Get Hip on a Trip to Odaiba
Want to know where Tokyo's coolest kids go to hang out? Odaiba – or 'Daiba', as it's known – is a hotspot for the young and fun-loving thanks to its digital displays, panoramic views and dazzling lights. This super-modern island has everything, from robots to immersive art. Read on to find out our top tips for this totally techy destination.
1. Water Way To Travel: Take the Mizube Line Water Bus
They say life is about the journey, and a trip to Odaiba is no exception. Getting to the island is an adventure in itself, as you need to cross the stretch of seawater separating it from the mainland. Automated Yurikamome monorail trains depart every few minutes from Shimbashi Station and Toyosu Station – and you can get a driver's-seat vantage point by snagging the front carriage. For even more spectacular views, swap the train for the Tokyo Mizube Line water bus, which passes Odabia's most famous landmarks.
2. See Seriously Smart Art at teamLab Borderless
The mind-blowing teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum allows you to experience art without borders. You'll wander in and out of colourful light displays and become part of the enormous 3D installation yourself. Download the teamLab app ahead of time to learn more about the artwork you encounter in each space, or just wander around the halls that are straight out of a kaleidoscopic fantasy world. Either way, you'll want to keep your phone handy to snap some incredible photos!
3. Get a Selfie with a Robot at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
When you arrive at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, you might feel like you've walked into a scene from a sci-fi anime series. Watching over the square on the south side is a giant Unicorn Gundam Statue – a full-scale replica of the much-loved robot from a popular science fiction media franchise. This techie titan is almost 20 metres tall, and you can watch it transform between Unicorn and Destroyer mode several times a day. Make sure to stay into the evening to see the Gundam light up after dark.
4. Suspend Your Disbelief on the Rainbow Bridge
Joining Odaiba and the northern Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge is perhaps the most famous bridge in Japan. Built in 1990, the suspension bridge is white in colour, designed to harmonise with the skyline of central Tokyo. When dusk falls, though, you'll see why it's earned its rainbow nickname – the structure lights up on all sides in a multitude of colours. To see the bridge at its technicolour best, take a nighttime drive across it on a Panoramic Tokyo Tour.
5. Sink Your Teeth into Wagyu Beef at Yakiniku Toraji
Founded in Tokyo over 20 years ago, Yakiniku Toraji is one of Japan's most well-known restaurants. Their Odaiba branch has long been a household favourite, serving up fusion dishes that blend authentic Japanese and Korean flavours and techniques. The Deluxe Korean Wagyu BBQ experience is a sure-fire win, whether you're attending a family gathering or going on a romantic dinner date. The meal's a Klook exclusive, and you get a free drink on us!
6. Get Your Fill of Thrill at Joypolis Park
Adrenaline junkies should make a beeline for Odaiba's Joypolis, the largest indoor theme park in Japan. Klook a Joypolis Passport ahead of time to get unlimited access all day to the park's heart-thumping rides and games. You can pursue Blackbeard on the hunt for his legendary treasure, or attack your enemies from the Transformers universe before grabbing a bite at character-branded food and drink outlets. Plus, being indoors means you can keep gaming whatever the weather!
7. Catch a Peek at the Peak (of Mount Fuji)
Odaiba's seafront location makes it the ideal jetting-off point for a day trip to the highest volcano in Japan: Mount Fuji. Rising 3,776 metres, this snow-capped 'Holy Mountain' is visible from Odaiba on a clear day, and its beauty is even more breathtaking up close. Mount Fuji has provided inspiration to artists and poets for centuries, and you too can unleash your creative genius with a Mount Fuji & Hakone Day Tour from Odaiba. Let your imagination climb to new heights!
8. Have a Wheely Good Ride on the Palette Town Ferris Wheel
If you've got a head for heights and a passion for panoramas, step aboard the Palette Town Ferris Wheel and rise 115 metres into the sky. There are 64 carriages to choose from, with four transparent ones offering a 360-degree view. If the weather is good, Tokyo's cityscape will open up before you cross the water. When you return to ground level, you can see the city lit up at night from the Roppongi Hills Observation Deck.
9. Take It Up a Gear at the Toyota Showroom
Famous for its hybrid technology, Toyota is one of the world's leading car manufacturers. That makes the Toyota showroom in Odaiba the perfect pit stop for petrol-heads and learner drivers alike. Get to grips with all things Toyota, from environmental impact to road safety, all while marvelling at the cool craftsmanship of these cleverly designed cars. But you needn't just look – it's easy to rent a Toyota through Klook and drive like a local as you continue your travels in Japan.
10. Wrap up the Day with a Sunset Dinner Cruise
Complete your Odaiba experience by fuelling up on a traditional Japanese yakatabune boat, and see the skyline in all its glory by night. The Harumiya Cruising Restaurant is the ideal place to reflect on all you've seen by scrolling through your pictures and capturing some more of the dazzling city lights from the sea. A delicious kaiseki-style dinner (a traditional multi-course meal) will help you get your energy back after your sightseeing. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view – you've earned it!
Ready for More Tokyo Coolness?
After you've hit up Odaiba's most fashionable stops, you'll be ready to take on the rest of Tokyo. Discover the top attractions for your itinerary using Klook's dedicated Tokyo page.
