Kasai Rinkai Park: An Aquarium, Ferris Wheel, and Seashore

Starting from Kasai-Rinkai-park Station, this walking course takes you to see marine life at Tokyo Sea Life Park, gaze over Tokyo Bay from the Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel and the Crystal View rest house, and cross the Kasai Nagisa Bridge to stroll to the West Beach (Nishi-nagisa) of Kasai Marine Park.

History and Local Charm

The waters off Kasai in Edogawa Ward were once a rich fishing ground where nori seaweed, asari clams, and hamaguri clams were harvested, as well as a lively recreational area for clam digging and goby fishing. During the period of rapid economic growth, pollution such as deteriorating water quality and ground subsidence occurred, and land reclamation progressed. Under a development plan established in 1970, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government decided to preserve these tidal flats, which were the last remaining natural seashore in Tokyo.

On the reclaimed inland side, the metropolitan Kasai Rinkai Park opened on June 1, 1989. In the same year, on October 10, Tokyo Sea Life Park opened within the park. The coastal Kasai Marine Park also opened in June 1989. The two parks are connected by the Kasai Nagisa Bridge, and in 2018, Kasai Marine Park became Tokyo's first wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention. From the station front to the aquarium, the Ferris wheel, the wild bird pond, and out to the tidal flat beach, you can spend a day exploring the greenery nurtured on reclaimed land and the protected seashore.

Key Highlights

• ​Tokyo Sea Life Park​​: A metropolitan aquarium planned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ueno Zoo, home to more than 500 species of marine life from around the world and familiar waterside creatures. Its iconic landmark is an octagonal glass dome designed by Taniguchi Yoshio. It features a donut-shaped giant tank—the first in the world to successfully exhibit a schooling group of bluefin tuna—and one of Japan's largest penguin exhibits.
• ​Kasai Rinkai Park​​: A sprawling metropolitan park facing Tokyo Bay themed around the harmony of greenery, water, and people. Standing 117 meters high, the Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel is one of the largest in Japan; on clear days, it offers views of Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and even Mount Fuji in the distance. The park also includes the glass-walled observation rest house "Crystal View" and a bird sanctuary for observing wild birds.
• ​Kasai Marine Park​​: A park consisting of two artificial beaches—West Beach (Nishi-nagisa) and East Beach (Higashi-nagisa)—and a 2-kilometer offshore marine area. West Beach is an expansive sandy beach where clam digging on the tidal flats is enjoyed from spring to early summer. East Beach is a wild bird sanctuary where entry is prohibited as a general rule.

Suggested Route & Time Required

The estimated time required is about 5 hours. Exit Kasai-Rinkai-park Station on the JR Keiyo Line, pass through the station plaza and the fountain, and head first to Tokyo Sea Life Park. It is a 5-minute walk from the station. The entrance is on the 3rd floor, and the tour begins by riding an escalator down. Since the entrance escalator is narrow and cannot accommodate strollers or wheelchairs, please follow the accessible routes indicated on the official park map.

The aquarium is currently undergoing renovations toward the opening of a new facility in September 2028. Due to construction, the location of the main gate and available facilities may change. In preparation for the move to the new facility, the introduction of new bluefin tuna has been paused, so the number of tuna in the giant tank is gradually decreasing. The aquarium also has closed days, so please check the official website before heading out.

After leaving the aquarium, head toward the giant Ferris wheel set on a gently sloping lawn. Enjoy a 17-minute ride in the air overlooking Tokyo Bay. Walking toward the seaside observation plaza, you will find Crystal View atop a hill, with an observation deck on the 2nd floor looking out toward Tokyo Bay and the Boso Peninsula. Crossing the Kasai Nagisa Bridge just ahead leads to West Beach in Kasai Marine Park. The sea scenery changes significantly with the tides. If you wish to walk on the tidal flats, time your visit with low tide. As the park grounds are extensive, riding the "Park Train" that runs through the park is also recommended.

Experience Summary

Descend beneath the glass dome into a world of tuna and penguins, take in panoramic views of Tokyo Bay from a giant Ferris wheel, and finish your day enjoying the sea breeze along the tidal flat beach. It is a day to leisurely savor a park born from reclaimed land alongside Tokyo's preserved coastline.