'''Odaiba''' (お台場) is a large artificial island in Tokyo, Japan, featuring many hypermodern and just plain strange buildings memorably described as the result of an acid-soaked pre-schooler's architecture class. Administratively a part of the Minato, Koto and Shinagawa districts, the area is now a very popular shopping and entertainment destination.

Understand

Odaiba was originally constructed in 1853 by the Tokugawa shogunate as a series of 6 fortresses in order to protect Tokyo from attack by sea, the primary threat being Commodore Matthew Perry's Black Ships, which had arrived in the same year. ''Daiba'' in Japanese refers to the cannon batteries placed on the islands.

In 1928, the 3rd ''daiba'' was refurbished and opened to the public as park, which remains open to this day.

The modern redevelopment of Odaiba started after the success of Expo '85 in Tsukuba. The Japanese economy was riding high, and Odaiba was to be a showcase as futuristic living, built at a cost of over $10 billion. Unfortunately, the "bubble economy" burst in 1991, and by 1995 Odaiba was a virtual wasteland, underpopulated and full of vacant lots.

In 1996, the area was rezoned from pure business to allow also commercial and entertainment districts, and the area started coming back to life as Tokyo discovered the seaside it never had. Hotels and shopping malls opened up, several large companies (including Fuji TV) moved their headquarters to the island, and transportation links improved.

Get in

  • [http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/ Narita Express] (airport train)
  • [http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/keisei_us/top.html Keisei Skyliner] (airport train)
  • [http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/ Airport Limousine] (airport bus)
  • [http://www.yurikamome.co.jp/english/index.php Yurikamome] (main transport in Odaiba)
  • [http://www.twr.co.jp/ Rinkai Line] (direct connection to city center)
  • [http://www.tokyometro.jp/e/ Tokyo Metro] (subway lines in Tokyo)
  • [http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/english/ Toei lines] (subway and buses in Tokyo)
  • Odaiba is linked to Tokyo proper by many bridges and tunnels, including the scenic '''Rainbow Bridge'''.

    By plane

    From Narita Airport

    From Narita Airport, take the [http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/keisei_us/top.html Keisei Skyliner] to Ueno station, then take the Ginza Subway Line (a [http://www.tokyometro.jp/e/index.html Tokyo metro] line) to Shinbashi where you can transfer to the Yurikamome for service to Odaiba (about 1 hour 45 minutes to Daiba station, ¥2,390).

    Regular and potentially-crowded Keisei ''tokkyu'' trains to Ueno station in place of the Skyliner increase the journey time slightly, but reduce the fare to ¥1,470. An easier alternative is to change at Aoto for the [http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/english/index.html Toei] Asakusa subway train to Shinbashi, where you can pick up the Yurikamome.

    '''Japan Rail Pass''' holders can take the [http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/ JR Narita Express] to Tokyo Station, then wait on the same platform and take a Yokosuka Line local train one stop to Shinbashi to get the Yurikamome. It takes about 90 minutes to Daiba station, and Rail Pass users only have to pay the Yurikamome fare (¥310 in this case). Non-pass users must pay a total of ¥3,420.

    Infrequent [http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/timetable/narita/takeshiba_rinkaihukutoshin_h.html Airport Limousine buses] (six per day) run from the airport directly to the major hotels on Odaiba (about 70-75 minutes depending on traffic, ¥2,700).

    From Haneda Airport

    Take the [http://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/english/ Tokyo Monorail] to Tennozu Isle and change to the Rinkai Line for direct access to Odaiba. A transfer to the Yurikamome can be made at Tokyo Teleport or Kokusai-Tenjijo stations (25 minutes to the latter, ¥660).

    For the longer but scenic route over the Rainbow Bridge, take a [http://www.keikyu.co.jp/worldwide/index.shtml Keikyu line] train, running through to the Toei Asakusa subway line, and change at Shinbashi to the Yurikamome (50 minutes to Daiba station, ¥920).

    [http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/timetable/haneda/rinkaihukutoshin.html Airport Limousine buses] depart once per hour (2-4 times between 14:00 and 16:00) for Tokyo Big Sight (about 25?30 minutes) and the major hotels on Odaiba (about 15-20 minutes, ¥500-600). Departures from 8:00 to 17:30 depending on location.

    By train

    Most visitors arrive in Odaiba via the automated '''[http://www.yurikamome.co.jp/english/index.php Yurikamome]''' "new transit system", a cross between a train and a bus, from Shimbashi on the Yamanote line (or Shiodome station on the Toei ?edo Line subway). An attraction in itself, the driverless elevated trains cross the Rainbow Bridge with a 270-degree loop for some great views of Tokyo bay. One-way from Shinbashi to Daiba station will set you back ¥310 (any station farther will be ¥370), or you can buy a one-day pass for ¥800.

    The other option is to take the '''Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit''' ([http://www.twr.co.jp/ Rinkai Line], Japanese only) from ?saki on the JR Yamanote Line or Shin-Kiba on the Metro Yurakucho line. Many of the trains connect directly from ?saki to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, ?miya, and Kawagoe via the JR-East Saiky? Line. While slightly faster, the train travels mostly underground and doesn't provide much in the way of views.

    By bus

    [http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/english/index.html Toei city buses] provide cheaper (¥200 per ride) if slower access to Odaiba. __01 connects to Hamamatsu-cho, _C01 connects to Monzennaka-cho, __16 connects to Tokyo station from Tokyo Big Sight. A few special bus services to other destinations are available weekends only. The private bus company Keikyu operates buses [http://www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/keikyu-bus/airport/guide.html to Haneda airport], and [http://www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/keikyu-bus/daiba.html Shinagawa and Yokohama directions].

    The free Bay Shuttle bus runs along a circular route within Odaiba (round-trip ca. 40 minutes) connecting the parking lots and museums in Aomi district with the shopping malls, the hotels and the Fuji TV building. Unfortunately, stops are hard to find so try to ask at the information counters of shoppings malls, ticket counters, etc.

    By boat

    '''[http://www.suijobus.co.jp/english/ Suijobus Ferries]''' also operate between Hinode Pier (on the Yurikamome line) and several stops in Odaiba. ¥400 one way. [http://www.sumidas.com/ryogoku/mizuve/index.html Tokyo Mizube Line] (Japanese only) offers general transportation and special cruises.

    Some of the boats connect to Asakusa along the Sumida river and to Kasai Rinkai Park near Tokyo Disney Resort.

    On foot

    You can in theory cross the Rainbow Bridge on foot for free, if inhaling exhaust for 40 minutes sounds like your idea of a fun time. Bicycles are not allowed on the bridge. The view over the Port of Tokyo is nice especially around sunset, though in winter (Nov to Mar), you have to enter by 17:30 and to exit by 18:00. In other months you can enter the pedestrian part of the road from 9 to 20:30 (30 minutes before you have to exit). Closed on the 3rd Monday every month and 29-31 Dec.

    Keep in mind that the Shibaura-side entrance can be hard to find, and that you have to choose which side to walk beforehand. The northern side is recommended if you wish to look at buildings in the city center from above the port.

    See

  • '''Fuji TV Building''', 2-4 Daiba, Minato-ku, [http://www.fujitv.co.jp/]. (''Yurikamome Daiba station''). An Odaiba landmark which looks like it's built out of Tinkertoys. The studio tour is of limited interest unless you speak Japanese and/or are familiar with Fuji's programming, but you can visit the second-highest story for free for some nice views. The giant ball suspended in the structure has an expensive Chinese restaurant, going to the observatory usually costs ¥500.
  • '''Toyota MEGA WEB''', 1 Aomi, Koto-ku, +81-3-3599-0808, [http://www.megaweb.gr.jp/English/Access/]. Palette Town (''Yurikamome Aomi'' or ''Rinkai Tokyo Teleport''). A Toyota car technology showcase that will fascinate car nuts and bore the rest of us; the ladyfolk may wish to adjourn to the nearby Venus Fort shopping mall instead (see Buy). Open 11:00 to 18:00 but some facilitues until 21:00.
  • '''''Daikanransha''''' (________), 1 Aomi, Koto-ku, +81-3-5500-2655, [http://www.daikanransha.com/]. Palette Town (''Yurikamome Aomi'' or ''Rinkai Teleport Town''). The slowly-spinning ferris wheel provides great views and is very popular among Japanese couples. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM; ¥900 per head, or rent a whole 6-person gondola for ¥3000.
  • '''Miraikan''' (___{___w______), 2-41 Aomi, Koto-ku, +81-3-3570-9151, [http://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/index_e.html]. (''Yurikamome Fune no kagakukan'' or ''Telecom Center''). Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, created by Japan's Science and Technology Agency. As the name indicates new technologies like robots, space modules etc. are presented here as well as demonstrations and physical experiments for the inquiring mind are given. Open 10:00-17:00 but longer during main seasons, ¥500 admission fee.
  • '''The Museum of Maritime Science''' (_D_____w__ ''Fune no kagakukan''), 3-1 Higashi-Yashio, Koto-ku, +81-3-5500-1111, [http://www.funenokagakukan.or.jp/]. (''Yurikamome Fune no kagakukan''). A six-story museum shaped like a full-sized ocean liner, unsurprisingly devoted to ships. One of the main displays, a gigantic turbine engine, was actually set in place first and the museum was built ''around it''. There are a few historic vessels on the adjacent wharf; unfortunately the World War II-era 'Emily' flying boat has been moved to Kagoshima. Open 10:00-17:00, ¥700 for the museum but ¥1800 if you want to use the open-air swimming pool (open only during summer months).
  • '''Tokyo Big Sight''', 3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, +81-3-5530-1111, [http://www.bigsight.jp/english/]. (''Yurikamome Kokusai-tenjijo-seimon, Rinkai Kokusai-tenjijo-mae''). If you're visiting Tokyo on business, this, Japan's largest exhibition and convention center, might already be your destination. The four inverted pyramids are hard to miss and worth a look.
  • '''Rainbow Bridge''', [http://www.shutoko.jp/drivers/route/rosen/rainbow/]. Completed on August 26th 1993, this gateway to Odaiba is among the most beautiful modern bridges in Japan. Decorated with 444 lights, which change according to the seasons.
  • '''Partire Tokyo Bay Wedding Village''', 3-1-9 Ariake, Koto-Ku, +81-3-3570-1122, [http://www.weddingvillage.jp/tokyo_bay/]. (between ''Yurikamome Aomi'' and ''Yurikamome Kokusai-tenjijo-seimon''). Wedding is big business in Japan and Japanese like to marry Western style! The village with houses build after European examples includes of course a (fake) wedding chapel and a "priest" (just as fake and preferably Caucasian) who conducts the wedding ceremony. The village offers everything for a memorable wedding: bridal shops, party planning, menus, honeymoons, etc. Open 10:00-20:00.
  • Do

  • '''Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari''' (___]__________), 2-57 Aomi, Koto-ku, +81-3-5500-1126, [http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/]. (''Yurikamome Telecom Center''). Tokyo's newest and largest (artificial) hot spring complex, done up in Edo-era (1800s) style and featuring an endless array of bathtubs of all temperatures and flavors- including: ''uchiyu'' (insidebath), ''iwa-buro'' (an outdoor rockbath), ''ashiyu'' (a footbath) and ''suna-buro'' (sandbath, separately charged). There are plenty of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops inside, and resting rooms for sleeping too. You'll get a wrist tag on entry, which acts as your wallet while inside, so anything you buy is paid when you leave. Open from 11 AM to 8 AM daily (yes, 21 hours a day); entrance a fairly steep ¥2827, discounted to ¥1987 after 6 PM, but beware the ¥1575 late night surcharge after 2 AM.
  • '''Odaiba Marine Park''' (_______C_l____, ''Odaiba Kaihin K?en''), 1-4 Daiba, Minato-ku, +81-3-5500-2455, [http://www.tptc.or.jp/eng/park03.htm]. (''Yurikamome Daiba'' or ''Odaiba-kaihin-koen'') Features one of two beaches in mainland Tokyo, but swimming is forbidden and not recommended anyway as the water is rather polluted. Along the beach runs a boardwalk dotted with couples, as this is considered the most romantic spot in Tokyo. The park also contains a copy of the Statue of Liberty, popular with the Japanese. Have a picnic on ''Dai-San Daiba'' (___O____ ''No. 3 Battery''), located nearby and now turned into a pleasant little park.
  • '''Shiokaze Park''' (________, ''Shiokaze K?en''), 1-2 Higashi-Yashio, Shinagawa-ku, +81-3-5500-2455, [http://www.tptc.or.jp/park/shiokaze.htm]. (''Yurikamome Odaiba-kaihin-koen'') Just next to Nikk? and Le Meridien hotels this park is the largest in the area. The southern corner, close to the ventilation tower of the highway, features a barbecue place highly popular during the warmer season. Barbecue equipment and tools as well as ingredients available for rent, reservation may be required during main seasons (see phone number). The park farther to the south is Higashi-yashio Park (__________), home to the Fune no kagakukan maritime museum.
  • '''Joypolis''', 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, +81-3-5500-1801, [http://www.sega.co.jp/joypolis/tokyo_e.html]. Decks Tokyo Beach (''Yurikamome Daiba''). A giant game center / amusement arcade.
  • '''Tokyo Leisure Land''', 1 Aomi, Koto-ku, +81-3-3570-5656/7/8/9, [http://www.leisureland.jp/]. Palette Town (''Yurikamome Aomi''). Another amusement center: arcade games, billiard, bowling, karaoke, etc. Partly open for 24 hours.
  • Buy

    Odaiba is an unabashed paean to commercialism and features more malls than you can shake a stick at. Prices are somewhat higher than on the mainland.

  • '''Venus Fort''', 1 Aomi, Koto-ku, +81-3-3599-0700, [http://www.venusfort.co.jp/multi/index_e.html]. (''Yurikamome Aomi, Rinkai Tokyo Teleport''). An elaborately Venice-themed shopping mall, complete with marble fountains, artificial sunsets every 30 minutes and an Italian "mayor" reading out speeches from a balcony. All shops are geared for women and generally quite expensive, but it's worth visiting this just for the decoration. Open 11:00 to 21:00 (22:00 on Saturdays and special days), restaurants 11:00 to 23:00 but some may have different opening hours.
  • '''Decks Tokyo Beach''', 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, +81-3-3599-6500, [http://www.odaiba-decks.com/einfo/]. (''Yurikamome Odaiba Kaihin Koen''). Features the '''Sega Joypolis''' gaming center (open 10:00-23:00), retro-themed arcade, a 60's-style store, gift shops, 2nd-hand western clothing stores, fine home accessories, 'Muscle Park' (from the creators of the popular 'Sasuke' and 'Muscle Ranking' television shows), and '''Little Hong Kong''' for all your ''dim sum'' needs. Open 11:00-21:00, some restaurants until 23:00.
  • '''Aqua City Odaiba''', 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, +81-3-3599-4700, [http://www.aquacity.jp/en/index.html]. (''Yurikamome Daiba''). Fashion for all ages, goods, etc. Restaurants in 4th, 5th, and 6th floors and a food court in the 1st floor. There is also a 100 Yen shop and a Toys'r'us (including baby foods and goods, and children can actually touch and play with the toys there!) in the 1st floor, and a small Shinto shrine in 9F. The eastern part of the mall is occupied by [http://www.mediage.jp/e/index.html Sony Mediage] housing a cinema and showcasing Sony products. Open 11:00-21:00 (including 1F food court), restaurants till 23:00 though some bars until early morning.
  • '''Wanza Ariake Bay Mall''', 3-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, +81-3-5530-5010, [http://www.tokyo-bigsight.co.jp/english/tft/index.html]. (''Yurikamome Kokusai-tenjijo-seimon''). Restaurants and a few shops north of the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center.
  • For the self-caterers a sufficient number of convenience stores is available. A Maruetsu supermarket (1-5-3 Daiba, Minato-ku, +81-3-5531-0781, 10am-10pm) is located nearby ''Odaiba-kaihin-koen'' station and a 99 Yen shop (1-3-5-105 Daiba, Minato-ku, +81-3-3570-0599, 24 hours; food, stationary, etc.) just a few steps farther north. Two 100 Yen shops (souvenirs, kitchen supply, stationery, etc.) are available: one in 1F of ''Aqua City Odaiba'' and the other in ''Wanza Ariake Bay Mall''. Finally, there is a small shop (''The Wholesalers Market Towers Odaiba'') with expensive import foods and wines in ''The Towers Odaiba'' building (2-2 Daiba, Minato-ku) just east of ''Odaiba-kaihin-koen'' station.
  • Eat

    There are plenty of eating options in Odaiba's shopping malls and attractions, although prices are generally a little higher than on the mainland.

  • '''Little Hong Kong''', 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, +81-3-3599-6500, [http://www.odaiba-decks.com/hongkong/]. Decks Tokyo Beach (''Yurikamome Odaiba Kaihin K?en''). True to the name, there are two floors dedicated to Hong Kong-style Cantonese food, for all your ''dim sum'' needs.
  • Drink

  • '''Zepp Tokyo''', 1 Aomi, Koto-ku, +81-3-3599-0710, [http://www.zepp.co.jp/tokyo/ Zepp Tokyo]. Palette Town (''Yurikamome Aomi''). One of Tokyo's largest performance hall/nightclubs, showcasing artists from around the country and the world.
  • Sleep

    There is a cluster of luxury hotels near Yurikakome Daiba station.

  • '''Hotel Nikko Tokyo''', 1-9-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, +81-3-5500-5500, [http://www.hnt.co.jp/index_en.html]. A new seaside luxury hotel popular for weddings and honeymoons. (''Yurikamome Daiba''). Rates range from around ¥24,000 per night for a single room, to around ¥36,000 for a triple (this will vary by season).
  • '''Grand Pacific Le Daiba''', 2-6-1 Daiba, Minato-Ku, +81-3-5500-6711, [http://www.summithotels.com/hotel.asp?id=63879]. (''Yurikamome Daiba''). Another nice hotel located next to a huge shopping mall (Aqua City Odaiba) with plenty of restaurants.
  • The '''Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel''', 3-1-28 Ariake, Koto-ku, +81-3-5564-0111, [http://www.wh-rsv.com/english/tokyo_bay_ariake/]. (''Yurikamome Kokusai-tenjijo-seimon'' or ''Rinkai Kokusai-tenjijo-mae''). The third hotel in the area (just north of the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center). Targetting business travellers it is the cheapest hotel with rates ranging from ¥9,950 (single) to ¥18,000 (twin).
  • ?edo Onsen Monogatari has tatami rooms and a "Black Ship" themed capsule hotel within the premises. However, you have to pay typical rates for these accommodations on top of the admission and late night surcharge for the onsen itself.
  • Contact