Tokyo Bay is where Tokyoites go to play, and with scores of attractions ringing the waterfront, there’s plenty to keep you busy on the bay.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Do It for the ‘Gram
At teamLab Borderless, digital art morphs and wanders — flowing, changing and even interacting with viewers as they enter a room. Some 520 computers and 470 projectors transform more than 100,000 square feet of space into a strange wonderland.
And yes, there are endless opportunities for selfies. The nearby teamLab Planets offers an out-of-this-world experience.
For the Young at Heart
Part arcade, part amusement park, Joypolis has attractions that are based on games from the Sega universe. With a combination of rides, arcade games and virtual reality experiences, the kid in you (or actual kids) will jump for, er, Joypolis. Don’t miss the VR concert with real fans and manufactured idols.
Rock ‘n’ Roll
For the musically inclined, head to live music venue Zepp Tokyo, which regularly hosts international and domestic acts. Recent shows include Janelle Monáe, Opeth and Bon Iver. Genres vary from rock to metal to pop (J-pop, K-pop and beyond), and the multi-act showcases are a good way to sample the local scene.
For the Science Nerd
Miraikan, known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Technology, is a haven for geeks who love to learn about the latest innovations in AI, robots, space science and more. Miraikan literally means “Future Museum,” and the museum invites you to envision what tomorrow might bring.
A Museum of What?
The new Unko Museum is dedicated to all things … poop. Not to fear: The doo in question is as cute and anthropomorphized as the poop emojis on your phone, rendered larger-than-life in every color of the rainbow.
There are lots of chances to take fun snaps without getting dirty. We dare you not to giggle.
Ships Ahoy!
Spend some time getting fresh air along the waterfront: A fun spot is the miniature Statue of Liberty (also a gift from France) in Odaiba Marine Park, with the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge.
After looking at it from the shore, the next step is to get out on the bay. There are many different onboard experiences, from an elegant symphony cruise to a traditional yakatabune, a low-slung pleasure boat hung with lanterns and serving up dinner and drinks. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Shopping
You can’t go home without stocking up on Japan must-haves, and Odaiba is perfect for shopping. Find clothing, cute character goods, souvenirs and much more at one of the many malls.
Aqua City has more than 140 shops and a movie theater, while Decks Tokyo Beach is built to look like a cruise ship (drop in for an Australian-style breakfast at Bill’s or a selection of takoyaki, fried octopus dumplings, at the competing stands on the fourth floor). At Diver City, don’t forget to check out the huge Gundam (robot) outside, while Palette Town has an enormous Toyota showroom in addition to regular shops and restaurants.
Meeting the Mouse
No description of Tokyo Bay attractions is complete without mentioning the biggest players: Tokyo Disneyland and its sibling and neighbor, Tokyo DisneySea, both on the Chiba side of the bay.
Disneyland has all the classic crowd pleasers — Splash Mountain, Alice’s teacups and the daily parades — while DisneySea has rides based on Nemo, the Little Mermaid, Aladdin and other familiar friends.
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