Before touring much of Asakusa, I walked to the Sumida River Ferry ticket station to purchase a ticket to Odaiba. It sells out in advance. If you want a great view of Tokyo at night and the lit up Rainbow Bridge, the best ferry time is 3:15. I would purchase no later than late morning. That gives you time to explore, eat dinner, and get some amazing pictures.
Be early. I was told to be 15 minutes early. That was when I arrived and most people were already there. They do not board at 3:15, that is when they are leaving.
On the way to board the ferry there was a performance artist pretending to be a statue. He was having fun with the kids.
The ferry is pretty futuristic because, why not, it’s Japan.
It was a really comfortable ride. There are tasks, cushioned seats around posts, and bench seats along the side. There is a bar where you can get alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You can also get ice cream. While you are in Japan you should try purple potato ice cream. It does not taste like potatoes and is kind of sweet. Very yummy. You can get other flavors but I have only seen this in a few other Asian countries.
When you get to Odaiba, you will be at Daiba seaside Park. There are many ship artifacts like chains and anchors as part of the landscaping. There is a beautiful view of the water. This is the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo.
A panoramic view of Tokyo. Walk along the pathway by the water to see the whole skyline.
At the park is a mini Statue of Liberty. It was erected in the late 90’s as a tribute to Japan’s relationship with France. It was to be temporary, but because it is popular it remains. If you have walked along the shoreline you will see stairs to go to the statue and you will be on a catwalk.
From here if you continue up you will see Aqua City mall but save that for last to eat and see the lights at night. Keep walking past away from the river and you will go across a long bridge spanning many highways. It is beautifully landscaped and has statues.
At the other end is a statue that represents the flame from the statue of liberty’s torch.
Since it is Spring, there is also tulips.
This will take you to Diver City mall. The mall is impressive. Outside is the Gundam. This is the unicorn transformer.
There is a show. I missed part of it but would be cool if it moved.
They alsu had a Bumblebee statue from Transformers.
Inside the mall has high end shops and others including food. On the top floor is the Gundam base which has bowling, darts, arcade…
Save dinner for the Aqua City mall. But if you can wait to have ice cream, skip it on the ferry and get it here. Ice cream surrounded by full cotton candy. Oh my!
I walked back over the bridge to Aqua City mall. I looked around some floors. There is a food court but the great restaurants are on the 5th floor and up. Those on the water side also have balconies. Plan to eat there to see the sunset. The restaurant balconies were not open as it is cold but there are other balconies to go out on.
I ate at the Ramen place. It is actually multiple owners and you can choose a style you want, Northern or Southern, etc. You choose your options, they have an English menu just on case (seriously every restaurant has grey pictures or an actual representation of the product for you to see, it is not necessary).
You choose and pay with the machine and give the person your ticket. Because I don’t eat meat, they allowed me to swap out an add on for it. It was ready in minutes and their free wifi was fast. It was yummy.
Outside on the deck the sun was just going down.
I walked around the mall some more and went out on the 2nd floor (I think that is right) to another catwalk over the street to a great view of the Rainbow Bridge…
And of Tokyo…
There is a short walk out of the Aqua City mall towards the monorail line which is really smooth to get you back across the other side to get the regular train lines.