2018.11.27 Sponsored

The Best View of Tokyo from the “Big Ball” – Fuji TV Observation Deck in Odaiba

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Did you know you can go inside?

Odaiba (お台場) is a popular area in Tokyo that is primarily known for sightseeing spots such as the Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari, AQUA CiTY ODAIBA, Gundam statue (which recently changed to the Unicorn Gundam in 2017), and The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan). Aside from the Statue of Liberty, that many people intimidate, and Gundam statue, that goes into destroy mode many times a day, there is another famous symbol of Odaiba, and that is the big ball of the Fuji TV Building. Not many people know this…but you can actually go inside this giant ball! So this time JAPANKURU went to Fuji TV for the first time to see what we could learn about one of Japan's major TV stations.

This is the kind of picture you can take from the Fuji TV Observation Deck!

●FUJI TV (フジテレビ)
Google Maps
◉Fuji TV Observation Deck
⏰10am〜6pm
12/12/2018〜1/6/2019: 10am〜8pm (last entry until 7:30)
💰Adults (high school+) 550yen, Children 300yen
◉Fuji TV Shop "Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san)"
⏰10am～6pm
Official website (ENG)
Observation Deck info page (JPN)

●Getting to the Fuji TV Building●

The closest station from the Fuji TV Building is Daiba Station on the Yurikamome Line, but you can also get there from the Rinkai Line's Tokyo Teleport Station. Once you get to the building, there are 2 different entrances in. If you are already on the overhead passenger walk, then you can take the escalator that goes in between the building. Or if you are coming from down below on the ground, there is an entrance there to the far left of the building as well.

●Souvenir Shop●

After you go up the escalator before going to the observation deck, there is a souvenir store that has goods related Fuji TV and the anime and TV shows that are on their station. A few items really stood out to us while we were looking around the shop. Selling snacks and anime goods make sense…but a whole area for TV announcers? TV announcers in Japan have the same status as celebrities. Which would make sense why all of them have the young kawaii look. Different from the West, it is looks over ability. Which is something really interesting to learn about Japan. Walk towards the side and you will see anime specific rooms. Their DBZ room, for example, is beyond this world! Sadly we were not allowed to take pictures, but the room decoration was over the top and they sold limited Dragonball Z goods.

◉Fuji TV Shop "Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san)"
⏰10am～6pm

●Fuji TV Mall●

Here at the Fuji TV Mall you can see a lot of props and scripts here. Along with there is a Chuggington and Sazae-san shop that is filled with goods from these two popular shows primarily with children on Fuji TV. And a convenient store Lawson inside which is a life saver. More than anything the mall is a great place to relax a bit. It is hard finding a place to just chill for a while without being forced to buy something in Odaiba. That's what makes this spot a great place.

Popular Japanese anime/manga series "Sazae-san"

It's been around since the 1940's

●Fuji TV Building's Observation Deck●

To the right of the gift shop is the ticket box and elevator for going to Fuji TV's observation deck. The spherical observation room originally is open until 6pm but for a limited time, it is open until 8pm! So once you get your ticket(s) take the elevator that leads directly up into the ball.

◉Fuji TV Observation Deck
⏰10am〜6pm
12/22/2018〜1/6/2019: 10am〜8pm (last entry until 7:30)
💴Adults (high school+) 550yen, Children 300yen

On the main floor is the main observatory, that has huge windows offering great, scenic views in all directions. The view of Odaiba is easily the main attraction, but there are also things to do while on the main floor. They have special events often so it is not always the same, but currently, with the theme of a "sports park" there are a lot of interactive activities like VR, bouldering, ping pong, and basketball. We were told the next special event to be held will involve Dragon Ball Z!

Like we said, visiting the Fuji TV Observation Deck gives you a prime view of the prettiest part of the city, with Rainbow Bridge, yakatabune (a unique Japanese-style wooden tour boat that shines at night), and other things in the background. The real transformation of the city changes once it gets dark. Once it gradually got darker more and more people came and began setting up their camera stands. We did not know until recently that you could even have access to Fuji TV, but apparently many people come every day just to take cityscape pictures/videos/time-lapse photos of Tokyo Bay and stay until close time. Which is why we are so thankful the Fuji TV Observation Deck extended their business hours until 8pm. It really opened our eyes, giving us a whole new angle and view of Odaiba and Tokyo. So if you are a photography fan or just like visiting observation decks, this can be your little secret spot.

●See the Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks Display from Fuji TV●

Photo credit: 花火写真家金武武

In perfect timing, Odaiba will be having one their most famous firework displays, the "Odaiba Rainbow Hanabi (fireworks)". The "Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks" is held every winter when the skies are clear so that you can see the fireworks at their best. Not only will there be fireworks, but the Odaiba area will also be lit up with colorful lights so you can really enjoy the bay area. On Saturday, 22nd, there will also be music accompanying the fireworks🎆♪♬ You can enjoy the fireworks from many spots in Odaiba, but for the perfect view and photo spot, viewing it from Fuji TV would be your best bet.

🎆Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks 2018
📅 December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (every Saturday)
⏰Starts at 7pm

●Other Great Things to See in the Observation Deck●

Inside the ball there are several floors that you can check out. Aside from just seeing the beautiful view from inside the observation deck, you can explore the actual set used for the network's most popular TV show Mezamashi TV (めざましテレビ), which is a morning news and talk show. The brightly-colored set give you a glimpse of Japan's TV culture. We for one LOVE how bright and almost chaotic the sets are for most talk shows in here in Tokyo. Everything on the set from the tables to the light fixtures are original. There is also an autograph wall across from the set showing Japanese and international celebrities who have visited the set.

©SOTSU・SUNRISE

●Going to Fuji TV Building's Observation Deck●

Part of the fun of visiting Fuji TV's observation deck is the chance to check out the building itself. Normally you would think a TV station would not be open to the public, which is what makes the Fuji TV Building so great. The building itself is probably the most distinctive-looking building in Odaiba, so being granted access is like a dream come true.

●FUJI TV (フジテレビ)
Google Maps
⏰10am〜6pm
12/12/2018〜1/6/2019: 10am〜8pm (last entry until 7:30)
💰Adults (high school+) 550yen, Children 300yen
Official website (ENG)
Observation Deck info page (JPN)

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Or add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures💖🗾

Details

NAME:FUJI TV (フジテレビ)

MAP

ADDRESS:

２-4-8 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

東京都港区台場２丁目４−8

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

https://www.fujitv.com/

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- SHIZUOKA
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  Shizuoka Prefecture is sandwiched between eastern and western Japan, giving the prefecture easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is it known for beautiful natural attractions, with everything from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Lake Hamanako, and Sumata Pass―Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is known as a go-to spot for hot springs lovers, with famous onsen like Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji, and Dogashima. Shizuoka attracts all kinds of travelers thanks to historic connections with the Tokugawa clan, the Oigawa Railway, fresh eel cuisine, Hamamatsu gyoza, and famously high-quality green tea.
- KANSAI
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  Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.
- KYOTO
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  Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.
- NARA
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  Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.
- OSAKA
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  Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.
- CHUGOKU
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  The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.
- HIROSHIMA
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  Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
- SHIKOKU
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  On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
- KAGAWA
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  Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
- KYUSHU
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  Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
- FUKUOKA
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  Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
- KAGOSHIMA
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  Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
- OKINAWA
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  The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.