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Author: Chrissie
Hi all, genki?! This post is a continuation from the day we visited the Anime convention! We had some time to spare after the convention and I had heard about this theme-park like shopping mall in Odaiba called Venus Fort. It's a shopping complex custom made for women, although obviously men are still welcomed!! I had heard it was quite interesting as a tourist attraction and as it was close by we decided to pay it a visit!
During our walk to Venus Fort we saw some interesting sights and buildings. I'm not sure what building is in the photo below, but it was a gigantic monument and very interestingly designed. It stuck out like a sore thumb as it was the only tall building around!
Off in the distance in the picture below is the famous Odaiba Ferris Wheel. Made popular in various Japanese dramas, this is a very well known romantic place to bring your date!
And in the picture below is the Fuji Television Studio, which is a sightseeing attraction in itself although we haven't been there yet. I heard they have an observation platform somewhere in the building, but of course the entrance fee may be a little pricy!
Fuji TV building (the back view)On our previous visit to Odaiba, I had taken a picture of the Fuji TV Studio from the front view. Compare it to the above photo, more impressive isn't it, especially at night?!!
Fuji TV Building - entrance view
Fuji TV Building - entrance viewVENUS FORT
As I mentioned earlier, Venus Fort was designed for women, but they also cater to families, children and men with a large side wing of the shopping mall dedicated to shops and eateries for the family to enjoy.
This is also a good opportunity to mention that there is a very big pet culture here in Tokyo. Pets here, especially dogs, are very well cared for, pampered and spoilt. You can find large, stylish pet stores that sell all kinds of expensive pet merchandise, including carry bags for pets and clothing. I'm not kidding, a jewel studded dog leash here can cost about 7000 yen (about AUD$100). I love Misia but there's no way on earth I'm going to buy her a $100 dog leash!!
In any case, the interesting thing is that this branch of Venus Fort actually allowed families to bring their dogs into the shopping mall as you can see in the photo below! It's not surprising to be browsing in a clothing store here and come across dogs in prams, which was a little weird at first. I thought I was giving way to a baby and it turned out it was a dog!! ^^
This is also a good opportunity to mention that there is a very big pet culture here in Tokyo. Pets here, especially dogs, are very well cared for, pampered and spoilt. You can find large, stylish pet stores that sell all kinds of expensive pet merchandise, including carry bags for pets and clothing. I'm not kidding, a jewel studded dog leash here can cost about 7000 yen (about AUD$100). I love Misia but there's no way on earth I'm going to buy her a $100 dog leash!!
In any case, the interesting thing is that this branch of Venus Fort actually allowed families to bring their dogs into the shopping mall as you can see in the photo below! It's not surprising to be browsing in a clothing store here and come across dogs in prams, which was a little weird at first. I thought I was giving way to a baby and it turned out it was a dog!! ^^
For the men, there was a large section over 3 floors for car enthusiasts called the History Garage. From what I can gather, it's a car themed restaurant which was really interesting.
Entrance to History Garage
A signpost in the restaurant pointing the way!
Some historic cars on display
I'm not sure what connection this has to Ferrari and Lamborghini...
A colourful sports car
Inside the car cafe. On the left is a store where you can actually purchase car parts like tires! and have a coffee while you're at it...
Car on display in the terrace area next to the cafe
What's the 'Back to the Future' car doing here?!!
Amy promoting a beat up grand prix car!!After having a walk around the family section, we went to the main area of Venus Fort. Venus Fort is famous for being the first theme-park type shopping mall in Japan. You feel as if you're walking through the streets of 17th-18th century Europe, there's fountains and high open ceilings which project a changing sky going through sunrise to sunset!!
The stores here are more up-market (that is, expensive) so we just had a quick walkthrough. Lots of couples taking a stroll around, plus tourists!
The stores here are more up-market (that is, expensive) so we just had a quick walkthrough. Lots of couples taking a stroll around, plus tourists!
Projection of Venus Fort symbol on the floor of the mall
Amy just had to take a pic with her hero Superman!
The impressive fountain in the middle of Venus Fort.
Strolling through one of the many 'avenues' in the Fort
A market square in the Fort
Still the market square
An obvious photo taking spot for tourists, so of course we just had to!!
As I mentioned, the 'sky' in Venus Fort changes from sunrise to sunset. Here are some photos showing the different types of skies we saw.
Sunset
Twilight
Daytime in one of the avenues of the Fort
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