Car buffs, techies and plain ‘ol fun lovers will all find something to enjoy at the Mega Web Showcase in Palette Town, Odaiba. Tokyo’s man-made island is home to a number of family-friendly activities and a trip to the area wouldn’t be complete without visiting Toyota’s “theme park.” While it isn’t a theme park in the traditional sense (à la Disneyland), it does provide much entertainment and even rides. Yes, those with international (or Japanese) driver’s licenses can take a spin in the latest models around a 1.3 km, 2-lap course. Don’t have such a license? Not to fear, you won’t miss out on the fun. Experience the newly developed Personal Mobility vehicles on a course. Personal Mobility is the future of transportation and is one of Toyota’s developments to create freer travel for consumers.
Besides test drives, visitors can also play games, watch films and take a seat in any of the vehicles on the showroom floor. The Mega Web Theater presents car-related movies in “motion theater experience” mode, meaning the seats shake and react to what is happening on screen. Currently “Road Masters” is being shown and truly uses the many aspects of virtual reality.
Have you heard of COW COW? It’s the latest in “natural gymnastics.” I’m not entirely sure what that entails but on August 10, 2013 there was a demonstration to celebrate the launch of the brand new DVD, which was of course for sale at the venue.
With so many activities suited for kids, like the Wakudoki Dinosaur Land exhibit, a mock mechanic's pit in the History Garage (where children can dress up and get their hands dirty), Mega Web is a great family destination. The hands-on car showroom makes for some stellar photo opportunities. Those that want to skip the car scheme all together can duck out and escape to the nearby Venus Fort outlets.
Note that eating and drinking is not allowed outside of the facility's restaurants and cafes, and smoking is restricted to designated areas.
