Odaiba: Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge and the best night view of the city
Odaiba is a man made island in Tokyo Bay, linked to the city by the Rainbow Bridge. By day it is malls, a seaside park and a life size robot; by night it is one of the best views of Tokyo, with the bridge and the skyline reflected in the water. One thing has changed: teamLab Borderless is no longer here, it moved to Azabudai Hills in 2024.
Tokyo after dark? Here is the Tokyo night tour by private car, the skyline, the lights and no rush hour traffic, three hours from ¥48,000.
The Rainbow Bridge and the night view
The best way to arrive is across the Rainbow Bridge at sunset, with the skyline on one side and the bay on the other. From the Odaiba Seaside Park boardwalk you see the bridge lit up, Tokyo Tower behind it, and on clear evenings the lights reach to the horizon. The small Statue of Liberty replica by the water is a favourite photo spot.
The life size Gundam
In front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza stands a life size Unicorn Gundam, almost twenty metres tall, which changes form and lights up at set times in the evening. Inside the mall there is a Gundam base for model kits, alongside fashion and food courts.
Shopping, museums and the waterfront
Odaiba has several malls with views of the bay, an artificial beach for walking (not swimming), and a new fountain show on the waterfront. Tokyo Big Sight, the exhibition centre, hosts trade fairs and fan events most weekends. With children, the indoor attractions make it a good rainy day option.
When to go
Arrive in the late afternoon, walk the waterfront at sunset, see the Gundam lit up, and have dinner with a view of the bridge. Weekends are busy with families, weekday evenings are calm. It pairs well with the Toyosu markets in the morning, or with teamLab Planets nearby.
By car, and the price
The Yurikamome train is scenic but crowded at peak times. By car you cross the Rainbow Bridge at sunset, and the chauffeur waits while you walk and dine, then drives you back across the bridge with the city lit up. It is from ¥16,000 per hour with a two hour minimum, and an Odaiba evening usually takes three to four hours. Your chauffeur can speak English, Italian, Spanish, French or Japanese, at the same price.
Frequently asked questions
Is teamLab still in Odaiba?
No. teamLab Borderless moved from Odaiba to Azabudai Hills in February 2024. teamLab Planets is in Toyosu, about ten minutes from Odaiba by car.
What is the best time to visit Odaiba?
Late afternoon into the evening, to see the sunset over the bay and the Rainbow Bridge lit up.
Where is the Gundam statue in Tokyo?
In front of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba. The life size Unicorn Gundam changes form and lights up at set times in the evening.
Can you swim at Odaiba beach?
No, the artificial beach is for walking and relaxing, not for swimming.