Odaiba Live Cam
Accessed via the Rainbow Bridge or the futuristic Yurikamome train
History
Odaiba is a man-made island located in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Its history dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) when a series of fortifications were built in the bay to protect Tokyo (formerly known as Edo) from potential attacks by sea. These fortifications were collectively known as Daiba, which means "fort" or "battery" in Japanese. The original Daiba were constructed using wooden pilings and were later reinforced with stone.
During the late 19th century, Japan entered a period of rapid modernization and industrialization. In the late 1850s, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States arrived in Japan and demanded the opening of ports for trade. This event, known as the "Opening of Japan," marked the end of Japan's policy of isolation and led to increased interactions with the Western world.
In the early 20th century, as Tokyo continued to grow, plans were made to further develop the area around Odaiba. The island was expanded and became home to various industrial facilities, including gas and coal plants, warehouses, and shipyards.
However, Odaiba's transformation into the modern leisure and entertainment hub we know today began in the late 20th century. In the 1980s, the Japanese government launched a major urban development project called the "Tokyo Waterfront Subcenter" to revitalize the bay area. The plan aimed to create a futuristic cityscape and promote tourism and commerce.