Tokyo's Statue of Liberty

Above, a view of the Statue of Liberty and the Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I've never been to New York, the only Statue of Liberty I've ever seen was the one erected at Tokyo's Odaiba.

Back in 2004, G-TOUR made a stop in Odaiba for some shopping at Aqua City. Aqua City and Odaiba, as Godzilla fans recall, was a battleground for Godzilla and Megaguirus in 2000. So a stop there by G-TOUR was, as Mr. Spock would say, logical.

While there with G-TOUR, I noticed a replica, albeit a small one, of the Statue of Liberty.

Here's a little about it from Time Out Tokyo:

Shocking to most Americans, Tokyo’s small Statue of Liberty has little to do with the U S of A. NYC’s Lady Liberty was given to the city by France way back in 1886, while Tokyo’s own version was temporarily moved from its home at Paris’ Île aux Cygnes to Odaiba in 1998 to commemorate Franco-Japanese ties for a year. 

It turned out to be so popular that they decided to erect a new replica on Odaiba in 2000. Combined with the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge, it has been the ultimate photo spot ever since.

To read more, go here. 

Odaiba, Tokyo's Entertainment Island

Above, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from Tokyo Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Maybe you're not going to Tokyo for Memorial Day weekend, but if you happen to find yourself in Tokyo at any time soon, there's plenty to do there.

For starters, there's Odaiba (made "famous" to Godzilla fans through Godzilla x Megaguirus in 2000). Odaiba is the "entertainment island of Tokyo".

What's there to do in Odaiba?

Japan Info has 11 suggestions for things to do in Odaiba.

They begin with:

Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, separated from central Tokyo by the famous Rainbow Bridge and accessible by monorail, subway and even boat. It is home to various small theme parks, museums, shopping malls, and boasts beautiful views of the sea and the city. It is a must-visit for families, friends, and couples for its ultra-modern American-style town, entertainment, and breathtaking night views. If you’re looking for an excellent day out to enjoy one of Tokyo’s most exciting and unique areas, check out these 11 things to do in Odaiba!

Above, the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty from Aqua City in Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see what they are, go here. 

Relax & Unwind In Odaiba

Above, a view of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most of us kaiju fans probably never heard of Odaiba in Tokyo until Godzilla x Megaguirus was released in 2000 as much of the movie's action took place there.

It was then that many of us first learned of the Aqua City shopping mall, the Rainbow Bridge and the futuristic architecture of the Fuji TV Building.

Above, the Fuji TV Building in Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, Odaiba is touted as a place full of attractions and a great place to unwind and relax. Modern Tokyo Times has an article on Odaiba that emphasizes the last point.

They start it with:

Odaiba in Tokyo really stands out because of the unique architecture, the stunning Rainbow Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, relaxing walkways by the sea, the unusual site of a beach, colorful boats which light up the area at night and you also have a host of tourist attractions to enjoy. Indeed, if you visit by monorail then images of the film Blade Runner will spring to mind. Therefore, this part of Tokyo is extremely unique and provides another fascinating angle to this ultra-modern city. 

Another noticeable feature of Odaiba is the romantic angle and this especially applies to the night time period. This notably applies to the amazing backdrop of Rainbow Bridge, ample dining areas to enjoy and the refreshing night time view. Also, you have nice walkways along the beach and much further afield. Given all these features, then you really do have a powerful romantic area for couples at night. 

Despite the romantic feature of Odaiba at night this does not mean that individuals, friends, groups, relatives and single tourists can’t enjoy the amazing atmosphere. On the contrary, Odaiba is a charming place to relax and unwind irrespective of the situation. After all, the graceful Rainbow Bridge at night is a true wonder to behold and well worth a visit alone without the countless other attractions.

Above, the Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Because of Godzilla's aforementioned connection to Odaiba, it is featured on page 25 in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read the full article, go here.

Japan Cool Animates The City For 2020 Olympics

Above, a view from Aqua City in Odaiba.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At Sports Features.com, an expat living in Japan reflects on how Tokyo Cool animates the city for the 2020 Olympics Summer Games.

He begins with:

(SFC) Only in Tokyo could you rent a cat to stroke while you sip coffee, have a robot cook your noodles or purchase bananas, or even buy an umbrella from vending machines thoughtfully designed for such random emergencies. Even ride an amphibious vehicle.

Japan's hi-tech capital, inspiration for the scenery in Ridley Scott's cult movie "Blade Runner", has turned convenience into an art form with its automated wizardry. 

The crackling neon, whizzing trains and giant video screens across the city bear a striking resemblance to Scott's vision of Los Angeles in 2019 - the year rugby's World Cup comes to Japan. 

In Tokyo the future is now and has been for many years. It could almost be the slogan for Tokyo's 2020 Olympic bid. If it weren't so obvious.

We'll know in two days if Tokyo gets the Olympics.

 To read the full article, go here.

Odaiba May Get A Duty-Free Shopping Facility

Above, a view of Odaiba's Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower
(in the distance) from the Aqua City shopping complex.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Odaiba, the man-made landfill island in Tokyo Bay that first garnered fan attention thirteen years ago in Godzilla x Megaguirus, is in the news again. 

The majority of the battles between Godzilla and Megaguirus took place in Odaiba. The Fuji Television Building and the shopping complex Aqua City were prominently displayed in the movie as was the Rainbow Bridge, the main route to get into Odaiba.

The Japanese government is considering allowing a duty-free shopping facility in Odaiba. It is considered one of Tokyo's major tourist areas.

According to The Japan News:

The move is part of the government’s efforts to more than triple the annual number of foreign tourists to Japan to more than 30 million by 2030, the sources said.

Odaiba is also featured in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read the full article, go here.

Tokyo's Odaiba

Text and photos by Armand Vaquer

Above, the Fuji TV building.

Tokyo has many landmarks and places to see for the giant monster movie fan.

One of them is the Odaiba section. Odaiba was built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. It was prominently shown in the 2000 feature, Godzilla x Megaguirus. It was also seen in the background in Godzilla x Mothra x MechaGodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003).

Odaiba can be reached by foot (across the Rainbow Bridge), car, water taxi and train.
Above, the Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge from Aqua City.

The kaiju places of interest in Odaiba include the Aqua City shopping mall (they have a replica Statue of Liberty outside), the Fuji TV Building and the Rainbow Bridge that spans across Tokyo Bay.

Above, Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from a Tokyo Bay water taxi.

There are many other attractions to see in Odaiba. The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will provide the details!