November 2018
Our exploration of Odaiba, the largest artificial island in Tokyo Bay starts by boarding the ‘Hotaluna’ from it’s pier on Sumida river in Asakusa. Operated by Tokyo Cruise, the Hotaluna is a futuristic looking vessel more like a spacecraft with gull-wing doors.
The embarkation pier on Sumida river facing Tokyo Skytree & Asahi building.
We took the cruise down Sumida river from Asakusa Pier to Odaiba Seaside Park. There is lots of room on the boat and it is spacious, comfortable, air conditioned and fully enclosed. Good to know the vessel is wheelchair accessible. On the day we took the cruise, the weather was sunny and only a few passengers were on board. One would not feel nausea as the cruise was smooth and steady even when passing another vessel. The cruise took approximately 60 mins with a short stop at Hinode pier for passengers to get-off or onto the boat.
The futuristic designed Hotaluna cruise boat.
The Hotaluna ticket to Odaiba. You can book online here.
Not many passengers on this cruise. Spacious and comfortable ride.
The sister vessel Himiko at the Asakusa pier.
Along the way, you’ll get to see Tokyo’s city scape of office buildings and apartments from a different perspective as well as cruising under a number of bridges. You can purchase refreshment and light snack onboard and there are three washrooms, one for disabled passengers.
Passing-by Bandai HQ.
Buildings along the riverbank.
Cruising under one of Tokyo’s bridges.
Before approaching Hinode pier, access to the upper deck was opened and we got onto the observation platform. Feeling the fresh breeze and being able to see attractions 360° makes for an enjoyable experience. The rainbow bridge is one of the main attractions as the cruise sails along and underneath the bridge.
Stairs to the observation deck of the Hotaluna.
Kachidoki bridge near Tsukiji market in the background. The red building is Sumitomo Life Insurance
Passengers enjoying the 360° views on the observation deck of Hotaluna.
Tokyo Tower in-between skyscrapers.
A floating restaurant moored at Hinode pier.
The Rainbow Bridge across Tokyo Bay connecting mainland Tokyo To Odaiba.
The massive structures of the Rainbow Bridge.
Underneath we go under the Rainbow Bridge.
The arrival pier at Odaiba. The Rainbow Bridge in the background.
Sister vessel Himiko at the pier while the Hotaluna gets ready to sail.
Shores of Odaiba Marine Park.
Routes you can go from Odaiba pier.
Useful map of Odaiba Marine Park & Daiba Park . Credit:http://www.tptc.co.jp
The Odaiba Seaside Pier is next to Odaiba Marine Park. It is to your left as you exit the pier. The park’s Odaiba Beach provide visitors enjoyable walks on it’s 800 meter long sandy beach. As this is a spot for seaside sports like paddle boarding and windsurfing, thus swimming is not allowed.
To the right is Daiba Park where you’ll find Isohama Beach. A short walk along the paved path along the beach brings you into view, a replica of the Statue of Liberty. It’s about 1/7th the size of the original statue in New York. Walk up the flights of stairs to the elevated concrete semi-circle Grand Observation Deck for a view of Tokyo Bay. Then proceed to the statue for a closer view and some photos. From hereon, several shopping complexes are nearby, including Aqua City and DECKS which are a couple of minutes walk away.
The Rainbow Bride from Daiba Park..
Sign post with the Rainbow Bridge in the background.
The Grand Observation Deck, Odaiba.
The 11 meters tall replica of the Statue of Liberty made of bronze weighs approximately 9 tons.
A view of the statue from the observation deck.
