Fuji TV Building

The headquarters of Fuji TV is one of the most striking buildings in all of Japan. This futuristic metallic building features a huge silver ball which is 32 metres in diameter and weighs an estimated one thousand and two hundred tons. The ball was actually built and lifted into position 123 metres off the ground. The ball serves as an observation deck with views across Tokyo Bay and the Odaiba area.

The observation deck now requires a small fee to enter, this helped eliminate some of the huge crowds who flocked to the centre each day. Even now with a modest charge, the waiting time can be substantial.

The 25 floor building was designed by Japanese Architect Kenzo Tange, and took nearly three years to construct the fully earthquake proof building. Opened in 1997, the centre is home to the fully digital TV studio where much of Fuji TV’s television programming is filmed.

Several times a year, Fuji TV holds large scale public events which draw thousands to the centre, many of their shows are held outside so visitors can watch the filming. A recent festival “the Adventure King” attracted over 4 million people during its 51 day duration.

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 strangeness of Japanese TV, in particular the bizarre game shows and so called infotainment programming. There are lots of photos, exhibits, props and even some animal suits. If you are lucky enough, you might even get to meet one of the stars of Japanese TV or sit in on a studio filming of one of the many shows that are filmed each day at the centre.

The Fuji TV Building is best reached from Daiba Station (U07) of the Yurikamome fully automated train system or by the water-bus. Also note there are free shuttle buses which loops the Odaiba waterfront precinct.

For more information visit http://www.fujitv.co.jp/en/