Day 2: Fuji Television Center

Our next stop was the Fuji Television Center. This is the headquarters of Fuji TV and is one of the most striking buildings in Japan. The futuristic, metalic building features a huge silver ball, which is about 105 ft in diameter and weighs an estimated 1200 tons. The ball was actually built and lifted over 404 ft off the ground into position where it is an observation deck with views across Tokyo Bay and the Odaiba area. A quick note on Odaiba, it is a spectacular re-development of islands into a futuristic business district. In the late 1990s, Odaiba developed into one of Tokyo's most interesting tourist spots and a highly popular shopping and entertainment district.
The 25 storey building was designed by the Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange. It took nearly 3 years to construct and is fully earthquake proof. Opening in 1997, the center is home to the
fully digital TV studio, where much of its television programming is filmed. Many of their shows are held outside so visitors can watch filming. The TV station also gives you a chance to see their operations on the 5th floor, this is a great chance to see some of the fun and freaky things on Japanese TV. You can also buy Fuji TV goods at the souvenir shop inside.

After that we crossed the Rainbow Bridge on our way to the Tokyo Tower. The bridge is gorgeous, so we spent alot of time enjoying its view at night, and decided to see the Tower the following day.

A remarkable view of the Tokyo skyline and Rainbow Bridge at night. The suspended bridge stretches over 3,000 ft and connects the modern leisure town of Odaiba with the Tokyo Waterfront, crossing Tokyo Bay underneath. It is named after the beautiful rainbow-colored lighting that graces the structure in the evenings, the bridge is one of the cities most popular and attractive landmarks. Opening in 1993, the Rainbow Bridge has two decks, one carries an expressway while the other carries a regular road.

It also provides a fully automated driverless Yurikamome Line Railway and a walking path. The bridge is a popular walk with many great vantage points to see some of the futuristic architecture of Odaiba and Tokyo along the way. It takes about 30 minutes to cross, but don't worry there are several rest stops and plenty of vending machines for refreshments on the path.

The best way to get to Odaiba is by riding the Yurikamome Line Railway. There is also a great boat ride which travels under the Rainbow Bridge for a different prespective of this 177 ft gaint structure.

Shadee