Odaiba, Japan
Prepare to be hit by the 22nd century! With space age buildings, electric cars and fantasy shopping malls, Tokyo‘s newest district is futuristic and surreal. Built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, a monorail links Odaiba to the mainland. Watch out too for the silent couples. As the site of the world’s largest Ferris wheel, it’s also a popular, if not compulsory, dating spot.
The Fuji Television Building (Nearest monorail station: Odaiba-kaihinkoen)
Lit by lasers at night, the head office of Fuji Television is the landmark of Odaiba. The building was designed by Japanese Architect, Kenzo Tange. It’s fully earthquake proof and took three years to build. The ball on top of the building weighs a colossal one thousand two hundred tons! With a diameter of thirty two meters it was first constructed on the roof of the smaller building, then on April 17th 1995, using a special technique it was raised into position. Inside there are ten studios. Tickets for a studio tour are available from the booth at the top of the escalator. The same ticket also gains you access to the inside of the ball. (Adults 500 yen, children 300 yen 10:00 am to 8:00pm daily). Website: www.fujitv.co.jp Open 10:00 to 20:00. Most attractions are closed on Mondays (closed the following Tuesday instead, if Monday falls on a public holiday). Admission is free except for the observatory deck (500 yen).
Aquacity Odaiba
Aquacity is a shopping mall featuring various stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and a 13 screen cinema complex. There are nice views of the Rainbow Bridge from the wooden deck in front of Aquacity and neighboring Decks.
Open daily 11:00 to 21:00 (food court until 21:00, restaurants open until 23:00 or later).
Museum of Maritime Science
Housed in a cruise ship shaped building, the Museum of Maritime Science displays seafaring related exhibits from the past and future. Two actual ships, including the Yotei Maru ocean liner, are moored in front of the museum.
Open daily 10:00 to 17:00 (weekends and holidays until 18:00). Closed Mondays and from Dec 28 to Jan 1. Museum admission: 700 yen. Combined admission to the museum and Yotei Maru is 1000 yen.
