Odaiba (お台場) 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 in the late 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 new city 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.
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 a popular tourist attraction and dating spot 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.
Fuji TV Area
Telecom Center Area
Big Sight Area
Getting there and around
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 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 330 yen (not covered by the Japan Rail Pass). If you ride the Yurikamome more than twice, a 1-day pass for 820 yen will likely pay off.
The Yurikamome crosses the Rainbow Bridge to get to Odaiba from Shimbashi 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 520 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. An exception is the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, which fully covers the Rinkai Line.
By bus
A JR bus connects Tokyo Station (Yaeso Exit) with Kokusai Tenjijo Station, Tokyo Big Sight and the Tokyo Ferry Terminal about once per hour. The one way ride takes about 30 minutes, costs 400 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Furthermore, "Tokyo BRT" (bus rapid transit) operates roughly three buses per hour between Shimbashi Station on the Yamanote Line, Toyosu Market, Ariake Tennis no Mori and Tokyo Big Sight. The fare is 220 yen per ride and not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The ride from Shimbashi to Tokyo Big Sight takes only around 15 minutes.
By boat
Tokyo Water Bus operates boats from Odaiba Seaside Park to Hinode Pier (20 minutes, 600 yen) and Asakusa (60 minutes, 2000 yen by direct boat).
On foot
It is possible to cross the Rainbow Bridge on foot. The walk 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", while Odaiba Kaihinkoen Station is the nearest station on the "Odaiba side". There are walkways on both sides of the bridge. It is not allowed to ride bicycles across the bridge.
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) and on the third Monday of every month (or the next day if that Monday is a public holiday).
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Fuji Television
Official website.Decks
Official website.Tokyo Joypolis
Official website.Diver City Tokyo
Official website.National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Official website.Panasonic Center
Official website.Big Sight Tokyo
Official website.Small Worlds Tokyo
Official website.Japanese
Tokyo BRT
Official website.Fuji Television Building
Official website.Decks
Official website.Tokyo Joypolis
Official website.Aquacity
Official website.DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Official website.Rainbow Bridge
Official website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.Museum of Maritime Science
Official website.National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Official website of the Soya Icebreaker.Tokyo Teleport
Official website.Panasonic Center
Official website.Big Sight Tokyo
Official website.Ariake Garden
Official website.Small Worlds Tokyo
Official website.Hotels around Tokyo
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Grand Nikko Tokyo DaibaGrand Nikko Tokyo Daiba is the first Grand Nikko hotel in Japan, open from 1 July 2016. Situated in the Tokyo Bay area in Odaiba, this property is the closest city resort hotel to central Tokyo, a 20-minute monorail and train ride away from JR Tokyo Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The spacious guestrooms of this hotel feature elegant European-style decor and come with free wired internet access throughout. All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, feather pillow and seating area. The upper floors boast panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, as well as views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower. Teppanyaki Icho and the grill restaurant, The Grill on 30th offer spectacular skyline views from the 30th floor. There is also a sushi restaurant, a Japanese and Chinese restaurant in addition to several other cafes and bars on site. Good access to “IMMERSIVE FORT TOKYO” and “Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai” The property has received SAKURA QUALITY certification for our SDG's initiatives Please be noted that hotel will undergo a scheduled power outage due to facility maintenance and inspection on January 26, 2025 ? January 27, 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your kind understanding. Please note that at the outdoor swimming pool is closed currently.View on Booking.com -
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DoubleTree By Hilton Tokyo AriakeSituated in Tokyo and with Odaiba Beach reachable within 1.9 km, DoubleTree By Hilton Tokyo Ariake features concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a restaurant. The property is around 2.3 km from Symbol Promenade Park, 2.5 km from DECKS Tokyo Beach and 2.5 km from Aqua City Odaiba. The accommodation provides room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The daily breakfast offers buffet, continental or Asian options. Guests can make use of the business centre or relax in the bar. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Tokyo Water Science Museum, Ariake West Terminal Park and Palette Town. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 17 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hilton Tokyo OdaibaLocated on the waterfront area of Tokyo Bay, Hilton Tokyo Odaiba boasts stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline, Rainbow Bridge or Tokyo Tower. All guestrooms feature a balcony, and guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Private parking is available in the basement and there is no valet service. The hotel is also strategically situated only minutes away from a popular entertainment and shopping area as well as a key business and commercial district. Haneda International Airport is 20-minutes away by bus. A free shuttle service to Tokyo Disney Resort is provided one trip per day. For booking, kindly contact front desk guest servces. There is a hairdresser's at the property, as well as two levels of flexible meeting facilities. Guests can enjoy pool facilities at a fee. You will also find a spa, a temperature-controlled swimming pool, an outdoor jet bath and a fitness centre on site. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Certain rooms feature a seating area for your convenience. You will find a kettle in the room. All rooms include a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bath robes and slippers. A wide selection of dining options are available at the property restaurants. Please note that pool area charges apply. Please contact the hotel directly for details.View on Booking.com -
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Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay AriakeSotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake offers comfortable individually decorated rooms with free WiFi and spectacular night views of the bay area. It houses a convenience store, a restaurant and a cafe. Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake is just a 3-minute walk from Kokusai Tenjjijo Station, and a 5-minute walk from exhibition centre Tokyo Big Sight. Panasonic Centre Tokyo is 700 metres away. Rooms are air-conditioned and furnished with a flat-screen TV and extra long beds. A fridge and an electric kettle are provided, and the spacious bathroom offers a selection of toiletries. Some rooms have an air purifier/humidifier and a foot massage machine. Guests can find daily necessities in the convenience store, and enjoy massage service in their room. Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake offers shuttle services to and from Tokyo Disneyland/Sea for free. Restaurant Sosai Patio boasts contemporary local cuisine and international dishes with a touch of local flavour.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Trusty Tokyo BaysideOffering a massage service and a restaurant with International cuisine, Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside is a 7-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station on Yurikamome Line. The stylish rooms include free broadband internet access. Rooms at Tokyo Hotel Trusty feature a modern decor with traditional Japanese touches. Each air-conditioned guestroom has a fridge and private bathroom, and guests can enjoy video-on-demand movies on the flat-screen TV. Palette Town and Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Centre are a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and the Fuji TV Building is a 20-minute walk away. The Ginza area and Tsukiji Fish Market are a 15-minute taxi ride. There are airport shuttles available from Narita Airport, a 90-minute ride, and Haneda Airport, a 30-minute ride, to Hotel Sunroute Ariake which is located a 5-minute walk away. Massage and laundry services are available upon request. Rooms are cleaned once every 3 days. Extra cleaning is possible at an extra cost. International cuisine is available all day at Cuore Lounge Restaurant. The breakfast buffet includes Western and Japanese dishes.View on Booking.com -
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Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington HotelA 3-minute walk from Ariake Monorail Station on the Yurikamome line, Ariake Washington Hotel offers rooms with free WiFi. Facilities include a launderette, and massage treatments can be arranged. A convenience shop can be found on site. The air-conditioned rooms at Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel have a private bathroom and feature a clean, contemporary style. Guests can wake up with fresh tea. The Washington Hotel Ariake has a 24-hour reception, and it provides safety deposit of valuables. luggage storage and currency exchange. Located next to Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Centre, the hotel is a 20-minute walk from Palette Town shopping centre. Toyosu Fish Market is a 12-minute train ride away. It is a 40-minute drive from Haneda Airport. Ariake Monorail Station offers the Yurikamome line and the Rinkaisen line.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Tokyo
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Most Popular Sushi Making Class & Cooking Class in TokyoYou can learn how to make **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Temari-Sushi** or **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Nigiri Sushi**View on Klook -
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Japanese Traditional Kintsugi Experience in TokyoDiscover the Japanese traditional technique of transforming broken ceramic objects into revitalized art pieces, KintsugiView on Klook -
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Samurai Trial Cutting Experience of Japanese Swords in TokyoIaido, an ancient Japanese martial art, traces its origins back to the era of samurai warriorsView on Klook -
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Tokyo Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide (4/8h)Enjoy a day tour or a customizable half day tour with a private group in Tokyo!View on Klook -
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Kimono rental & photography experience in AsakusaTake the subway to Asakusa Station (Ginza Line) Exit 4 and walk for 20 seconds. It is 220 meters away from Sensoji Kaminarimon Gate. The location is perfect!View on Klook -
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Asakusa Kimono&Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa in Main Branch**Klook Exclusive Free Next Day Return! Limited Time Only!** Show this message and return your Kimono the next day for FREE for rental during Sep 15 - Dec 15, 2023. Exclusions applied to Formal Kimono Furisode and Homongi. See What to Expect for more detailsView on Klook -
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Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament TourCome face to face with Japanese culture that has been kept alive through many years, such as the presence of a referee which began in the Sengoku period (about 1467-1603)View on Klook -
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Kimono Yae Rental Experience in AsakusaVisit Yae in Asakusa, Tokyo and get to experience Japanese culture through clothing by renting a kimono/yukataView on Klook -
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Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy MealDon't miss your chance to interact with real sumo wrestlers!View on Klook -
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Jeans Making Experience in TokyoWe use high quality selvedge denim with "red ears" treatment on both ends to prevent fraying.View on Klook
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