Tokyo Weekender - May 2017
Meet the hyperreal body artist, the illusionist, the contortionist, and the acrobat who are all helping to put the country on the global talent map. Plus we go inside Nara’s abandoned theme park, Q&A with chef Bill Granger, Japan’s child poverty crisis, and our Spring education special
Meet the hyperreal body artist, the illusionist, the contortionist, and the acrobat who are all helping to put the country on the global talent map. Plus we go inside Nara’s abandoned theme park, Q&A with chef Bill Granger, Japan’s child poverty crisis, and our Spring education special
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AREA GUIDE<br />
KID AROUND IN ODAIBA<br />
PROVIDING FAMILIES WITH THE MOST DIRECT GETAWAY TO THE<br />
SHORE, THESE ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS ARE AN OPEN PLAYGROUND<br />
AMID TOKYO BAY<br />
Words and photographs by Luca Eandi<br />
FOLLY SHORE<br />
While most of <strong>Tokyo</strong>’s coastline is reserved<br />
for shipyards and industrial warehouses,<br />
Odaiba has retained access to its shores and<br />
flaunts many open spaces. Public areas like<br />
Seaside Park and Toritsu Shiokaze Park are<br />
perfect spots for sightseeing, people-watching,<br />
or a springtime barbecue. Two major<br />
sights from these spots are Rainbow Bridge,<br />
connecting Odaiba to the center of <strong>Tokyo</strong>, and<br />
a copy of the Statue of Liberty, prominently<br />
on display here since the year 2000. Along the<br />
shore is the Museum of Maritime Science,<br />
which stands unmistakably in the shape of a<br />
six-story-high ocean liner. Also, many dinner<br />
cruises and sea buses depart from Odaiba’s<br />
shores to take visitors out into the harbor.<br />
FUN FOR ALL<br />
Much of Odaiba is centered around<br />
recreation, and no place embodies<br />
that concept more than Palette<br />
Town. This amusement complex is<br />
made up of several venues designed<br />
to suit a wide spectrum of tastes.<br />
<strong>Tokyo</strong> Leisureland is a supersized<br />
video arcade, bowling alley, karaoke<br />
parlor and pool hall. If that weren’t<br />
enough, the Daikanransha Ferris<br />
Wheel, one of the biggest of its kind,<br />
spins riders up to 115 meters into the<br />
air. Next door, the Toyota Mega Web<br />
showroom has the auto company’s<br />
past, present and future on display,<br />
including a test circuit on the ground<br />
floor. The connected History Garage<br />
shows off international vintage cars.<br />
Rounding out the complex are the<br />
plush Venus Fort mall and the Zepp<br />
<strong>Tokyo</strong> music venue.<br />
8 | MARCH APRIL <strong>2017</strong> | | TOKYO WEEKENDER
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