Tokyo

Explore Tokyo Bay, the City’s Playground

by Selena Hoy

Photograph by Selena Hoy

exhibit at At teamLab Borderless in tokyo bay

TeamLab Installation view of MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM. (Photo: teamLab Borderless, 2018, Odaiba, Tokyo © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery)

Tokyo Bay is where Tokyo goes to play, and with scores of attractions ringing the waterfront, there’s plenty to keep you busy on the bay.

Here is a lineup of what to do in Tokyo 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 it’s all for you to freely explore.

And yes, there are endless opportunities for selfies. The nearby teamLab Planets offers an out-of-this-world experience that involves walking through water.

For the Young at Heart

Part arcade, part indoor amusement park, Joypolis has attractions that are based on games from the Sega games universe. With a combination of rides, arcade games, and 3-D and virtual reality experiences, the kid in you (or actual kids) will jump for Joypolis.

For the Science Nerd

Miraikan, known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, is a haven for visitors who love to learn about the latest innovations in robotics, ocean exploration, 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 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. 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 Seaside Park, with a backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge.

After strolling the park, 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-have souvenirs, and Odaiba is perfect for shopping. Find clothing, cute character goods, and gifts, and much more at one of the many malls.

Aqua City has more than 120 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 some takoyaki, fried octopus dumplings, across multiple stands on the fourth floor). At DiverCity, don’t forget to check out the huge Gundam (robot) outside.

Meeting the Mouse

No lineup of Tokyo Bay attractions is complete without mentioning the biggest players: Tokyo Disney Resort 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 daily parades — while DisneySea has rides based on Nemo and the Little Mermaid and a feeling of nautical exploration.