Teleport to Futuristic Odaiba in Tokyo

First-time visitors often explore Tokyo’s most popular neighborhoods: reveling in the buzzing nightlife of Shinjuku, the Harajuku fashion of Shibuya and the American expat delights of Roppongi. But just a few train transfers on the futuristic and completely automated Yurikamome transit system leads visitors over the Rainbow Bridge to the uniquely entertaining island of Odaiba. This man-made island is a big kid playground filled with shopping and high-tech amusement. 

Our jackets and tees feature a view of the Teleport Bridge, a pedestrian walkway over the Tokyo Teleport Station in Odaiba. This station is the nearest to the major sights in Odaiba, and connects to Symbol Promenade Park. Head just outside the park to Palette Town to take in the bird’s eye view from the giant ferris wheel called Daikanransha before exploring the island on foot. Then stroll west towards DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. The daily shows in front of the Plaza feature a full-scale animated Gundam statue transforming from unicorn to destroy mode. 

Odaiba Seaside Park hugs the northwest strip of the island, offering sweeping views of the Rainbow Bridge, as well as an unexpected sight – a replica of the Statue of Liberty set against the Tokyo skyline. We made certain to stroll through after dark, to catch the colorful illumination of the bridge at night. Take it all in, then head east toward Joypolis, an indoor amusement park that delights with three floors of arcade games, rides and VR experiences. Then finish the day nibbling through the Takoyaki Museum, where multiple vendors sell takoyaki (octopus snacks) along with lovable octopus souvenirs. 

Nearby: Hip and artsy Shimokitazawa. Just west of Shinjuku in the Setagaya ward, Shimokitazawa is bustling with coffee shops, vintage stores, izakayas and the captivating sights, smells and tastes of a flower bar – florist by day, bar by night.

[Edited by Erin Mooshagian. Erin is a freelance storyteller and content creator who loves working on travel, lifestyle, food and wine brands. In her spare time, she takes photos of pretty things and tries not to sabotage her thriving houseplants.]