The Southern Tokyo Islands are a less obvious, yet extremely fascinating face of the Japanese capital. Located along Tokyo Bay, they create a space where modern urban planning meets water, port history, and a calmer rhythm of the city. It is here that Tokyo opens itself to the sea, offering panoramas filled with bridges, canals, and artificial islands.
The Southern Tokyo Islands feature wide promenades, waterfronts, and observation decks that often remain almost empty. These are the only places in the capital where we had breathtaking views of Tokyo’s skyline and the bay entirely to ourselves. It is an ideal destination for those seeking respite, open space, and truly unique photo opportunities.
TOYOSU ISLAND
TOYOSU SENKYAKU BANRAI
Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai is one of the newest attractions in southern Tokyo, located in the Toyosu district, right next to the famous Toyosu Market. The stylized architecture, wooden facades, and historical details make walking through the complex an engaging experience. The main attraction is the rich culinary offer, featuring fresh seafood, sushi, and local Edo-period specialties. Thanks to the proximity of the fish market, visitors can expect top-quality ingredients. Additionally, the complex houses souvenir shops, regional products, and traditional sweets.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai
- OPENING HOURS: Hours vary depending on the part of the complex: shops and product sales usually 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, most restaurants 10:00 AM–10:00 PM, and the foot bath garden 9:00 AM–10:00 PM.
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Entry to Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai is free, but fees apply for services at the Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club bathing complex (open 24 h).
- ACCESS: Easiest by Yurikamome train to Shijo-mae Station, from where the complex is a few minutes’ walk. City buses or Tokyo BRT can also be used.
- DETAILS: See the Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai
TOYOSU MARKET AND ROOF GARDEN
TOYOSU MARKET
It is the largest and most modern wholesale fish and seafood market in Tokyo, which in 2018 replaced the legendary Tsukiji Market. Located on an artificial island in the Kōtō district, it now serves as a key center for trading fish, seafood, and food products for the entire metropolis. This is where the famous morning tuna auctions take place, attracting tourists from all over the world. The complex consists of several modern halls, separating the trading areas from spaces accessible to visitors. Thanks to glass corridors and observation decks, it is possible to watch the work of the wholesalers. The market also houses restaurants serving sushi and seafood dishes, considered among the best in Tokyo.
ROOFTOP GARDEN OF THE MARKET
It was already too late to see the market from the inside, but what drew us to this place is open around the clock. The rooftop garden at Toyosu Market is a spacious walking area from which you can observe the surroundings at any time of day.
From the terraces, there are wide views of Tokyo Bay, the modern buildings of Toyosu, and the neighboring islands. Importantly, there was an incredible sense of calm, we had the entire garden entirely to ourselves.
TOYOSU GURURI PARK AND THE SURROUNDINGS OF THE MARKET
Walking further west from the market, you reach Toyosu Gururi Park. This is a calm, seaside recreational area surrounding Toyosu Island. The park features a long walking and cycling path along the water, allowing visitors to circle a significant part of the island while enjoying panoramic views of southern Tokyo away from the urban hustle. Just beyond the park, along the promenade, stands the beautiful wedding hall building La La Chance Garden Tokyo Bay.
BRIDGE AND ARIAKE ISLAND
The Fujimi Bridge leads to Ariake Island, located south of Toyosu. The island is also known for its large exhibition and event venues, such as Tokyo Big Sight, as well as spacious concert halls. There are also modern residential complexes and hotels.
ODAIBA ISLAND
Odaiba Island was entirely man-made in the 20th century, developed as a port and recreational area.
NORTHERN PROMENADE
The northern promenade of Odaiba Island is one of the most scenic spots on the man-made island in Tokyo Bay, captivating both residents and tourists. The promenade features wide walking paths, numerous resting areas, and comfortable benches with views of the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline in the background. Additionally, along the route there is an elevated terrace leading directly to the Statue of Liberty, offering a unique perspective of this iconic attraction.
STATUE OF LIBERTY ODAIBA
The Statue of Liberty in Odaiba is one of the most unique attractions on the man-made island. Although it is a smaller replica of the original in New York, it fits perfectly into the Tokyo skyline, especially when combined with views of the Rainbow Bridge and the modern skyscrapers of Minato. The first temporary replica was installed in Odaiba in 1998 to celebrate the centennial of diplomatic relations between Japan and France. Due to its immense popularity, a permanent version was erected in 2000. The statue is a smaller copy of the New York Statue of Liberty, symbolizing freedom and international friendship. It stands approximately 12.25 meters tall (excluding the pedestal), making it a noticeable landmark on Odaiba’s northern promenade, though much smaller than the original in New York.
NORTHERN ISLAND DEVELOPMENT
In the northern part of Odaiba Island, shopping centers and hotels play an important role, giving the area a modern yet tourist-friendly character. Moreover, the hotels in this part of the island stand out for their high standards and architecture designed to maximize views. Many of them also offer rooms with panoramic vistas of Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge, and the city center.
VIEWS OF THE BAY AND RAINBOW BRIDGE
The views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge are among the greatest highlights of northern Odaiba. Remarkably, it was one of the most photogenic landscapes in the city, and we were amazed to find only a handful of people there with us. Additionally, the Rainbow Bridge, illuminated after dark, is a distinctive feature of the panorama and harmonizes perfectly with the skyscrapers of Minato visible in the background.
CROSSING THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge is one of the most spectacular transport routes in Tokyo, especially via the Yurikamome Line, a fully automated, driverless metro. Passengers seated at the front enjoy a panoramic experience with unobstructed views of the city. Additionally, the route runs high above the waters of Tokyo Bay, making the journey itself a major attraction.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF TOKYO’S SOUTHERN ISLANDS
It is impossible to see and explore everything in just a few days. Below is a list of other noteworthy places on Tokyo’s southern islands, along with their locations:
ACCOMMODATION IN TOKYO
Choosing accommodation in Tokyo mainly depends on how you want to spend your time. The city offers everything, in every district. Public transport in the city is so fantastic that it doesn’t really matter where you book your accommodation. If you decide to book accommodation in Tokyo, we recommend using the portal Booking.com , which we have used and tested dozens of times, or Agoda, which works great in Asia (it’s worth checking both platforms).
Through any link on this page you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!
Enter the dates you’re interested in and book safely:
JAPAN – COUNTRY GUIDE > (in preparation)
TOKIO – GUIDE AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION >
- ASAKUSA IN TOKYO – TEMPLES AND SURROUNDINGS >
- UENO PARK, OKACHIMACHI AND AKIHABARA – DISTRICTS OF NORTHERN TOKYO
- SHINJUKU IN TOKYO – THE DISTRICT THAT NEVER SLEEPS >
- SHIBUYA AND YOYOGI PARK – A GUIDE TO THE HEART OF TOKYO >
- TOKYO TOWER AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF THE MINATO DISTRICT >
- SOUTHERN TOKYO ISLANDS >