The monorail accepts the Suica card and makes it way through hiodome and down the banks of Tokyo Bay before crossing over it via the Rainbow Bridge. The first few stops alight people near the fuji TV studio, Aqua City, and Decks. Fuji had free studio tours that you could just drop in on and walk freely about peer into some studios even if they were taping. For some reason, the tour was not open today.
The newest structure on the island is another shopping complex called Diver City. Planted in front of it is the 1:1 scale Gundam statue. This statue was initially located elsewhere on the island when it was debuted several years ago.
Afterwards, it took a tour to other parts of Japan before being coming back and being place at its home here. This is my third time seeing this statue and the first time on a sunny day and compleetely assembled.
The first time, it was raining and barely the bottom half was put together. At that time, Gundam facing the opposite direction and standing guard over Tokyo and Tokyo Bay.
The second time accured at this location. Once again, it was raining. The statue was partially dismantled on that visit and Diver City was not ready to be opened yet.
This time around, I have broken the streak. No rain and a fully assembled statue. There are a number of Gundam related sites at this mall. There is a Gundam Cafe behind the monument. Other locations include First Avenue and Akihabara.
The entrance right behind Gundam leads to the food court. Its nicely appointed with a number of branches of chain restaurants. Other sit down restaurants are located throught the site. Many options to choose from should the hunger become overwhelming.
There are 4.5 floors of shops, entertainment, and restaurants. There is an arcade at 1 end of the top floor. The half floor is just above the arcade and contains more games as well as a sports venue for bowling, table tennis, darts, and other activities.
The regular restaurants are located on the same floor as the main arcade. They cover a number of cuisines and includes 2 all you can eat places as well as a maid cafe.
Another Gundam themed attraction is Gundam Front. Basically a museum and gift shop. Alot of the exhibits at the Bandai Museum can also be found here from what I read in there brochure. There is an admission fee but the gift shop does not require such remittance.
I walked along the decks between Aqua City and Decks eye the late afternoon sun as it goes down soon to signal the end of another day.
The skyline of the city and its buildings begin to lose definition in the waning sun. I had visited the 2 malls before and did not note anything new since my last visit so I passed on going inside and chose to watch the sun in its decline instead.
There wasnt anyplace that I felt like eating here in Odaiba. I was in the moode for curry and I had something in mind that I wanted to try out. Luckily, there was a branch of a chain curry restaurant near my hotel. Also, I wanted to head back and see if my luggage was delivered. It would be a great relief to not have to buy a new suitcase and a whole new set of clothes.
