Tokyo wants the world’s biggest fountain. Will it make a splash or be a US$17 million flop?

Tokyo is planning to construct the world’s largest fountain to attract more tourists to the city’s Odaiba Marine Park district, although residents are expressing scepticism about the plan, particularly its hefty price tag of 2.64 billion yen (US$17.25 million).

In an interview on Wednesday with the Mainichi newspaper, an official of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said the fountain would shoot water 150 metres into the air just off the waterfront district, and feature a splash pool with a diameter of 250 metres at its base.

While this planned fountain will not be the highest in the world – a title currently held by King Fahd’s Fountain in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which pumps out water to a height of 312 metres (1,024ft) – the cherry blossom-shaped surrounding pool will make it technically the largest.

Work on the project is due to begin in 2025, and will be completed in less than a year, according to the official, who requested anonymity. Annual maintenance costs are projected to be up to US$1.31 million.

Odaiba was chosen for the project because its popularity has declined since the Covid-19 pandemic. Local businesses have been advocating for new attractions to help draw visitors back.

The official hopes the fountain will create a “lively atmosphere,” and estimates suggest that once completed, it could attract 30 million visitors each year, generating an economic impact of around US$64 million annually.