Odaiba: Tokyo’s Ultramodern Island
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Odaiba: Tokyo’s Ultramodern Island

JP
By The Japanist Team
Source: Savvy Tokyo

Ask a Tokyoite about a place in the city where you can enjoy nature, nostalgia, shopping, dining and entertainment in a sophisticated, futuristic way — all in one place — and they'll answer Odaiba.

Odaiba

Located in Tokyo Bay, this artificial and ultramodern island is one of the most popular sites among locals and tourists alike for a reason: it has it all. From flamboyant, futuristic architecture to an array of amusement spots, shopping malls, and restaurants, this Tokyo destination even has its own Statue of Liberty. Regardless of what season you’re visiting, Odaiba is the perfect year-round day trip for geeks, budding architects, families and shopaholics alike.

Here are some recommended spots for an action-packed day by the water in Odaiba.  

The History of Odaiba

[

Odaiba

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2017/05/pixta_57727783_M.jpg)The word daiba in Japanese refers to the cannon batteries placed on these islands

Lying on the southernmost point of Tokyo and connected to the city by the Yurikamome monorail from Shimbashi and the Rinkai line from Osaki, Odaiba is a man-made peninsula in Tokyo Bay. The modern neighborhood began in 1853, when the Tokugawa shogunate built various island fortresses to protect against hostile ships. The word daiba in Japanese refers to the cannon batteries placed on these islands, one of which was turned into a public park — the Metropolitan Daiba Park — in 1928. 

During the bubble economy of the ‘80s, however, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government spent ¥1.1 trillion (about US $10 billion) on the redevelopment of Odaiba to showcase its futuristic vision for the area. By the late ‘90s, 1,000 acres of landfill had become home to various leisure, corporate and commercial complexes. Odaiba was also one of the venues for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, including swimming and triathlon. 

What To Do on Odaiba 

[

miraikan

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2017/05/pixta_85845325_M.jpg)The interactive exhibits ensure that learning is both active and fun

Odaiba has lots to do for the whole family, from museums to retro-themed entertainment to a big park. 

Miraikan 

Also known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Miraikan is great for everyone from families to solo travelers. The museum has four different themes: Earth Environment and Frontiers, Innovation and the Future, Information Science and Technology for Society, plus Life and Science. The interactive exhibits ensure that learning is both active and fun, even for those who shudder at the thought of science class. 

  • Address:  2-3-6 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 10 a.m. –  5 p.m.

  • Website: Official Link 

  • Note: The museum will be closed for renovations from Oct.1, 2026 – Apr. 22, 2027

Fuji Television Building 

The Fuji Television building is a classic Odaiba landmark. Reminiscent of a spaceship, this architectural masterpiece houses the headquarters of Fuji TV, one of Japan’s private national television channels. You can watch programs being produced from its fifth-floor studio promenade and take in the views of the bay from the 25th floor. 

  • Address: 2-4-8, Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 10 a.m. –  6 p.m.

  • Website: Official Link 

Odaiba Marine Park 

An artificial sandy beach complete with boardwalk, Odaiba Marine Park offers great views of Tokyo’s iconic Rainbow Bridge. While swimming is not allowed, the beach itself offers a nice relaxing spot for a short escape from urban Tokyo. Return at night if you’re up for a romantic evening. Plus, check out the 12-meter-tall scale replica of the Statue of Liberty erected to celebrate French-Japanese relations. The most recent addition is Tokyo Aqua Symphony, one of the largest fountains in the world, shooting water 150 meters high across a 250-meter-wide space. 

  • Address: 1-4 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, year-round

  • Website: Official Link 

Vintage Arcade (Daiba 1-Chome Shotengai) 

Situated on the fourth floor of Decks Tokyo Beach, this retro theme park invites you to travel back in time to the 1950s. The place is stuffed with numerous old arcade games and small store replicas of Japan’s Showa era (1926-1989) where you can catch a glimpse of what was cool and trendy back in the good ol’ days. You’ll find posters of popular artists and singers from post-war Japan as well as tricks and treats and a lot of old-school gadgets. 

  • Address: 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 11 a.m. –  9 p.m.

  • Website: Official Link 

Trick Art Museum 

Also on the fourth floor of Decks, you’ll find the Trick Art Museum, an Edo-themed museum of visual illusions, where you can expect a healthy dose of laughter and many photo ops. You’ll have a fantastic time pretending you’re falling into a shark’s jaw, being attacked by ghosts or trapped inside a glass. 

  • Address: 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 11 a.m. –  9 p.m.

  • Website: Official Link 

Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo 

On the third floor of Decks, Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo is perfect for Lego fans and people looking for some time to play. Participate in exclusive experiences spotlighting the brand’s most popular sets, attend workshops and free play with Lego at this fun facility. Although Legoland is generally open only to adults accompanying children, there is one Friday night a month available for Adult Fans of Lego members.  

  • Address: 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closes at 7 p.m. on weekends)

  • Website: Official Link

Where To Shop on Odaiba 

Everything is quite compact in Odaiba. So, rather than strolling around small boutiques, you’ll see several large malls that have everything you need. 

Decks Tokyo Beach 

[

decks tokyo

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2017/05/pixta_94745938_M.jpg)Don’t miss out on taking a photo at the iconic Odaiba Art Spot

Inside Decks Tokyo Beach’s ship-themed design, there are several floors of shopping full of fashion labels, souvenirs and tax-free stores. While there are quite a few shops catering to children, adults will appreciate the wide variety of gourmet options. Don’t miss out on taking a photo at the iconic Odaiba Art Spot on the third floor, which is also illuminated in the Winter months. 

  • Address: 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (closes at 9 p.m. on weekends) 

  • Website: Official Link

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

[

diver city tokyo

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2017/05/pixta_71854082_M.jpg)You’ll find a great selection of reasonably priced imported and domestic brands

Just a five-minute walk from Daiba station, DiverCity is another complex that houses everything from dining and shopping to recreation. With eight floors plus a rooftop garden, you’ll find a great selection of reasonably priced imported and domestic brands.

  • Address: 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto City (Map

  • Opening Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (weekdays); 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (weekends) 

  • Website: Official Link 

Aqua City Odaiba 

[

aquacity odaiba

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2017/05/pixta_94745968_M.jpg)Head to the rooftop to see the Aqua City Odaiba Shrine and a fantastic view of Tokyo Bay

Come and explore over 60 shops featuring products ranging from toys and electronics to fashion and lifestyle goods. Take a break and grab a bite to eat in one of the largest food courts on the island. Head to the rooftop to see the Aqua City Odaiba Shrine and a fantastic view of Tokyo Bay. 

  • Address: 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo (Map

  • Opening Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (closes at 9 p.m. on weekends)  

  • Website: Official Link 

Where To Eat In Odaiba

[

japanese pancake

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2017/05/pixta_76697375_M.jpg)A wide array of food choices — both local and international

There is no shortage of places to eat in Odaiba. Practically every one of the above-mentioned complexes houses food courts and restaurants with a wide array of food choices — both local and international. 

Bill’s Odaiba

Located right on the waterfront, it’s hard to find a better place for a quick meal, especially if you’re into pancakes. As always, Bill Granger’s menu is filled with scrumptious selections and families with children will be happy to hear that they also have a special menu for kids. 

  • Address: 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (opens at 8 a.m. on weekends) 

  • Website: Official Link 

King of the Pirates

If you’re looking for a bit of thrill and fun to go along with your meal, then the pirate-themed restaurant King of the Pirates might be the perfect choice. Appropriately located right on the water on the fifth floor of Aqua City Odaiba, the restaurant is decked out like a pirate ship and packed with props to play with. Here, visitors can dress up and embrace their inner pirate.

  • Address: 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (dinner hours start at 4 p.m. on weekends) 

  • Website: Official Link 

Hiro DiverCity Tokyo

On the sixth floor of DiverCity, Hiro’s offers top-notch hamburger steaks and steaks in a stylish environment. With a variety of fresh vegetable sets and a soup bar alongside juicy cuts of meat, there are many options for diners. Equipped with a kids’ menu and high chair, this restaurant also welcomes families with children. 

  • Address: 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto Ward, Tokyo (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. 

  • Website: Official Link 

Oyster House Minatoku Daiba

If you’re looking for a date place in Odaiba that won’t break the bank, but still has impressive offerings, check out this atmospheric oyster restaurant on the fifth floor of Aqua City. With the freshest oysters delivered from international and domestic locations and gorgeous views from the terrace, Oyster House is an ideal setting for an afternoon or evening date. As a bonus, couples with children can also sample the oysters while the kids enjoy the family-friendly pizza and pasta options. 

  • Address: 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan (Map)

  • Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. 

  • Website: Official Link 

Getting There 

[

tokyo teleport station

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2017/05/pixta_85695508_M.jpg)© Photo by PIXTA/ mandegan

Odaiba is easily accessible from central Tokyo via the Yurikamome or Rinkai lines. All locations mentioned in the article are accessible from Daiba, Tokyo Telecom and Odaiba Kaihin Koen stations.

*Do you have any spots to recommend in Odaiba? Let us know in the comments below! *

This post was originally written by Nano Betts and updated by Elizabeth Sok in 2026.

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Original source:Savvy Tokyo