Daikanransha Ferris Wheel Permanently Closed

Daikanransha Ferris Wheel boasted a height of 115 meters at its debut and briefly held the title of the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, surpassing Osaka’s Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel. This engineering achievement had a diameter of 100 meters and 64 gondolas, four of which were transparent “see-through” gondolas, allowing for panoramic views of Tokyo.

Although its tenure as the tallest was brief due to the opening of the London Eye the subsequent year, it remained a beloved spot for its night views. On clear days, it offered views as far as the Bōsō Peninsula and Mount Fuji, and landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge were particularly stunning from its cabins.

In March 2013, a refurbishment introduced a new illumination system, enabling seasonal-themed lighting shows. The 120,000 neon tubes allowed the wheel to light up in more than 100 colors, adding to the charm of the Odaiba skyline.

Closure came in August 2022 when Palette Town shut down for redevelopment. Dismantling of the Ferris wheel began in September and was completed by November. While the wheel itself could not be relocated, some gondolas were repurposed at the Kashimayari Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture as part of a unique winter attraction.

The Ferris wheel remains etched in the memories of those who experienced its views, and its gondolas continue to delight visitors in a different setting, surrounded by the beauty of Japan’s mountains.