When you think of Tokyo, the bustling streets of Shibuya, the intimate bars of Shinjuku, and serene visits to pristine temples surely come to mind. However many often forget that Tokyo is located on the coast of Japan. Because of this, Tokyo Bay hides one of the top spots that is frequently overlooked by both travelers and Tokyo dwellers alike, the Odaiba Seaside Park. So why don’t you join us as we help shine a light on this hidden gem of a location found right within the city’s borders?
Tokyo skyline at night from Odaiba Beach – Photo credit: Bea Paterson-Achenbach
Odaiba as a location in itself isn’t on many itineraries as it is slightly out of the way if you’re trying to do Tokyo in a tight timeframe. Situated across the bay from Tokyo Tower, it’s connected to central Tokyo via the Yurikamome line and the Rinkai line, which both can be taken from Shimbashi station. Some might know Odaiba and Toyosu as the location of teamLab Planets, a life-size Gundam statue, and the famous Toyosu fish market which are popular destinations for those willing to make the journey across the bay. However, the slightly industrial layout of the area which is home to many warehouses, wide empty streets, and buildings that host art exhibitions and museums might lead you to believe there isn’t much in the way of nature there.
But, in contrast to this common frame of mind, hidden behind one of these large shopping malls is the beautiful Shiokaze Park, which is connected to the manmade Odaiba Beach. The closest stations are Daiba (for the park) and Odaiba-kaihinkoen (for the beach), both of which are on the Yurikamome line. This train line is a particular treat, as in order to cross the water you travel over the Rainbow Bridge which loops over the bay giving a spectacular view of the city, the ocean, and even the Haneda Airport runway located just across the bay. The smooth electric train is suspended from above and has large windows in the front and back of the carriages giving the rider a sense of flying over the water.
The Retro arcade – Photo credit: substanceTproductions
Upon arriving at Odaiba-kaihinkoen, you are greeted with the sight of a huge mall called DECKS which boasts famous shops like Legoland, and Madame Tussauds, as well as many regular shops and restaurants. The mall has two buildings, and whilst the one on the left is home to the aforementioned attractions, the real gem lies in the building on the right-hand side. Upon entering, ride an escalator that takes you to the 3rd floor where you’ll find the ‘Daiba Itchome Shotengai’, a recreation of a street in Japan from 1955. Walking through you can try your hand at a shooting gallery, get your caricature done, visit an illusion funhouse, a retro sweetshop, visit a haunted house, and play a plethora of arcade games dating back to the 1950s including Crazy Taxi, Space Invaders and Super Mario Bros. This time-travelling street will have both old and young visitors alike entertained for hours, and it’s a great spot for some truly authentic souvenirs.
Retro covers of the weekly manga editorial ‘Shonen Jump’ lining the walls of the arcade -Photo credit: Bea Paterson-Achenbach
Alongside showcasing strange gummy sweets and novelty erasers that could fool even the most discerning, the arcade shops have a penchant for miniatures and DIY model kits. This is perhaps a nod to the Small Worlds museum which is also located in Odaiba and even features a fully functioning miniature airport!). Some miniatures you can find include a wonderland of tiny Izakayas, Shaved Ice Stands, and Bakeries in ready-to-assemble kits available for purchase which are great take-home souvenirs for yourself, or relatives with a love for model-making.
A miniature okonomiyaki stand for sale in the retro arcade – Photo credit: Bea Paterson Achenbach
If the retro arcade isn’t your thing, you can try out Joypolis: Tokyo’s indoor theme park. Located at the west end of DECKS, Joypolis is home to a full-size indoor rollercoaster, dozens of VR simulators, arcade games, and thrilling rides you wouldn’t imagine could be housed in such a small space. Joypolis is a wonderful experience for those on the hunt for thrills, but make sure you go early and expect to wait a while for the main rides (especially during weekends and holidays).
Once you’re done soaking up the atmosphere at DECKS, step outside the back entrance and straight out onto the deck leading to Odaiba Beach. The beach is a sharp contrast to the busy atmosphere of the mall, with a cool breeze coming straight from the Pacific Ocean and white sandy beaches that stretch around the bay. Whilst swimming isn’t allowed, you can paddle in the water and also take boat trips around the bay to get a stunning view of the city from the water, something rarely experienced unless you’re approaching the Haneda runway!
The beach is lined with cool trees planted along the boardwalk, offering some much-needed respite from the harsh Japanese summer sun. You can walk around the entirety of the premises in about 30 minutes, and if you like, double back along the water, past a recreation of The Statue of Liberty to Shiokaze Park for some quiet reflection. There is even a picturesque BBQ ground near the park where you can bring your own food and drink and cook on a full-size grill while sipping on a beer and looking over the water (advance reservation and equipment rental fee are required).
The view from Shiokaze BBQ ground at sunset – Photo credit: Bea Paterson-Achenbach
Personally, I think dusk and night are the best times to visit the beach as it offers a beautiful twinkling Tokyo skyline with Tokyo Tower, Ginza, and the magnificent Rainbow Bridge all in view. A great spot to catch this view is from the comfort of one of the many restaurants located on the upper floors of DECKS. Each place offers a variety of cuisines and specialties from all over Japan including Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Sapporo Ramen, Yakiniku, and Sushi.
The view from the 6th-floor Restaurant area in DECKS – Photo credit: Bea Paterson-Achenbach
Odaiba Seaside Park is a great spot to get away from the Tokyo crowds, soak up some fresh air, and travel back in time to see how Japan let its hair down in the 50s. If you have a spare afternoon on the agenda, I’d highly recommend making the trip. You can also pair it with a visit to teamLab Planets or Small Worlds for a fun-filled day out in one of Tokyo’s overlooked districts. Its many attractions make it a place worth visiting, so definitely make sure to add it to your list on your next visit to the capital. I look forward to seeing you there!
You can also explore the streets of Shimbashi, the Japanese working class goes to relax, on our Hidden Gem Food Tour!
