Odaiba is quite unique and stands out from other Tokyo districts simply because it’s an island.
This distinction brings with it plenty of special attractions for tourists, making it a unique, must-visit destination.
If you’re traveling to Tokyo, don’t miss Odaiba, where you’ll find museums, theme parks, shopping centers, and exhibitions focused on science and automobiles.
Come explore the beauty of Odaiba with us.
History of Odaiba Island
Odaiba Island in Tokyo is an artificial island located in Tokyo Bay.
Constructed in late 1853, the island originally served as a defensive fortress for Japan’s naval forces.
By the late 20th century, it was redeveloped as a commercial and residential area with a focus on entertainment, transforming it into a major tourist attraction.
What to See and Do in Odaiba
Odaiba Island offers countless attractions, so much so that many visitors choose to stay nearby to dedicate more than a day to exploring.
This area is packed with museums, shopping centers, and interactive theme parks.
To make the most of your time in Tokyo, planning ahead is essential, and we’re here to help guide you through all the must-visit attractions in Odaiba.
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Known as Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is fully interactive, making it a hugely popular spot for visitors.
The museum features a permanent collection of fascinating physics experiments that are both fun and educational.
Best of all, these experiments are explained in detail, and you can even try them out yourself. That’s right, you’re encouraged to get hands-on with each project.
The museum is divided into themed areas, including information technology, medicine, robotics, and space exploration. Additional exhibits vary throughout the year.
While in Odaiba, don’t miss out on discovering innovation and entertainment. Add to your experience with a visit to teamLab Planets TOKYO, a digital art museum offering a unique immersion in art and technology.
Mega Web
Toyota Mega Web combines an amusement park and an exhibition hall from the iconic Japanese carmaker.
Here, you can learn about Toyota’s innovations and even test out some of the cars on display.
For car enthusiasts, it’s a thrilling way to explore Japan’s automotive culture firsthand, blending interactive displays with an insider look at Toyota’s latest models and concepts.
Odaiba offers various interactive games and attractions that are appealing to both adults and children. Highlights include:
- Ride Studio, a special area designed for children to learn about driving and the traffic rules they should follow.
- History Garage, an area entirely dedicated to the history of cars, showcasing both classic and modern vehicles.
- Toyota City Showcase, a zone where you can see different types of cars up close, with the opportunity to sit inside and explore them in detail.
Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari Hot Springs
Tokyo is a vast city, and Odaiba is packed with attractions, so it’s only natural to feel tired at some point.
If that happens, don’t worry—Odaiba has a hot spring complex, known as an onsen, where you can unwind.
Traditional onsen bathing is done without clothing, and this one follows that custom, with gender-separated facilities.
For those who prefer to keep their clothes on, there are other options in Tokyo, though this onsen doesn’t offer that choice.
The complex also has dining areas and tatami mat rooms where you can relax and recharge.
Statue of Liberty Replica
You’ll find a replica of the Statue of Liberty located right in front of the Rainbow Bridge.
You can view it from outside or go inside, just as you would with the original statue in New York.
Nearby, there’s a restaurant serving American-style food, with Hawaiian burgers being the most popular item on the menu.
Daikanransha Ferris Wheel
Standing at 115 meters tall, the Daikanransha Ferris Wheel, inaugurated in 1999, is one of Odaiba’s most iconic attractions.
Because of its height, it’s the second tallest Ferris wheel in the world, just behind the London Eye. From its highest point, you get an exceptional view of Tokyo Bay.
This giant wheel is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
If you’re afraid of heights, you might hesitate to get on, but the Ferris wheel is very safe, and the view is breathtaking.
Odaiba Beach
The Odaiba Marine Park takes up nearly the entire beach area in Odaiba.
This is a perfect spot to spend a few hours, enjoying the scenery and the lively atmosphere created by visitors.
It’s a very social area, and the sunset from here is particularly beautiful.
It’s worth noting that, while this is one of only two beaches in Tokyo, swimming in the sea here is not allowed.
Shopping Malls
Odaiba boasts several impressive shopping centers:
Aqua City sits right by the bay, offering an attractive view of the sea.
Decks is a bit farther away but definitely worth a visit. Inside, you’ll find a Legoland Discovery Center, a Tokyo Joypolis by SEGA, and many other stores and entertainment options.
Each of these locations in Odaiba offers something different, from family-friendly experiences to more immersive adventures, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a visit to this vibrant part of Tokyo.
Finally, Venus Fort offers a unique experience by recreating a Renaissance-era Italian city. The ceiling is designed to simulate the sunrise and sunset of Europe, adding a magical ambiance.
Tokyo Big Sight
The Tokyo Big Sight convention and exhibition center is the prime venue for Odaiba’s largest shows and concerts.
Located in a prime Tokyo area, this impressive facility stands 58 meters tall with a total of 8 floors. Its steel frame not only provides substantial structural support but also adds a striking architectural appeal.
Thirty-five percent of Tokyo Big Sight’s grounds are outdoors, while the rest is divided into three sections:
- West Exhibition Hall
- East Exhibition Hall
- Conference Tower Exhibition Hall
With at least three events happening each week, most of them in Japanese, it’s still a worthwhile experience even if you don’t fully understand what’s happening—getting a taste of Tokyo’s vibrant event culture is memorable in itself.
Fuji TV
Fuji TV has a strong presence throughout Japan and is widely known, partly because of its innovative publicity, hosting fan events across different parts of Tokyo.
Odaiba is a key location for these activities, attracting many devoted Fuji TV fans.
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Tange Kenzo, the Fuji TV building invites visitors to see firsthand how Japanese television is produced.
Even if you’re not a fan of Fuji TV shows, this tour is a fascinating way to learn about television production in general.
Location and How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Odaiba, with the most popular and recommended option being the Yurikamome Line via the Rainbow Bridge. This scenic route connects Toyosu with Shimbashi.
This journey is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass and costs €2.50 per person, taking about 15 minutes.
Another option is the Rinkai Line, which can be boarded at Osaki station, also served by the Yamanote Line—a route you may be familiar with from other Tokyo destinations. Be sure to get off at the correct station to reach Odaiba.
This route also isn’t covered by the JR Pass, so the fare is €3.95 per person, with a travel time of around 25 minutes.
Both options require a short walk to reach Odaiba, but it’s only a brief stroll to enter this extraordinary district.