A man-made island in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba consists of several clusters of attractions linked by a monorail (or footpaths, for keen walkers). It's a great way to escape from the confines of Tokyo and there's plenty here for children.
Statue of Liberty in Odaiba area
Odaiba is one of the few places where you can see that Tokyo is indeed a waterfront city. In some ways, it feels like a completely separate city from Tokyo because you have to take a monorail over the Rainbow Bridge to get there. There are several clusters of sights around each of the monorail stops, the best of which are near Daiba and Aomi stations. This is a good place to go to escape the congested feeling of central Tokyo. It's also a good place to go with older children, who appreciate the sense of space and the variety of activities on offer.
Things to Do and See in Obaida
The best way to explore these attractions is to buy a day-pass on the Yurikamome monorail line that departs from Shimbashi and makes a full circuit of Odaiba. Adult passes cost Y820 and child passes cost Y410. For more details, check the Yurikamome English site.
- teamLab Planets in Toyosu (digital art museum)
Get your feet wet at the immersive, interactive, barefoot digital art museum teamLab Planets in Tokyo's Toyosu district. - Miraikan: National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (science museum)
This science museum near the Telecom Center monorail stop has several excellent exhibits and enough English signage to make sense of things. It's good for kids old enough to understand basic science. - Toyosu Fish Market (vast fish wholesale market)
The Toyosu Fish Market replaced the famous old Tsukiji Fish Market. This is our comprehensive walkthrough of its shiny new location in Tokyo. - KidZania Tokyo (kids entertainment complex)
Down near Tokyo Bay in Toyosu (home of the new fish market), Kidzania Tokyo is a work-themed entertainment complex where kids can try “working” in various professions. - Sumida River Cruise (Sumida Line) (river cruise)
The Sumida River Cruise (Sumida Line) is a great way to travel between Asakusa and the Tokyo Bay Area. You’ll see a totally different side of Tokyo and you’ll get a break from subways and trains. - Decks Odaiba (shopping/dining complex)
This shopping and dining complex near the Odaibakaihinkoen monorail stop is a good first stop on your exploration of Odaiba. It's also got the widest selection of restaurants. Be sure to visit the Daiba Itchome Shotengai, a recreation of a Showa-era shopping street here. For more choices, head to the Media Age complex next door. - Panasonic Center (high-tech gadgets and science displays)
Sponsored by Panasonic, the small attraction has some interesting free exhibits, as well as some better exhibits in the pay zone. Needless to say, the latest products from Panasonic are also on display. - Fuji Television Headquarters (TV headquarters and display hall)
You can't miss this futuristic building with its ball suspended in space. It's near the Daiba stop. There are various television-related displays, including a cool light show. - DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (shopping/dining/entertainment complexes)
Located on the man-made island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay, DiverCity is one of the best shopping/dining/entertainment complexes in all of Tokyo. If you’re coming to Odaiba, don’t miss it!
Recommended Tokyo Hotels In Odaiba
Places to Eat in Obaida
- Bills (Australian-style restaurant)
An Aussie-style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and great views across the water to Tokyo is a great spot for breakfast or lunch when in Odaiba. Try the pancakes. It's in the Decks complex.
Luxury Hotels In Odaiba
- Hilton Tokyo Odaiba
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A large Western-style hotel with all the features and rates that can occasionally dip into the moderate range, making it a good value. - Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A large Western-style hotel with all the features you’d expect and large-ish rooms for Tokyo.
Budget and Mid-Range Hotels in Odaiba
- Sotetsu Grand Fresa Tokyo-Bay Ariake (formerly Hotel Sunroute Ariake)
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A very good business hotel close to two stations on Odaiba. The rates and the proximity to the stations make this a good value. - Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A decent business hotel that is a bit of a walk from the nearest station.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
