Odaiba is a very popular shopping and entertainment district of Tokyo. It was constructed on a man-made island in Tokyo bay. Originally built by the Tokugawa shogunate to house defensive forts to protect Edo (Tokyo’s previous name) from sea-based attacks. More than a century after their construction, the 6 small islands were joined together, marking the beginning of a development program designed to create a futuristic residential and business district, but the after the bubble economy burst in the early 1990′s development slowed to a crawl.
Odaiba remained largely empty until the latter half of the 90′s, when the area was given the kiss of life by the opening of several hotels, shopping malls and once the Yurikamome train line opened. It allowed Odaiba to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo, also now a well known date spot for couples, with a large number of shipping, leisure and dining options available.
Even though Odaiba got off to a slow start, there are now several very impressive architectural structures and lucrative developments in the area, like the Fuji TV building, Telecom Centre and Tokyo Big site. Because Odaiba is a modern construction, it has very different city planning compared to other parts of Tokyo, it has plenty of green space and a clear separation of cars and pedestrians.
Here are a handful of highlights in Odaiba
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)
Within this striking looking build is the headquarters of Fuji Television. There are exhibits from popular TV shows. There is also a observation deck and upper class French restaurant inside the giant sphere section of the building.
Decks Tokyo Beach
Hours: 11:00 to 21:00 (Joypolis 10:00 to 23:00)
Restaurants: 11:00 to 20:00 (some restaurants until 24:00)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free (Joypolis: 500 yen)
This shopping mall features many stores, cafe , boutiques and restaurants. Also you’ll find the Muscle Park sports theme park, Tokyo Joypolis, a three story arcade and Daiba Little Hong Kong food theme park.
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.
This is a hot spring theme park, that is designed to give the atmosphere of the Edo Period. There are a large number of indoor and outdoor baths to relax in. It is even possible for you to stay overnight.
Venus Fort
Hours: 11:00 to 21:00
Restaurants: 11:00 to 23:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free
Built to look like a 18th century South European town. This mall has over a hundred different shops, cafes and restaurants to explore.
Tokyo Big Sight
Hours and admission fees depend on the specific events.
Home to many large exhibition events, including the Tokyo International Anime Fair and the Tokyo Motor Show. The building itself is impressive piece of architecture that is worth seeing even if you aren’t going to see an exhibit.
Sources: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3008.html
Picture Sources: jetalone ferrando Carlos Alejo river seal Lorenzo De Filippi