Odaiba
last update: February 24, 2025
Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, connected to the city via the Rainbow Bridge. The island as we know it today was built in the late 1960s but remained almost empty until the mid-1990s. 1996 was a turning point for the island: that year, the futuristic new headquarters of Fuji TV, the equally futuristic Telecom Center, the exhibition center Tokyo Big Sight, and Decks Tokyo Beach were inaugurated—the first of a long series of major shopping centers that would open on the island. Today, Odaiba is one of the most exciting areas in the city, offering plenty of shopping and entertainment opportunities, including a Ferris wheel, several museums, two luxury hotels, a miniature Statue of Liberty, and a giant Gundam. Moreover, the island is surrounded by a long seaside park with a sandy beach facing the city’s skyscrapers across the water, making this place one of the most romantic and fascinating spots in Tokyo.
Things to do and things to see in Odaiba
Odaiba is a district that offers countless leisure opportunities. If your goal is to see everything this artificial island has to offer, one day wouldn’t be enough. There are huge shopping malls, museums, parks, and seaside beaches with a fantastic view of the city skyline, futuristic buildings, convention centers, hot springs, and much more.
Landmarks of Odaiba
It is often said that Tokyo is the only city in the world where you can simultaneously see Paris, New York, and San Francisco. From the artificial island of Odaiba, you can admire the Eiffel Tower (Tokyo Tower), the Statue of Liberty, and the Golden Gate Bridge (Rainbow Bridge).
Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge is a 798-meter-long suspension bridge connecting the artificial island of Odaiba to the mainland, crossing Tokyo Bay. Construction began in 1987 and was completed in 1993. At night, the white pylons are illuminated with colorful lights resembling a rainbow, hence the name. The bridge is used by both cars and the automatic train Yurikamome, and it can also be crossed on foot via two pedestrian walkways on either side of the bridge.
Fuji TV Headquarters
(Free entrance, opening hours 10 AM - 6 PM, closed on Mondays)
In 1996, Odaiba became home to the new headquarters of Fuji TV, one of Japan’s major television networks. Designed by Kenzo Tange, this building has a very unique architecture, making it one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo. It stands at 123.45 meters tall, with a total of 25 floors. The most distinctive feature is the large 32-meter-diameter sphere on one side of the structure, which today houses a panoramic observation deck open to the public (700¥). Some areas on the lower floors of the building are freely accessible, featuring exhibits about Fuji TV’s most famous programs and an official shop.
Statue of Liberty
In April 1998, the French Statue of Liberty from Île aux Cygnes was brought to Odaiba to celebrate "The Year of France" in Japan, with a ceremony attended by the French President. The statue remained in Odaiba for just over a year, until May 1999. After that period, the statue was returned to France, but a decision was made to forge a replica to be placed in the same spot. The replica stands 12.25 meters tall and weighs 9 tons. The statue is located near the southern end of the Aquacity shopping mall and can be closely observed via an elevated walkway that passes right next to it.
Typical night view from Odaiba
Shopping Centers
Decks Tokyo Beach
(Opening hours: 10 AM - 9 PM, some restaurants remain open until 11 PM)
Decks Tokyo Beach was the first shopping mall to open on the island of Odaiba in 1996. It features a nautical-themed design and is divided into two buildings: the Island Mall (the inner building) and the Seaside Mall (the ocean-facing building). Today, this shopping complex is one of Odaiba’s main attractions. In addition to its many shops and restaurants, it houses several popular attractions, which will be covered in the following sections.
The mall spans six floors, with the third floor being the main one. Here, you'll find a large wooden terrace offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Tokyo Bay, reminiscent of a ship’s deck. This floor also contains the entrances to major attractions and most of the retail stores. The fourth floor has additional shops and attractions, while the fifth and sixth floors are primarily occupied by restaurants, some of which offer stunning views of Tokyo Bay.
Sega Joypolis
(Opening hours: 10 AM - 8 PM)
Buy tickets for Sega Joypolis online -25% off
Sega Joypolis is a three-floor indoor amusement park packed with futuristic rides, cutting-edge arcade games, special effects, and virtual reality experiences. The entrance is located on the third floor of the Seaside Mall in Decks Tokyo Beach. The general admission ticket costs 1,200¥, with additional charges for each ride. Alternatively, visitors can purchase an unlimited attractions pass for 5,500¥. You can save up to 1,300¥ by purchasing tickets in advance on this website.
Takoyaki Museum
Located on the fourth floor of the Seaside Mall in Decks Tokyo Beach, this area is not a traditional museum despite its name. The Takoyaki Museum is a food court featuring six different Takoyaki specialty restaurants, each offering various styles and flavors of this beloved Japanese street food. Visitors can also purchase takoyaki-related souvenirs and ingredients to prepare their own takoyaki at home.
Daiba 1-chome Shoutengai
One of Odaiba’s most nostalgic and beloved attractions, this area is located on the fourth floor of the Seaside Mall in Decks Tokyo Beach, right next to the Takoyaki Museum. Stepping into Daiba 1-chome Shoutengai is like traveling back in time to 1960s Japan, a period known as the Showa era, which evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for both Japanese and foreign visitors. This retro shopping arcade features unique souvenir shops, candy stores, and, most notably, a large arcade filled with vintage video games. Here, you can play original versions of classics such as Super Mario, Tetris, Street Fighter, Pac-Man, pinball machines, Pong, air hockey, and other rare arcade games that were once exclusive to Japan.
Tokyo Trick Art Museum
(Admission: 1,000¥, Opening hours: 11 AM - 9 PM)
Buy tickets for Tokyo Trick Art Museum online -100¥ discount
The Tokyo Trick Art Museum is a small but fun-filled attraction featuring three-dimensional optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and other quirky installations. The main goal of this museum is to take fun and creative photos by playing with perspective and optical effects. It is also located on the fourth floor of the Seaside Mall, between the Takoyaki Museum and Daiba 1-chome Shoutengai.
Madame Tussauds Tokyo
(Admission: 2,600¥, 2,100¥ if purchased online, Opening hours: 10 AM - 6 PM, until 7 PM on weekends)
Buy tickets for Madame Tussauds Tokyo online -20% discount
This is the only Japanese branch of Madame Tussauds, the world-famous wax museum originating from London. Inside, you'll find approximately 60 life-size wax figures, including internationally renowned celebrities as well as Japanese figures made exclusively for this Tokyo location. The entrance is on the third floor of the Island Mall at Decks Tokyo Beach.
Aquacity
(Opening hours: 10 AM - 9 PM, some restaurants remain open until 11 PM)
This shopping center is located right in front of the famous Fuji TV building and also includes a multiplex cinema. On the fifth floor of the building, among various restaurants, you'll find a special area dedicated to ramen called Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai, where you can sample different styles of ramen from various regions of Japan, all in one place (restaurant list).
Diver City Tokyo Plaza
(Opening hours: 10 AM - 9 PM, some restaurants remain open until 11 PM)
Diver City is the newest shopping mall in Odaiba, having opened in 2012. In addition to various shops and restaurants, this mall quickly became famous for its life-size Unicorn Gundam statue (19.7 meters tall) displayed outside, right in front of the entrance. Until April 2017, a different statue of the RX-78-2 Gundam stood here. On the seventh floor, you’ll find The Gundam Base Tokyo, a large store dedicated to all kinds of Gundam merchandise.
For those looking for entertainment beyond shopping, the upper floors of Diver City house Round One Stadium, an amusement complex featuring bowling, karaoke, billiards, arcade games, and various indoor and outdoor sports. On the second floor, you’ll find a unique Poop Museum (Unko Museum, more information and online tickets).
Diver City shopping mall and the life-size Gundam statue
Ariake Garden
(Opening hours: 10 AM - 9 PM, some restaurants remain open until 11 PM)
Ariake Garden is the newest and most modern shopping mall in Odaiba, having opened in 2020 near Tokyo Big Sight and Ariake Station on the Yurikamome Line. The complex includes a large supermarket in the basement, over 200 stores and restaurants across five floors, a theater (Tokyo Garden Theater), the Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake, and the large hot spring facility Izumi Tenku No Yu.
On the third, fourth, and fifth floors, you’ll find spacious terraces with bars and restaurants, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the surrounding cityscape.
The highest terrace at Ariake Garden
Izumi Tenku No Yu Onsen
(Admission: 2,600¥, 3,800¥ on weekends and holidays, open 24 hours a day)
This hot spring facility is located inside the Ariake Garden shopping complex. It offers six different types of thermal baths, including outdoor pools, a sauna, and a steam bath. For an additional fee (800¥), visitors can access a stone sauna area where they can lie down on heated stones. The facility is open 24/7, though the hot spring baths and saunas close from 1:30 AM to 5 AM. Visitors can relax, nap, or even stay overnight in the large relaxation lounge. However, be aware that after 1 AM, a night fee of 3,000¥ is charged (which increases to 5,000¥ on weekends, making it quite expensive). A restaurant is also available on-site, open until 10 PM.
Museums
Soya Icebreaker Ship
(Free admission, opening hours: 10 AM - 5 PM, closed on Mondays)
The Sōya (宗谷) is a former Japanese icebreaker ship that has been converted into a fascinating museum ship. Permanently docked in Odaiba near the Tokyo Cruise Terminal, the Sōya offers visitors a unique and free-to-enter experience. Originally launched as a merchant icebreaker in 1938, the Sōya has played a significant role in key historical events of the 20th century.
During World War II, it was commandeered and used for ammunition supply and reconnaissance missions. It took part in numerous battles, miraculously surviving despite sustaining severe damage. After the war, the Sōya was repurposed to repatriate Japanese citizens from former colonies.
In 1950, the ship underwent a major transformation to become Japan’s first Antarctic research vessel. During its Antarctic expeditions, including the famous mission involving the sled dogs Taro and Jiro, the Sōya earned the nickname "Miracle Ship" for its resilience in extreme conditions despite its age and limited capabilities. The Sōya was officially retired in 1978, but it remains preserved in near-original condition as a tribute to its remarkable history.
In front of the ship stood the now-closed Maritime Science Museum, which was demolished a few years ago.
(Admission: 630¥, opening hours: 10 AM - 5 PM, closed on Tuesdays)
Buy tickets for Miraikan online
Miraikan is a cutting-edge science museum focusing on fields that shape the future, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, space exploration, and biotechnology. Many of the exhibitions are interactive and designed for educational purposes. One of the museum’s most famous exhibits is the humanoid robot ASIMO, developed by Honda.
The museum frequently updates its displays with the latest advancements in technology, making it an exciting visit for science and tech enthusiasts.
Other attractions
Immersive Fort Tokyo
(Admission: 6,800¥, opening hours: 10 AM - 7 PM)
Buy tickets for Immersive Fort Tokyo online
Immersive Fort Tokyo claims to be the "world’s first immersive theme park" and is located in Odaiba, inside what used to be the Venus Fort shopping mall. The park offers a unique experience where visitors can take part in immersive attractions set in different themed worlds. These experiences blend elaborate stage settings, special effects, and live actors performing around you, creating an interactive theater-like atmosphere.
Immersive Fort features 12 different attractions (you can check them all on the official website). Some visitors consider it overpriced for the experience it offers, but opinions vary based on individual expectations. The standard 6,800¥ ticket grants access to nine out of the twelve attractions. Three premium attractions require an additional fee: the Sherlock Holmes world (3,500¥), the Tokyo Revengers anime world (3,500¥), and Tales of Edo Oiran, an experience set in the red-light district of 19th-century Tokyo (9,000¥).
Small Worlds Tokyo
(Admission: 2,700¥, opening hours: 9 AM - 7 PM)
Buy tickets for Small Worlds Tokyo online
Small Worlds is a miniature theme park featuring highly detailed scale models of different worlds. Among the exhibits, you'll find miniature recreations of Osaka’s Kansai Airport and a space center. Additionally, a large section is dedicated to Evangelion, a treat for fans of this iconic anime series.
At Small Worlds Tokyo, you can even have a miniature 3D model of yourself scanned and created (starting at 7,000¥). If you’re willing to pay around 20,000¥, your tiny figure can be placed within the exhibits for an entire year.
Tokyo Big Sight
Tokyo Big Sight is Japan’s largest exhibition and convention center. Opened in 1995, it is also known as the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. The complex consists of three main areas: the East Exhibition Hall, the West Exhibition Hall, and the Conference Tower.
The most iconic part of the venue is the Conference Tower, which features a distinctive design resembling four inverted pyramids supported by massive pillars. Throughout the year, Tokyo Big Sight hosts numerous events, including Comiket, the world's largest comic convention. Comiket takes place twice a year, in August and December. You can check the annual event calendar here.
Panasonic Center
This place closed in December 2024. We are still keeping it here for clarity online as many other guides on the internet are not up to date and still list it as a place to visit in Odaiba.
Telecom Center
(Admission to the observation deck: 500¥, opening hours: 3 PM - 8 PM on weekdays, 11 AM - 8 PM on weekends)
The Telecom Center is a futuristic office building housing several telecommunications companies. The lower floors include restaurants mainly frequented by local employees.
On the 21st floor, you will find a hidden gem: an observation deck offering one of the best views in Odaiba. Situated at about 99 meters high, the deck provides a unique perspective of Odaiba, with the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline in the distance. On the opposite side, you can see the port, Haneda Airport, and even Tokyo Skytree on clear days.
Unlike more popular observation decks in Tokyo, this spot remains peaceful and offers plenty of sofas, massage chairs, and free-to-use binoculars, making it perfect for a romantic moment or a relaxing break at a low cost.
The panoramic observation deck on the 21st floor of the Telecom Center (credits)
Kaba Bus
The Kaba is an original amphibious vehicle that transforms in seconds from a bus into a boat, offering a unique way to explore Odaiba both on land and water. The tour lasts 35 minutes and includes a short drive through the streets around the island’s shopping centers, followed by a spectacular dive into the sea and a cruise through the bay up to the Rainbow Bridge, before returning to land. The experience is fun and suitable for the whole family, although the price of 3,800¥ may seem high for such a short tour. For ticket details and departure locations, visit the official website. If you simply want to watch the dramatic water entry of the Kaba without boarding, you can head to the splash point (see map at the bottom) and witness the bus diving into the water at scheduled times.
City Circuit Tokyo Bay
(Admission 6,800¥, opening hours 12-8 PM, from 10 AM on holidays)
The City Circuit Tokyo Bay is an exciting experience for speed lovers and karting enthusiasts. Specializing in high-performance electric karts, it offers an authentic racing experience on indoor and outdoor tracks, as well as VR simulators. It is open to both beginners and experienced drivers and is located in the former Palette Town area, near Aomi Station on the Yurikamome Line. Prices start at 3,500¥ for 7 minutes and 6,000¥ for 20 minutes. More information can be found on the official website.
Toyota Arena
The Toyota Arena Tokyo Bay, set to open at the end of 2025, will be Japan’s new basketball hub and a major venue for sporting and entertainment events. Designed to host top-level games, the arena will feature cutting-edge technology and a modern design. With a capacity of over 10,000 seats, the facility will also be used for concerts and special events. It is located in the former Palette Town area, near Aomi Station on the Yurikamome Line.
Parks and Beach
One of the most fascinating spots in Odaiba is its long
waterfront promenade. The large beach facing the Rainbow Bridge is the most popular location, but once the beach ends, the promenade continues for about a kilometer and a half, with a peaceful coastal park. On the western corner of the island, you’ll find
Shiokaze Park, while at the northernmost end, there’s
Daiba Park. If you plan to spend a day in Odaiba, make sure you are near the waterfront at sunset.
Odaiba Beach and Waterfront
Odaiba Beach is a wide stretch of artificial sand overlooking Tokyo Bay, offering a spectacular view of the Rainbow Bridge and the city skyline. Although swimming is not allowed, it remains a popular spot for relaxing, and during the summer months, it is bustling with families, couples, and tourists. From this beach, you can witness one of Tokyo’s most stunning sunsets, while in the evening, the city lights create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Adjacent to the beach is a panoramic waterfront promenade, perfect for walking, jogging, or simply sitting on a bench and enjoying the view. This area is also where the water bus piers are located, providing boat connections to Asakusa.
Daiba Park
Located in the northern part of Odaiba, Daiba Park is a hidden oasis of tranquility, perfect for those seeking a relaxing walk away from the island’s commercial areas. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station.
Unlike the rest of Odaiba, this park is not very crowded, making it an ideal place for those who want to enjoy nature and a panoramic view without the tourist buzz. Thanks to its strategic location near the Rainbow Bridge, Daiba Park offers one of the best vantage points for taking stunning photos of the bridge and Tokyo’s skyline. The park also preserves historical remnants, including an old cannon battery and an ammunition storage facility, dating back to when Odaiba was originally built as a defensive fortress. If you’re looking for a quiet hidden gem for a scenic walk or an escape from the crowds, Daiba Park is the perfect choice.
Shiokaze Park
Shiokaze Park is another peaceful spot in Odaiba, located on the western edge of the island. Unlike the lively shopping areas, this park offers a relaxing green space with sea views. From Shiokaze Park, you can enjoy a different panorama. Instead of the usual Rainbow Bridge view, you’ll see Tokyo’s port, large container cranes, and planes landing at Haneda Airport. One of the unique features of Shiokaze Park is its BBQ area, where visitors can rent grills and barbecue equipment for an outdoor cookout, making it a popular gathering spot on weekends and holidays.
Where to stay in Odaiba, hotels with view over the Tokyo Bay
Unforgettable Nights in Luxury Hotels with a Seaside View
On Odaiba’s main waterfront, there are only two hotels, both high-end and offering spectacular views of Tokyo Bay: the
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba and the
Hilton Tokyo Odaiba. While Odaiba may not be the ideal choice for a long stay in Tokyo due to its distance from the city’s major attractions, it is
perfect for a romantic one or two-night getaway. Imagine being immersed in the unique atmosphere of the bay, watching the illuminated Rainbow Bridge and the shimmering city lights reflected on the water from your bed. A
magical and intimate experience, impossible to find anywhere else in Tokyo. On weekdays, prices may be more affordable compared to weekends.
Price range: 35,000-50,000¥.
Price range: 40,000-70,000¥.
Business Hotels in the Ariake Area
If you are looking for
more affordable accommodations, you will need to stay in the
Ariake area. This district has several business hotels with
mid-range to budget prices, though costs tend to rise during large events at the nearby exhibition center. Recommended options include:
Budget Options
The only
truly budget-friendly accommodation in the Odaiba area is the
Tokyo Ariake Bay Hotel, a capsule hotel where you can stay from around
4,000¥ per night. There are no other hotels in the same price range nearby.
This hotel is located in a
somewhat isolated area, about
a 25-minute walk from Ariake. However, you can take the
Rinkai Line from the nearby Shinonome Station, reaching Ariake in just
one stop.
Eating and Drinking in Odaiba
In Odaiba, most restaurants and bars are located inside the large shopping malls Decks Tokyo Beach, Aqua City, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, and Ariake Garden, offering a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. You can choose from Japanese restaurants as well as numerous international options, including hamburgers, Indian curry, pizza, and pasta. Inside Aqua City and Decks Tokyo Beach, some restaurants boast a stunning view of Tokyo Bay, making them perfect for a dinner with a panorama of the illuminated Rainbow Bridge. DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is known for its convenient and diverse food court, ideal for groups of friends or families. Ariake Garden, the newest shopping mall in the area, further expands Odaiba’s dining options with a modern environment and newly opened restaurants.
Keep in mind that opening hours vary from restaurant to restaurant inside each mall: while some places remain open until 11 PM, many close as early as 9 PM.
Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai
Located on the
fifth floor of Aqua City,
Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai is a paradise for ramen lovers, bringing together several renowned restaurants from across Japan in one space. The word kokugikan in Japanese refers to the legendary stadium where sumo tournaments are held. Here, you can taste various ramen styles, from the rich tonkotsu ramen of Fukuoka to the miso ramen of Sapporo and more, allowing you to take a culinary journey through regional specialties. The setting is inspired by traditional Japanese markets, creating an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. There are also plenty of terrace seating options with a view of Tokyo Bay.
Takoyaki Museum
The
Takoyaki Museum, located on the
fourth floor of Decks Tokyo Beach, is the perfect place to discover the different variations of takoyaki, the famous octopus-filled batter balls. Here, you will find stalls offering recipes from Osaka and other regions, with variations in crispiness and flavor. It’s a great opportunity to compare different interpretations of this iconic Japanese street food while enjoying the view of Tokyo Bay.
Food Court at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
The food court at DiverCity, located on the
second floor of the famous shopping mall in front of the giant Gundam, is a spacious area offering a wide selection of restaurants and fast food spots with Japanese and international dishes. Here, you’ll find everything from traditional ramen and donburi to modern interpretations of Japanese street food, such as karaage (fried chicken) and omurice (rice omelet), along with international choices like hamburgers, curry, and Asian cuisine. It’s the perfect spot for groups of friends or families, where everyone can pick their favorite food from different vendors and sit together in the large shared seating area. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and prices are low.
American Food
- Taco Bell, the famous American taco and burrito chain – third floor of Aqua City and second floor of Ariake Garden
- Wendy's First Kitchen, a collaboration between American burger chain Wendy's and Japanese fast food brand First Kitchen, known for its flavored fries and pasta dishes – first floor of Aqua City
- Original Pancake House, a famous American breakfast restaurant that stays open late in Japan, offering a wide selection of pancakes, as well as other American favorites like omelets, hamburgers, and French toast – fifth floor of Ariake Garden
- Wahoo’s Tacos & More, a well-known American Mexican food chain that in Japan still serves tacos and burritos but with added Japanese flavors, making it a unique experience for fans of the brand – seventh floor of DiverCity
Other Recommended Restaurants
- Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, a great place to try gyukatsu, a more refined and flavorful version of tonkatsu, made with beef instead of pork – sixth floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
- Tokyo Malatang, a noodle restaurant specializing in a Chinese-style spicy broth. You can customize your bowl by selecting ingredients from a buffet of raw vegetables, meats, and seafood (priced by weight) – fifth floor of Aqua City
- Shabu-Tabe, an all-you-can-eat restaurant specializing in shabu-shabu, offering a wide selection of meats, fresh vegetables, tofu, and traditional side dishes – fifth floor of Ariake Garden
Restaurants with a View of Tokyo Bay
- Cafe La Boheme, an Italian restaurant offering a wide menu of pasta, pizza, risottos, and appetizers. The evening ambiance with the view is probably the most romantic in the area, perfect for taking your partner after a walk along the beach – fourth floor of Aqua City
- Gonpachi Shibuya, a branch of the legendary Tokyo restaurant where Kill Bill was filmed, specializing in soba and tempura but also offering a variety of Japanese dishes and sake – fourth floor of Aqua City
- Yakiniku Garuba, a yakiniku restaurant featuring various types of wagyu beef – sixth floor of Aqua City
- Indian Cuisine Mumbai, a classic Indian restaurant with many vegetarian options. One of the cheapest restaurants offering bay-view seating. At lunchtime, a set meal can cost as little as 1,000¥ – sixth floor of Aqua City
- Kua' Aina, the Odaiba branch of this Hawaiian-style burger chain, also one of the most affordable places with seating in front of Tokyo Bay – third floor of Aqua City
Italian restaurant La Boheme
Kua' Aina, a Hawaiian-style burger restaurant
How to Get Around Odaiba
Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, divided into different areas with attractions and points of interest grouped into clusters. The main area is the waterfront and beach, facing the shopping malls Decks Tokyo Beach, Aqua City, and, a little farther away, Diver City, famous for the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue and other attractions.
Beyond the central area, Odaiba also includes the districts of Aomi, Telecom Center, and Ariake. All these areas are connected by wide and pleasant pedestrian walkways, making it easy to explore the island on foot:
- Aomi is about a 10-minute walk from the main waterfront.
- The Telecom Center can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot.
- Ariake is the farthest area, about a 30-minute walk from the Gundam statue.
Many visitors focus on the waterfront and shopping malls, while the other areas are generally visited only by those with specific interests, such as the Miraikan Museum, the go-kart track in Aomi, or events at Tokyo Big Sight. If the weather is nice and you enjoy exploring, walking is a great option. However, for faster travel, Odaiba is served by two public transportation lines:
- The Yurikamome Monorail, which connects all the main attractions with a dense network of stops.
- The Rinkai Line, an underground railway that directly connects the Aomi and Ariake areas with the rest of Tokyo.
How to Get to Odaiba
Odaiba via the Yurikamome Monorail
The
Yurikamome is a driverless automated train that connects
Shimbashi to
Toyosu, passing through the skyscrapers of
Shiodome, crossing the scenic
Rainbow Bridge, and stopping at all the main stations in Odaiba.
The ride is particularly fascinating, especially if you sit at the front of the train, where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Tokyo Bay and the city’s futuristic skyline.
As night falls, with the city lights reflecting on the water, the scenery becomes almost surreal, evoking atmospheres reminiscent of movies like Blade Runner or The Matrix.
Thanks to its high frequency and scenic route, the Yurikamome is not just a practical way to reach Odaiba but also an experience in itself, offering a unique glimpse of one of Tokyo’s most modern and futuristic areas.
List of useful stops:
- Odaiba-kaihinkoen – Perfect for accessing the waterfront and the artificial beach, as well as the Decks Tokyo Beach shopping mall.
- Daiba – Close to the waterfront, the Fuji TV Building, and major shopping complexes like DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and Aqua City Odaiba.
- Tokyo International Cruise Terminal – Access for those arriving by ship and disembarking at the nearby cruise terminal. Nothing else nearby.
- Telecom Center – Near the Miraikan Museum and the Telecom Center.
- Aomi – Just a short walk from the Immersive Fort and the Toyota Arena basketball stadium.
- Tokyo Big Sight – Ideal stop for those attending events and exhibitions at Tokyo Big Sight.
- Ariake – The closest stop to the Ariake Garden shopping mall and some hotels.
- Ariake Tennis-no-Mori – The Small Worlds Tokyo miniature museum is located roughly halfway between this station and Ariake Station.
Odaiba by Boat
It is also possible to reach Odaiba by boat, offering a unique panoramic experience of Tokyo Bay and the Sumida River. The boats connect the artificial island of Odaiba with the historic district of Asakusa. Operated by the Tokyo Cruise Ship Company, this route features futuristic boats like the
Himiko and
Hotaluna, designed by the famous artist
Leiji Matsumoto. The trip takes about 50-60 minutes and offers spectacular views of the Tokyo skyline while passing under the Rainbow Bridge. The fare is 2000¥ for adults and 1000¥ for children. The boats make a few intermediate stops (Hinode Pier and Hamarikyu Gardens) between Asakusa and Odaiba, where passengers can board for a lower fare. For updated schedules and fares, check the
official website.
Odaiba via the Rinkai Line
The Rinkai Line connects
Osaki Station on the
JR Yamanote Line with Shin-Kiba Station on the JR Keiyo Line, stopping in Odaiba at two locations along the way:
- Tokyo Teleport (Aomi area)
- Kokusai Tenjijo (Ariake area)
Some trains on the JR Saikyo Line continue onto the Rinkai Line, providing direct connections between Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Odaiba, making it possible to reach the island quickly (30 minutes from Shinjuku, 20 minutes from Shibuya). However, the entire Rinkai Line route is underground, so it lacks the scenic experience of crossing the Rainbow Bridge on the Yurikamome train.
Odaiba by Bus
The
Tokyo BRT company offers a bus service between Shimbashi Station and various areas of Odaiba, allowing you to reach the island for just 220¥. However, this option is not the most convenient: the stops can be hard to locate, and the buses are not very frequent. Unless you are on a very tight budget, the Yurikamome and Rinkai Line are far more efficient and comfortable choices. And if you really want to save money, walking across the Rainbow Bridge is free! More information on these buses is available on the
company's website.
Odaiba on Foot
Odaiba is connected to the mainland by the iconic
Rainbow Bridge, which can also be crossed on foot via pedestrian walkways on either side of the roadway. The walk offers a unique panoramic experience, but it's important to choose which side to walk on:
- North Walkway – Offers a spectacular view of the Tokyo skyline, including skyscrapers, Tokyo Tower, and on clear days, even Mount Fuji in the distance.
- South Walkway – Provides an open view of Tokyo Bay, featuring Odaiba Island, the port, and the vast sea below.
The walk to the waterfront area and shopping malls takes about
30 minutes. However, since the pedestrian paths run alongside the roadway, keep in mind the presence of traffic noise and exhaust fumes. The bridge is open to pedestrians from
9:00 AM to 9:00 PM in summer and from
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in winter. Access is completely
free, but bicycles cannot be ridden across; they must be walked. The closest station to the bridge entrance on the mainland side is
Shibaura-futo, the last stop on the
Yurikamome Line before the automated train crosses the bridge.
Map of Odaiba
Guided tours, activities and other things to do
If you are planning a trip to Japan and you want to do something more than just visiting famous places and monuments, we suggest you to use
Rakuten Travel Experiences.
How to use Rakuten Travel Experiences
Rakuten Travel is a very useful website to
enrich your travel experience, especially if you are going solo or it's your first time in Japan.
Because of the language barrier (and more), in Japan it is very difficult to interact with the locals and to get off the tourist track.
Thanks to Rakuten Travel you can find a lot of interesting and sometimes unique
guided tours and activities all over Japan (and not only in Japan), that you would otherwise never be able to enjoy.
But there's more: on Rakuten Travel you can also
buy tickets for several famous attractions, events, transportation and other useful services for tourists. Last but not least, you can
reserve a table in hundreds of restaurants.
Some examples
Take a look at Rakuten Travel Experiences
You may also be interested in
Typical night view from Odaiba
Diver City shopping mall and the life-size Gundam statue
The highest terrace at Ariake Garden
The panoramic observation deck on the 21st floor of the Telecom Center (credits)
Italian restaurant La Boheme
Kua' Aina, a Hawaiian-style burger restaurant
