16 Minutes of Terror in Odaiba - The Tokyo Traveler

At least that’s what it was for me! Billed as the worlds second largest Ferris Wheel, the Giant Sky Wheel in Odaiba claims to provide 16 minutes of memories. But that’s not quite how it worked out for me….

My hubby and I decide to make a day trip to Odaiba , a futuristic area of Tokyo constructed on reclaimed land. The area boasts unique architecture, many shopping and dining options and a number of high tech game centers. It’s proximity to Tokyo makes it a great place to get away from the city for the afternoon and it’s just a nice area to walk around.

The Giant Sky Wheel opened in 1999, has 64 carriages and is 115 meters (377 Feet) tall. You have an option to ride in an enclosed carriage or one of four open carriages that opened in April of this year.

You can’t miss the Giant Sky Wheel on the horizon as you exit the train station. I commented to my husband on how much I don’t like ferris wheels and how odd that is since I love a good roller coater and he replied by saying that he wasn’t much of a fan either. Great, I thought until we approached the Giant Sky Wheel and my husband said “lets go!” and walked up to the ticket booth before my brain kicked in to say “Wait, I’m not so sure…”

We got on the Giant Sky Wheel and were heading for heights that I wasn’t so sure that I wanted to attain. I spent most of the next 16 minutes hanging on to the rails for dear life despite the fact the ride was very stable and slow moving. I did peek out at the view a couple of times and it is really spectacular. You can see the Tokyo Tower on the horizon, the Rainbow bridge in the foreground along with all of the ultra modern buildings of Odaiba and some of the shipping activities going on out in Tokyo Bay.

I’m sort of glad that I went on the Giant Sky Wheel but I don’t think that I’ll be doing it again anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go and claim your 16 minutes of terror, or should I say, memories!

Ride Information & Access:

The Giant Sky Wheel in Odaiba is open from 10AM to 10PM daily (weather permitting). Tickets cost Y900 per person or Y3000 for a 6 person carriage. Commemorative photos are taken before you embark and can be purchased for Y800 when you get off the ride. Odaiba can be accessed via a number of train lines and a completely automated monorail (details here).

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

Tags: ferris wheel, Giant Sky Wheel, Japan, Odaiba, The Tokyo Traveler, Tokyo, Tokyo Bay, Travel