Odaiba Seaside Park (Odaiba Kaihin Koen)

The Basics

The area of Odaiba in Tokyo started out as a chain of man-made islands designed to protect the city in the Edo period (the 1600s). In the years since, the islands were all joined together and development followed, including the construction of Seaside Park, the futuristic Fuji TV Building and Rainbow Bridge (which is illuminated with rainbow colors every night using solar energy).

The seaside park runs along Tokyo Bay and has a beach, wooden boardwalk, and landscaped areas with grass and trees. Visitors can try water sports, such as paddleboarding and windsurfing, and see a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty along with a statue of a robot from the anime series Gundam. It’s possible to access the park by public transport or see it as part of a guided tour of the city or from up above with a helicopter ride over Tokyo’s main landmarks.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Access to Odaiba Seaside Park is free—additional activities, such as water sports cost extra.

• Swimming is not allowed in Tokyo Bay.

• In July, the park hosts a popular illuminated lantern festival.

• Don’t miss the Daikanransha Ferris wheel close by the park. At 377 feet (103 meters), it’s one of the tallest in the world.

• The park’s observation deck offers impressive views of the Tokyo skyline.

How to Get There

Odaiba Seaside Park is located at 1-4-1, Daiba, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, across the bay from downtown Tokyo. It can be reached by train (Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station or Daiba Station are both walking distance), by water bus from Asakusa, on foot across the Rainbow Bridge, or as part of a guided tour of the city.

When to Get There

The park is open 24 hours, although public transport stops at around midnight. It is a popular spot through spring, summer, and fall when temperatures are more suitable for outdoor activities.

Odaiba Entertainment Options

Aside from the seaside park and big wheel, Odaiba is home to several other attractions, including the popular National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Aqua City shopping mall with Sony ExploraScience center, and Decks Tokyo Beach with stores, restaurants, an outpost of Madame Tussauds wax museum, plus a Legoland indoor entertainment center.

Ways to explore

Odaiba Seaside Park is located on Odaiba island. While there are a variety of ways to get there by car or public transportation, it can be enjoyable to take a water bus or see the sights from a cruise on Tokyo Bay. You can take in the park as part of a guided walking or biking tour of the city, learn about it via a self-guided audio tour, or enjoy the view from up above with a helicopter ride over Tokyo’s landmarks.

Accessibility

There’s barrier-free access to the park, along with a limited number of accessible parking spaces, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Age limits

None

What to pack

A picnic and blanket or beach towel

What to wear

Comfortable season-appropriate clothing, such as slip-off shoes for the beach, a sun hat, and sunglasses.

Not allowed

Swimming isn’t allowed, although you can enjoy windsurfing and paddleboarding.

Amenities

Restrooms, currency exchange, bike share, Wi-Fi

Address

Odaiba Seaside Park is located on the northern side of Odaiba island, facing downtown Tokyo. Get there on a tour, by elevated train, water bus, on foot, or by driving.

Driving

Driving around Tokyo isn’t recommended due to the traffic and difficulty (and expense) of parking. If you must drive, crossing the Rainbow Bridge on the Shuto Expressway is the most scenic approach.

Public transportation

Take the elevated Yurikamome line (from Shiodome, Shimbashi, Takeshiba, Hinode, or Shibaura-futo on the mainland) across the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba Kaihin Koen or Daiba stations. The park is a short walk from either. Alternatively, water buses run from Asakusa, typically about once per hour.

Best times to visit

The park is accessible at any time, but tourist facilities within it are typically open from 8:30am to 5pm. The views are especially nice around sunset.

Best days to visit

Come during the week for a quieter experience as the park is especially busy on weekends.

Best months to visit

May–September can be hot in Tokyo, making Odaiba Seaside Park a good place to relax and catch the breeze at this time. Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are drier than summer.

Special events

While much of Japan hosts fireworks festivals in summer, Odaiba’s fireworks displays are held on Saturday evenings throughout December. The park is a good place to watch the show.