Visiting Odaiba with children 子供とお台場へ
Visit Japan with the family, activities in Tokyo for children and adults
Odaiba has been transformed, a small fortress in Tokyo Bay, built in 1853, has been transformed into a man-made island entirely dedicated to entertainment and relaxation. Today, Odaiba is a family-oriented entertainment capital in itself and an ideal place for families to spend the entire day or another!
Tokyo's Military History: Daiba #3
In 1853, following Commodore Perry's ultimatum to end the isolation of Japan, the shogun had six fortresses, daiba, built in Edo Bay (former name of Tokyo) to protect the city in case of attack by American gunnery. Today only two daiba still exist. The sixth daiba has been preserved; testifying to this pivotal time for the country. However, Daiba #3 experienced a different fate, as it evolved into a large artificial island: modern-day Odaiba!
The island is the result of a transformation undertaken at the end of the 1920s as part of a policy of urban renovation of the seafront and extension of the capital where land is reclaimed from the water. Its development then accelerated in the decades 1980-1990, helped by the construction of the Rainbow Bridge in 1993 and the commissioning of a metro line, the Yurikamome.
That a former maritime defense site becomes a tourist site with futuristic architecture, moreover dedicated to shopping and entertainment, is a nice thumbs-up to history!
- Read also: Visit Yokohama with children
Activities at sea, on land, or in the air
Its nickname "Island of Entertainment" is not overdone. Odaiba has plenty to satisfy young and old alike, with its many theme parks, shopping malls, unique Japanese pop culture experiences, and surprising museums. Access to the island is an attraction in itself! You can get there in several ways:
On the water
Boats connect Asakusa to Odaiba in about 1 hr. The Himiko and the Hotalun are two futuristic ships designed by the mangaka , Reiji Matsumoto. A cruise on the Sumida River allows you to discover the capital in a new light. Half-boats, half-spaceships, these boats are sure to please the kids!
In the air
The Yurikamome Line is a self-driven skytrain line that connects Odaiba from Shimbashi or Shiodome. The view from there is breathtaking! Try viewing from the front of the oar to get a better view.
On earth
It is possible to cross the Rainbow Bridge on foot, but be aware that the crossing is long and noisy. You can take a pedestrian access that runs along the road. Bring a windbreaker; the bridge soars 50 meters above the Sumida river. If you are in the company of young children, we recommend choosing one of the other means of transport.
Activities in Tokyo for the whole family
The national museum of emerging sciences and innovation teaches you about the conquest of space, earthquakes, applied sciences to the medical field, or even robotics. The popular draw of the Miraikan is the show of the humanoid robot, Asimo, taking place four times a day.
Toyota Mega Web
Located next to the Venus Fort shopping center, it is a huge complex dedicated to automobiles. The Toyota Mega Web is made up of several areas: the showroom with video games and a virtual reality experience, the History Garage which traces the history of the automobile as well as racing circuits and car tests for adults and children! Completely free, the complex appeals to everyone, car fans or not.
Read also: The Toyota Automobile Museum
Joypolis (Tokyo Beach Decks)
This amusement park skillfully combines sensational attractions, video games, cutting-edge technology, and horror! A combination that is sure to please the young!
Legoland (Tokyo Beach Decks)
The Legoland theme park is perfect for the little ones. In the Tokyo Beach Decks, the park offers rides, an impressive Miniland representing a miniature Tokyo, the Lego Factory Tour where you make your legos, the Lego Ninjago City Adventure where children follow the learning of a ninja by chaining the obstacles and testing their reflexes and free play areas to build as you wish, giving free rein to your imagination.
To read also: Legoland Nagoya
Trick Art Museum (Decks Tokyo Beach)
The paintings in this extraordinary museum are not traditional two-dimensional paintings. Each is a perfect optical illusion, upsetting your perceptions and suggesting that the objects represented exist. Be aware of the canvases illustrating ghosts and monsters for families with young children... Your phone or camera is the essential element for this visit.
Sony Explora Science (Aqua City Odaiba)
A multitude of small fun workshops explain to you in a very educational way, thanks to new technologies, the scientific principles hidden behind our five senses. Don't miss the workshops where you can distort your voice or stretch your ability to smile; have fun transforming!
The Gundam Unicorn (opposite DiverCity Tokyo Plaza)
In place since 2017, he came to replace the 18-meter-high Gundam RX-78-2 and surpassed its elder by 2 meters! the new life-sized Gundam statue now towers over spectators at a staggering height of 19.7 meters.
Take a break: shops and restaurants in Odaiba
For lunch, the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza offers many restaurants in its large hall at affordable prices. If at snack time you feel a little hungry, take a seat at the Starbucks or the Aqua City Odaiba. Its view of the Rainbow Bridge is breathtaking, especially at nightfall.
Out of diapers and no clean ones left for the little one? No worries! Just head to the Nishimatsuya (on the 4th floor of Decks Tokyo Beach). This chain of children's stores provides childcare items, diapers, clothing, and toys at reasonable prices. Odaiba still has many other places to see or experience. It will take you well over a day to visit them all!
- Read also: 4 cruises to do in Tokyo at night