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Tokyo River Cruise

There are a variety of Tokyo river cruise routes you can take but they share one thing in common - the Sumida River.

This is the original route of passage for trade and commerce entering and leaving Edo. Along with the Tokaido Road linking Edo to Osaka, it was a major reason for the success of Tokyo today.

Sumida River Cruise Options

A good starting point for your Tokyo river cruise is the Sumida River Line course.

Start at Hinode Pier located on the Yurikamome Line. From here you can make your way to Asakusa and Sensoji Temple by way of the Hamarikyu Japanese Gardens.

You don't have to stop at the gardens, but if you want to take a break from the city for a few moments and take in the greenery and calm of a Japanese garden this is a perfect spot.

Entry to the gardens costs ¥300 as of June 2008. The total cost one way from Hinode Pier to Asakusa is ¥760 with children traveling for half the adult fare.

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Himiko Water Bus

Another Tokyo river cruise option is the Himiko water bus.

This route connects Asakusa with Odaiba. If you fancy a day of contrasts, start with the spirit of old Edo in Asakusa and finish with party hard Odaiba's shops and amusements parks.

The Himiko is the most striking of the boats on the Sumida River - at least in my opinion. It looks a little like a space ship and sits low on the water with windows all around for perfect viewing.

After dark the ship lights up with colourful blues and purples along the floor giving it a sci-fi feel that perfectly matches it's surroundings. A trip from Asakusa to Odaiba costs around ¥1,520.

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Famous Sites Along the Sumida River

Some of the sites you will see include the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest fish markets in the world and responsible, probably, for the fish you might eat at a Tokyo restaurant tonight! You'll also pass the Kokugikan, the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament arena.

A building that always makes me chuckle is the Asahi beer headquarters located on the Sumida River. It's easily recognizable by the golden turd that's sitting on it's roof!

It's actually supposed to represent a factory flame but you just can't help thinking...

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Seasonal Boat Trips

At the end of March through to about mid April, depending on the year, a Tokyo river cruise will give you a prime view of the Japanese cherry blossom trees during hanami season.

Take a night boat and see the cherry blossom festival lit up in all its glory by the thousands of lantern that are strung along the river.

From the end of July through August it's firework season, better known in Japan as hanabi. Boats book up months in advance for this one so you will need to get in early if you want to join the party.

River Cruise Information

To find out more information including operating times, confirming current fares and to decide your preferred route, follow the link to the Suijobus official site for the Sumida river.