Odaiba is a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man made island in Tokyo Bay. Odaiba was originated as a set of small man made fort islands (Odaiba literally means "fort"), which were built towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868) to protect Tokyo against possible attacks from the sea. More than a century later, the small islands were joined into larger islands by massive landfills, and Tokyo began a spectacular development project aimed to turn the islands into a futuristic residential and business district during the extravagant 1980s. But development was critically slowed after the burst of the "bubble economy" in the early 1990s, leaving Odaiba nearly vacant.

It was not until the second half of the 1990s, when several hotels, shopping malls and the Yurikamome elevated train line were opened, that Odaiba developed into one of Tokyo's most popular tourist attractions and date spots with a wide selection of shopping, dining and leisure options.

Hilton hotel

Behind the Hilton is the Grand Nikko hotel

Fuji TV Building is one of Tokyo's boldest architectural creation.

Our boat dropped us off at a landing dock.  Odaiba Marine Park is a nice place to stroll. It has an artificial beach. You can see Rainbow Bridge, skyscrapers from the beach.

Docking station on the left - Rainbow bridge in the background.

Man made beach, really nice and clean.

A lot of people are camping just for the day as the weather was so nice and there is also a dragon boat race.

Each dragon boat team have their own tent.

Lots and lots of tents on the beach...

It must be popular in Japan as so there are so many teams competing.

Start on the race...

Teams ready to race...

Paddling toward the start point...

Teams waiting for their turn to compete.

Lunch....

Paddles arranged needed against a wall.

Everything is arranged neatly!

Map of Odaiba Marine Park

View of Tokyo skyline from the shore of Odaiba Marine Park.

A rusted anchor sticking out of the water.

Close look of the anchor.

Huge anchors sticking out of the ground located in the Park.

A replica of the statue of liberty came to Odaiba in 1998-1999 to commemorate the "French Year in Japan".  It was so popular that a permanent statue was built in year 2000.  This replica of the statue of liberty has become a famous symbol of this park.

We are now walking toward an area where all the shopping centers are located.

View of the statue of Liberty from Aqua City (shopping center).

Beside the statue of Liberty you can also see the rainbow bridge in the background.

NEXT.......... Lunch