoda
from $156 (1 person)
from $164 (2 persons)
Hotel Nikko Tokyo
Popular, conveniently located hotel with spectacular views over Tokyo Bay.
Agoda
from $225 (1 person)
from $224 (2 persons)
Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel
Most convenient hotel for visiting the Tokyo Big Sight convention facility.
Agoda
from $213 (1 person)
from $213 (2 persons)
Search Hotels
In:
From:
For:
Website:
or read our Tokyo Hotel Guide

Advertisements

News and Reports
December 13, 2011
Tokyo Autumn Color Report
by schauwecker
December 5, 2011
Tokyo Autumn Color Report
by scott
November 27, 2011
Tokyo Autumn Color Report
by scott
November 22, 2011
Tokyo Autumn Color Report
by scott
November 15, 2011
Tokyo Autumn Color Report
by scott
November 14, 2011
Christmas lights in Roppongi Hills Tokyo
by aginorz
October 24, 2011
Halloween in Tokyo
by aginorz
October 13, 2011
Tokyo Fall Colors?
by schauwecker
More reports...

Travel Community
Ratings for Odaiba:
japan-guide.com Rating:
  outstanding  
User Rating (by 1106 users):
84/100
  recommended

Popularity of Odaiba:
Users who have been to Tokyo: 5869
Users who have been to Odaiba: 2079
12th of 60 most visited sights in Tokyo.
14th of 726 most visited sights nationwide.

Have you been to Odaiba?
User Feedback
We strive to keep japan-guide.com up-to-date and accurate, and are always looking for ways to improve the user experience. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know:

Shop Directory
Buzen: Venus Fort
Enjoy a completely new noodle dining experience at Japans soul food specialty udon shop....
66 Kitchen
Omelette rice, Curry and old style Western Authentic Homemade cake shop....
Cobara-Hetta
While enjoying the water fountain view have a great time in our terrace seating....
Padrino del SHOZAN
Authentic Italian along with other delicious courses on the menu along with a bar....
Park Avenue Clea: Odaiba
Come enjoy our 80 seat dog friendly cafe in the park!...
More shops...

Tours and Packages
Tokyo Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Tokyo and surroundings.

English Links
Fuji Television
Official English website.
Decks
Official English website.
Tokyo Joypolis
Official English website.
Aquacity
Official English website.
Museum of Maritime Science
Official English website.
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Official English website.
Venus Fort
Official English website.
Panasonic Center
Official English website.
Big Sight Tokyo
Official English website.
Suijo Bus Ferries
Official English website.

Japanese Links
Fuji Television Building
Official website.
Decks
Official website.
Tokyo Joypolis
Official website.
Aquacity
Official website.
Rainbow Bridge
Official website of the Metropolitan Expressway.
Museum of Maritime Science
Official website.
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Official website.
Tokyo Teleport
Official website.
Oedo Onsen
Official website.
Palette Town
Official website.
Venus Fort
Official website.
Mega Web
Official website.
Panasonic Center
Official website.
Big Sight Tokyo
Official website.
Leisureland
Official website.
Suijo Bus Ferries
Official website.
Tokyo Mizube Ferries
Official website.

 

Travel
Living
Japan A-Z
Community
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Transportation
Shopping
Essentials
Regions
Prefectures
Cities
Working
Studying
Living Cost
Apartments
Arts and Crafts
Entertainment
History
Religion
Etiquette
Food
Language
Tradition
Question Forum
Classifieds
Trip Reports
Member Area
 
119 users are currently online: ulrira, Kimrobine, Gnarly, Yurindo, Daiki Miura, MaiMai8299, chi wai, cosmi, asuka72, SACCHAI, makaroni0324, tsune314, Isid, AngeloW, Art and Art, Haru printemps, Robuda, Churka, mackey000, Kennethc, Bunny08, Arsinoi, alexandr d, hikkory, akmalamzan, Blastfi, Yuji007, gm1188, hsjmix, dolce123, misakitty, vygs, LiaLee, ethaniel, Narux, Nadia K, noapte10, rescogitans, miku4690, atobe, James17, GboR15, yukikoizumi, YUKA215, sayaka91, fassnacht, marby, AdrienParikara, Vash61, yoshi2443, Tony31, Mottoru, HiiragiHazime, yllwsmrf, OZinTokyo, Norio Sugano, som orange, maicorin, Austin Powers, miya04, sa1015, MikeC20, poorpoorniy, may323, Julia95, taro112, DennisNT, aoaoao, japanmiho, jaymoon, peb, Sigal, Carlson, chiho098, Ramos75, tokyo wa yoru no 7ji, Malisorn, rossemary, Japanadian94, louis089, kappy1742, Moony000, flyingPizza, Liina797, ROSEFANI, ajapaneseboy, yoshikt, Tomokaaa, yosifuku, coolbiz, Yamish, BOJ, EndymionRus, splendidsun, kwen2529, calvinyou89, omotenashi, masamazu, Shuurei, Chad88, pandy2026, aubergine, Ryo821, asamiiiiin, abi12, erdbeerpudding, Link0809, Nikkko, moufu, taburetka, Mel0dyx, Seagle, kokua, shoo2470, Davidjung92, ray99, Crazytaxzi, hirohiro1133, Marco V
Sign in for a personalized experience.
 
Copyright © 1996-2012 japan-guide.com All rights reserved - Last Page Update: March 11, 2011
home - site map - privacy policy - terms of use - contact - employment - L‚ɂ‚¢‚Ä - advertising