Top 3 Reasons to visit Ariake
※updated on June 18 2025
Located along the stunning Tokyo Bay, Ariake is a vibrant waterfront district gaining popularity alongside the famous Odaiba area. Thanks to recent redevelopment, Ariake has transformed into one of Tokyo’s most attractive destinations, offering a unique blend of sightseeing, culture, shopping, and sports experiences.
The 2021 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics played a major role in reshaping the area, leading to the development of world-class sports facilities and modern infrastructure. Today, Ariake stands as a dynamic and international hub welcoming visitors from around the globe.
▶︎ Ariake is located in Koto City, Tokyo, and offers excellent access from central Tokyo
From Shimbashi Station (near Tokyo Station), you can reach Ariake in just about 13 minutes via the Yurikamome Line. The ride offers scenic views along Tokyo Bay, making your journey enjoyable and relaxing.
If you're coming from Shibuya, take the Rinkai Line for a direct ride of about 20 minutes—no transfers needed. Ariake is truly one of the most accessible waterfront destinations in Tokyo.
▶︎How to Get to Ariake: Easy Access from Central Tokyo
Ariake is easily accessible from central Tokyo, making it a convenient destination for both tourists and business travelers. Here are the best transportation options to reach Ariake smoothly:
・Yurikamome Line
The Yurikamome Line departs from Shimbashi Station and runs along Tokyo Bay as an elevated, driverless monorail. The route passes through popular spots like Odaiba, Ariake, and ends at Toyosu. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, making the ride itself a fun sightseeing experience.
・Rinkai Line
For travelers coming from Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ikebukuro, the Rinkai Line is the most convenient option. This line offers through-service with JR and subway lines, allowing direct access from major city centers. From Kokusai-Tenjijo Station, it’s just a short walk to Tokyo Big Sight and Ariake Arena.
In this article, we’ll share three compelling reasons why Ariake should be on your Tokyo travel itinerary.
1) Explore on foot and experience the futuristic urban scenery
Located along Tokyo Bay, Ariake is a standout destination known for its futuristic cityscape. This modern waterfront district features a stunning blend of skyscrapers, cutting-edge sports venues, wide pedestrian walkways, parks, and canals, creating a harmonious mix of urban energy and natural beauty.
One of the area’s hidden gems is the Ariake Shinsui Deck, part of Ariake Shinsui Seaside Park. Just a short walk north from Ariake-Tennis-no-Mori Station, visitors are greeted with an impressive skyline and a spacious, wooden boardwalk that stretches alongside the canal. Located next to Ariake Arena, this spot offers a peaceful escape from the busy city, where you can enjoy tranquil waterfront views and striking modern architecture.
From the deck, you can admire Tokyo Bay, nearby canals, and even the iconic Rainbow Bridge—especially breathtaking at sunset. It’s a favorite for photographers, joggers, and anyone looking for a relaxing stroll with a view.
Despite its beauty, the area remains relatively quiet and uncrowded, making it a perfect place for couples or solo travelers seeking a romantic or reflective moment. Whether day or night, Ariake’s futuristic scenery and peaceful atmosphere offer a unique Tokyo experience unlike anywhere else.
Ariake Arena is located in the northeastern part of Ariake, it was originally built as a venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Its sleek, low-rise design stretches horizontally along the waterfront, featuring a gently curved roof that resembles the waves of Tokyo Bay—a striking example of contemporary architecture.
The arena’s exterior uses a calm and refined color palette, primarily white and gray, allowing it to blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. Today, the facility hosts a variety of concerts, sports events, and cultural performances, making it a popular entertainment destination for both Tokyo residents and visitors.
With its iconic silhouette and scenic location, Ariake Arena stands as a symbol of Tokyo’s modern waterfront development—a must-see spot for architecture lovers and event-goers alike.
In the southern part of Ariake stands Tokyo Big Sight, officially known as Tokyo International Exhibition Center—the largest convention and exhibition venue in Japan. Its most striking feature is the front-facing architecture: two massive inverted pyramids, symmetrically arranged with a dramatic open atrium at the center. This bold design creates a strong sense of urban dynamism and is instantly recognizable from afar.
Tokyo Big Sight hosts a wide variety of large-scale events throughout the year, thanks to its enormous floor space. These include major business conventions, international trade shows, cutting-edge technology expos, and pop culture festivals centered on anime, manga, and gaming. Whether you're a professional attending an industry event or a traveler seeking unique experiences, Tokyo Big Sight offers a window into Japan’s innovation, creativity, and global influence.
On your walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station to Tokyo Big Sight, you’ll come across the vibrant Hana Sculpture, a red public art piece that embodies the area’s floral theme. It’s a popular photo spot, so don’t forget to snap a picture here before heading to your event or destination.
2) Experience “A Day in Tokyo” at Ariake Garden
Ariake Garden is a massive mixed-use complex where you can enjoy everything Tokyo has to offer in one place. Just a 3-minute walk from Yurikamome’s Ariake-Tennis-no-Mori Station, the facility includes a sprawling shopping mall, a hotel, a spa, a theater, and more.
The building’s exterior is known for its “green curtain”—lush greenery integrated into the structure itself. At night, the entire complex is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical contrast of greenery and light that will leave a lasting impression.
Inside, you’ll find over 200 stores in the shopping mall, a natural hot spring spa (Izumi Tenkū no Yu), and the Shiki Theatre—home to Japan’s beloved theatrical troupe, Gekidan Shiki. In 2025, the world-famous musical The Lion King is being performed here, offering a unique chance to experience a global favorite in a Japanese setting.
Just like how locals across Japan spend weekends shopping and dining at malls, Ariake Garden lets you experience authentic everyday Japanese local culture—even in the heart of the city.
Watch a top-tier Japanese performance, explore the shops and restaurants, enjoy a live show in the evening, and unwind in a soothing onsen. This is what makes Ariake Garden the perfect place to spend a “Tokyo-style” day—complete with culture, shopping, entertainment, and relaxation.
3) Enjoy Outdoor Adventures at Ariake Urban Sports Park
Ariake Urban Sports Park was created on the site of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic venues and features a vibrant mix of skateboarding facilities, restaurants, and sports areas.
The park boasts a 35-meter-wide bouldering wall, popular among both professional climbers and casual visitors, including kids and beginners, reflecting the growing popularity of bouldering in Japan.
At the skateboard park, children can freely skate and practice. While the courses may be challenging for beginners, experienced skaters will find it a unique opportunity to skate in a major city—and on an Olympic venue no less.
Another highlight is the “Monster Jungle”, an aerial adventure playground featuring 52 different thrilling obstacles such as tightrope walks and log crossings, perfect for all ages looking for an exciting challenge.
The park also offers food stalls and BBQ areas, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to enjoy a fun-filled outdoor day in Tokyo’s futuristic waterfront district.
Ariake is a waterfront district surrounded by modern high-rise apartments and packed with diverse attractions.
You can enjoy outdoor sports at dedicated facilities, attend live concerts or sports events, or simply take a relaxing stroll while admiring the futuristic cityscape that defines the area.
Whether you're seeking action or serenity, Ariake offers a uniquely modern Tokyo experience.
Be sure to add this dynamic destination to your Tokyo itinerary.
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