Located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is a unique neighborhood where futuristic architecture, shopping malls, cutting-edge attractions, and breathtaking city views come together. It’s the perfect destination for a day of relaxation and discovery, offering a modern yet exotic atmosphere.
Find all the locations mentioned in this article on our Google Maps guide.
Odaiba : a brief history
Odaiba’s history dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868). In 1853, after the arrival of Commodore Perry’s "Black Ships," which forced Japan to open to international trade, the Tokugawa shogunate decided to strengthen Tokyo’s maritime defenses by constructing several artificial fortifications in the bay. These fortifications, called daiba (台場), are the origin of the district’s name today.
In the 1980s, the Japanese government launched an ambitious project to transform Odaiba into an ultramodern economic hub. However, the financial crisis of the 1990s slowed its development, and the island eventually evolved into a major leisure and shopping zone.
In recent years, Odaiba has undergone many changes, with the closure of several iconic spots like Oedo Onsen Monogatari, VenusFort or Toyota Mega Web. The island operates on a unique model: businesses lease spaces for a limited period (often 20 years), after which they must vacate permanently.
Things to do in Odaiba: must-see attractions
Odaiba is packed with activities and attractions catering to all interests.
Odaiba Seaside Park, the Beach and the Statue of Liberty
Odaiba boasts one of the most scenic waterfront promenades in Tokyo. From Odaiba Seaside Park (Odaiba-Kaihinkōen station), you’ll enjoy stunning views of the bay and Rainbow Bridge.
- The Odaiba beach is a popular spot to take in the cityscape and relax by the water. Although swimming is prohibited, it’s a perfect place for a peaceful break.
- Nearby, you’ll find a replica of the Statue of Liberty, installed in 1998 as a symbol of Franco-Japanese friendship. It has since become a must-visit photo spot.
- As the sun sets, the promenade becomes even more magical, with the city lights and Rainbow Bridge illuminating the night.
Rainbow Bridge: a unique view of Tokyo
One of Odaiba’s most iconic landmarks, the Rainbow Bridge is a 798-meter-long suspension bridge connecting the island to the Shibaura district. It offers breathtaking views, especially at night when it lights up.
You can admire it up close by walking across (about 30 minutes) or by taking the Yurikamome monorail, sit at the front for the best experience!
The giant Gundam at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Since 2017, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza has been home to a massive RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, replacing the previous RX-78-2 model. This 19.7-meter-tall statue transforms multiple times a day in a spectacular display, with its armor plates shifting to reveal its "Destroy Mode".
Transformation schedule
- Daytime: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM
- Evening: Every 30 minutes from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Inside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, The Gundam Base Tokyo offers model kits and exhibits dedicated to the Gundam universe.
Miraikan: the national museum of emerging science and innovation
The Miraikan museum is a hub for cutting-edge science and technology, featuring exhibitions on robotics, artificial intelligence and space exploration.
Important to note: Most explanations are in Japanese, and the exhibits are primarily geared toward children. Unless you have a strong interest in the topics, the visit may not be essential. Admission is 940 yen (~6 €).
Odaiba has other museums (science, water, port, etc.), but these are not suitable for tourists who do not speak Japanese.
Daiba 1-chome Shotengai: A Trip to the 1960s
Inside the Decks Tokyo Beach shopping mall, you’ll find this nostalgic area recreating the atmosphere of 1960s Japan. With vintage arcade games, traditional snacks, and retro souvenir shops, it’s a fun experience for visitors of all ages.
Themed Attractions in Odaiba
For any theme park in Japan, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended.
TeamLab Planets: a unique immersive experience
This interactive museum offers spectacular exhibits where light, water, and technology create mesmerizing effects. If you have a choice, TeamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills provides a more complete immersion for a similar price.
Admission to TeamLab Planets costs 4,600 yen (~30 €) and you can participate without needing to speak Japanese.
Tokyo Immersive Fort: become the Hero of an interactive adventure
Located in the former VenusFort building, Tokyo Immersive Fort (English site by clicking on "メニュー" at the top left) is an indoor attraction where visitors actively participate in a story using interactive games and augmented reality.
Each show is quite expensive: 100 € for the Edo period show and 50 € for the others. A minimum of explanations in English are provided to help understand the context.
Shopping centers
Odaiba is famous for its massive shopping complexes, which combine retail, entertainment, and dining.
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza: Home to the Giant Gundam and The Gundam Base Tokyo.
- Aqua City Odaiba: A wide selection of restaurants with bay views.
- Decks Tokyo Beach: Features Daiba 1-chome Shotengai and Tokyo Joypolis (SEGA amusement park).
Where to eat and drink in Odaiba ?
Restaurants
- King of the Pirates (Aqua City) – Pirate ship-themed restaurant with a bay view.
- Monsoon Café Odaiba (Aqua City) – Asian cuisine with a relaxing ambiance.
Cafés
- Bills Odaiba (Decks Tokyo Beach) – Famous for its fluffy pancakes and scenic bay views.
- The Lobby Café Le Bouquet (Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba) – Elegant pastries in a refined setting.
Bars
- The Bar & Lounge (Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba) – A chic bar with panoramic bay views.
Where to stay in Odaiba ?
If you're looking to spend a night in Odaiba, here are some conveniently located hotels.
- Luxury: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (> 250 €) : 5-star hotel with stunning bay views.
- Mid-range: Tokyo East Side Hotel Kaie (> 115 €) : Modern and comfortable 4-star option.
- Budget: Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake (> 90 €) : Affordable stay near Tokyo Big Sight.
- Convenient for Haneda Airport: Super Hotel Shinagawa Shinbanba (> 90 €) : Close to the Tokyo Monorail and Rinkai Line.
Odaiba in one day
A full day in Odaiba can be packed with activities, especially if you visit one of its themed attractions. Alternatively, you can start your day at Hama-Rikyū Gardens and take a boat or train to Odaiba.
Morning: Immersive experiences
- Arrive via the Yurikamome or Rinkai Line.
- TeamLab Planets (1.5 hours) – Explore the interactive art museum.
- Tokyo Immersive Fort (2 hours) – Dive into an interactive adventure.
Midday: Lunch with a view
- King of the Pirates (Aqua City) – A fun pirate-themed restaurant.
- Quick option: Food courts in shopping malls.
Afternoon: Seaside walk and shopping
- Shopping at Daiba 1-chome Shotengai for a retro experience.
- Visit DiverCity Tokyo Plaza to see the Giant Gundam.
- Stroll along Odaiba Seaside Park to admire the Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge.
Evening: Dinner with night view
- Bills Odaiba: enjoy pancakes with a bay view.
- Watch Rainbow Bridge light up from Odaiba Seaside Park.
- Return via Yurikamome monorail, sit at the front for the best view!
For the adventurous: Walk across Rainbow Bridge (30–40 minutes) for a final spectacular city view!
Find all the locations mentioned in this article and our itinerary on our Google Maps guide.
