In Odaiba, Japan, the Fuji TV building is one of the more recognized buildings, as it has been featured on television and movies.
It’s one of the coolest, modern designed buildings in Odaiba and even years after it was built, it is still an iconic building in Tokyo.
And I have been going to visit Fuji TV since 1999 as tours to see the various locations of where TV programs are shot.
Back when I went on the Fuji TV tour, it was great for those who watched Japanese variety shows and dramas.
But as Odaiba has greatly changed since when I first went there, with a large number of families attending, the tour has now focused on children with anime playing a big part in the showcase of the central portion of the building (where the big ball is located in the center of the building), which is known as the Hachitama Spherical Observation Room.
And it helps that the tour is quite cheap as it only costs Y550 for adults (about $5 US) and Y300 for children. While seniors and younger children get in for free.
Tickets to Fuji TV is available at the nearby booth from 10 am. to 6 p.m.
While the allure of the Fuji TV tour was not the same when I first went, it was cool to see how things have changed but also how much things haven’t changed.
The tour is quick as you just walk around buildings and follow the group of people walking. Back then, you actually had a tour guide, but now you have people just stationed in areas to welcome people in order to handle the larger crowds of people coming into the building.
For me, the main reason I wanted to go on the trip is for the photos, as it gives you one of the best shots of the Bay with the Statue of Liberty and such. But as mentioned, the place has greatly expanded since I went and so, certain shots that I enjoyed in the past, were not as cool shooting from the same area today.
One thing missing from today’s tour that they did back then was to see go into the studio where “SMAP x SMAP” (Bistro SMAP portion) was shot. They don’t that anymore.
Other than that, there are more rooms to see and for the most part, things are much better. The only thing I wish I saw but didn’t was at the end of the tour, when heading back down, there was a store that sold Fuji TV drama and TV show goodies. I did not see that store this time around.
The best part for me of Fuji TV is what happens in the evening. That’s when the lights and music kick on and the lights go with the the rhythm of the song playing.
Back then, only the center ball area would change in color but now the building was made more hip that it stands out during the night and what a site it is to see the lights and music playing.
It still remains for me, one of the enjoyable moments of being in Odaiba in the evening.
If you are interested in checking out Fuji TV, you can easily purchase your tickets from the booth and go up the escalator tunnel. There is no reservation, you just go and show up.
But if you want more information, please visit the Fuji TV Building website (in English).
