This redeveloped shipping district in the Kōtō ward of Tokyo is best known for the Big Sight, an eye-catching convention and exhibition centre.

Ariake may not rank high on a list of places to see for first-time visitors to the Japanese capital, but it is a nice area to explore if you enter the city via the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. Those who are looking to escape the concrete jungle that is downtown Tokyo will also appreciate this spacious district on the Tokyo Bay waterfront.

The area’s futuristic-looking, high-tech buildings give you a sense of the Tokyo of the future. It’s like you’re walking through a sleek model city displayed in an architect’s office.

You simply can’t miss the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre. The venue is aptly nicknamed “Tokyo Big Sight,” because when it was constructed in 1996 it was the largest convention centre in the country. Four upside-down pyramids form the conference level of the building.

Ride the escalator to have a look around inside. The 1,100-seat reception hall is impressive and so is the view over Tokyo Bay from the top floor. Check beforehand which fairs or events are on, because some are fun and fascinating to attend. Some examples are toy and motor shows and artistic design fairs, from anime to architecture.

The Ariake area was recently redesigned with the Summer Olympics in 2016 in mind. Modern sporting venues include the Ariake Tennis Forest Park (Ariake Tenisu no Mori Kōen), the Ariake Coliseum and the Ariake Sports Centre. While Tokyo didn’t get to host the event, these futuristic-looking venues will still be there for the city’s next bid.

Ariake is also a medical hub, home to the Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences and the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research.

For a little time away in nature, there are two seaside parks you can explore, one named Wakasu and the other Jonanjima.

Ariake is a landfill area in what was rebranded “Tokyo Waterfront City.” The island-like district lies just east of the Tokyo Gate Bridge and has its own metro stop by the Big Sight in the Minami chome (area). Thanks to the international exhibition centre, there is a good accommodation and parking nearby.