Tokyo Cruise, the emblematic name in Tokyo's water bus service, is synonymous with the scenic journeys along the Sumida River. It connects key locations such as Asakusa with Hinode Pier in Hamamatsucho, Toyosu, and Odaiba Kaihin Park.

The company operating Tokyo Cruise has a storied history, dating back a century to its origins as the "Sumida River Steamship Company." Back then, it was famed for its issenjoki, or "one sen steamboats," so named because a single journey cost just one sen—a modest sum that translates to about 100 yen in today's terms.

These affordable steamboats were a popular mode of transportation among the city's populace, providing an accessible and efficient way to traverse Tokyo's most active areas.

Today, Tokyo Cruise operates several routes to cater to different interests. The Sumida River Line makes the journey from Asakusa to Hinode Pier, right where the river meets Tokyo Bay. For those looking to explore further, the Odaiba Line connects Hinode Pier directly to Odaiba Kaihin Park.

Additionally, the Tokyo Big Sight & Palette Town Line offers a route from Hinode Pier to two of Odaiba's attractions: Tokyo Big Sight and Palette Town.

One of the conveniences of these water buses is that they do not require prior booking. With frequent departures, they provide a seamless and enjoyable way to experience Tokyo's sights from the water. Whether you're traveling between Asakusa and Odaiba or exploring local landmarks, these cruises offer a laid-back sightseeing adventure.

While the Asakusa-Odaiba course is particularly recommended for sightseers, it is good to note that Hamarikyu Gardens and Toyosu (home of the Toyosu Fish Market) are also destinations reachable from Asakusa, though there is a limited number of daily departures.

For an enhanced experience, the Sumida River Line features an audio guide available for 300 yen in English, Chinese, and Korean. This guide highlights some of Tokyo's iconic landmarks visible from the water, like Tokyo Skytree(R) and the Rainbow Bridge, offering a unique perspective of Japan's bustling capital from aboard a Tokyo Cruise.

Tokyo Cruise boasts two standout vessels in its fleet, the Himiko and the Hotaluna, both crafted under the visionary design of Leiji Matsumoto, the famed mangaka behind iconic series such as Space Battleship Yamato, Space Pirate Captain Harlock, and Galaxy Express 999. These ships, with their distinctive sci-fi-inspired aesthetics, have become the defining symbols of Tokyo's water bus service.

The Himiko and Hotaluna each serve specific routes. The Himiko line ferries passengers from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park and Toyosu, offering a direct link between these bustling districts. The Hotaluna, on the other hand, operates from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park, making a stop at Hinode Pier en route.

Aboard the Himiko, travelers are treated to more than just scenic views; an onboard café serves unique sweets and cocktails, enhancing the journey with flavors as adventurous as the vessel's design. Additionally, an audio guide features characters from Leiji Matsumoto's celebrated work, Galaxy Express 999, enriching the experience with a touch of interstellar fantasy.

Finally, special seasonal cruises are also available (see the website here). In spring, from March 30 to April 3, you can enjoy a cherry blossom cruise in Tokyo. These may be only available via online reservation ahead of the desired cruise date.

(Departure times as of March 18, 2024.)

The Tokyo Mizube Line is another favorite among both locals and tourists, known for its extensive network of stops. It boasts eighteen boarding points along the Sumida River, stretching from Asakusa to the far reaches of Azusawa and Itabashi, and even to the Saitama prefectural border.

Additionally, the line extends along the Arakawa River, reaching as far as Kasai Rinkai Park in Edogawa, showcasing the eastern side of Tokyo. The convenience of no-reservation boarding and the availability of an English audio guide on board make the Tokyo Mizube Line an appealing option for easy and informative sightseeing along Tokyo's scenic waterways.

The Tokyo Mizube Line operates three main routes.

The Asakusa/Odaiba Cruise travels between Asakusa and Odaiba, offering six stops including Sumida Kuyakusho (City Hall), Ryogoku Rivercenter, Etchujima, St. Luke’s Garden, and Hamarikyu Gardens for flexible boarding and alighting.

The Asakusa/Kasai Cruise takes you from Ryogoku upstream to Asakusa, then downstream towards Odaiba Seaside Park, and onwards to Kasai Rinkai Park in Tokyo's east, home to attractions like an aquarium and a Ferris wheel.

Lastly, the Odaiba Kasai Tour connects Kasai Rinkai Park with Odaiba Seaside Park, traversing a wide swath of Tokyo's bay area.

Both the Asakusa Kasai Cruise and the Odaiba Kasai Tour offer views of the Tokyo Gate Bridge, a stunning 8-kilometer-long structure that spans Tokyo Bay, a sight best appreciated from the water on the Tokyo Mizube Line.

In addition to the scenic water buses, Tokyo introduced a pioneering service in 2015: Japan's first "on-demand boats" known as Tokyo Water Taxi. Functioning similarly to traditional taxis, these water taxis offer personalized service across four key areas: Shinagawa, Tsukiji, Nihonbashi, and Asakusa, catering to passengers' specific destinations on demand.

Visually, Tokyo Water Taxis stand out, mirroring the iconic look of classic taxis with their bright yellow exteriors. This nod to the famous yellow cabs of New York adds a distinctive charm to Tokyo's waterways. Their innovative approach to maritime transport is garnering significant interest from both locals and tourists, marking a fresh chapter in Tokyo's urban mobility.

Tokyo Water Taxi provides three enticing options for visitors looking to explore the city's waterways.

The Basic Ride - Direct Plan is ideal for those seeking flexibility, allowing unlimited rides over seven days (weekdays only) across 19 different stops, including Tennozu Pier and Toyosu. Conveniently, you can summon a water taxi with a call or online request, similar to hailing a land taxi. This service supports English, Chinese, and Korean, making it accessible to a wide array of travelers.

For a more expansive experience, the Basic Ride - Custom Plan offers extended access beyond seven days, including weekends. It features 27 boarding and alighting points, providing passengers the liberty to disembark at any desired location spotted during the journey. This plan is perfect for personalized itineraries, allowing detours and tailor-made cruise tours.

The Basic Ride - Recommended Plan caters to those looking for a spontaneous adventure, operating between Tamachi and Tennozu Pier on Wednesday and Friday nights. Although reservations are needed (available in Japanese only), there's a chance for impromptu rides at a low price if spaces are available. This plan is an excellent introduction to Tokyo’s water taxi service for those not ready to commit to a full course.

Finally, there are special cherry blossom cruises (operated from March 19 to April 7 in 2024) to enjoy. Since these are chartered, they are best for enjoying with friends or family. See details on the official website here.

Operated by the same company that operates Tokyo Cruise, Urban Launch is a fancy luxury liner that’ll make you feel like one of Tokyo’s celebrities. It sails between Toyosu, Odaiba, Shibaura, and more locations, offering people to bring their pets and bicycles on board with them (500 yen each).

Urban Launch operates daily and is incredibly convenient since a prior reservation is not required.

Urban Launch is celebrated for its appeal among regulars who utilize the water bus service for diverse activities, such as shopping at Toyosu's expansive mall, cycling around Odaiba, or enjoying leisurely walks with their dogs at Shibaura.

The Asakusa Roundtrip Cruise provides a budget-friendly option to savor time on the water. This 30-minute tour navigates the Sumida River in the Asakusa area, where a guide highlights prime spots for photography, especially with the Tokyo Skytree® framing the scene, along with unique views exclusive to the river perspective. Tickets are available for purchase both at the Tokyo Cruise port and online, accommodating both impromptu and planned excursions.

Additionally, Urban Launch offers an exclusive charter service, presenting a unique opportunity to hire a luxurious cruiser for special occasions. Imagine hosting a party against the dynamic backdrop of Tokyo—this service offers an unparalleled way to experience the city from a fresh vantage point.

The Standard Class plan lasts 90 minutes and includes a selection of food and drinks. Priced at 108,000 yen, it is approximately 3,600 yen per person for a group of 30, catering to parties of up to 31 people. This option merges cruising pleasure with culinary delights, making it a perfect choice for larger gatherings.

The Symphony Tokyo Bay Cruise, managed by Sea Line Tokyo, has a unique offering of round-trip cruises complemented by an onboard restaurant. Guests can embark on these elegant voyages from Hinode Pier, where they are invited to soak in the breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay.

Setting itself apart from the water bus services mentioned earlier, the Symphony Tokyo Bay Cruise provides an exquisite experience with its gourmet selection of French and Italian dishes, served in a sumptuously appointed setting. This combination of fine dining and luxury cruising has made it a hit, especially with international visitors seeking a sophisticated way to appreciate the beauty of Tokyo Bay.

For those interested, reservations are necessary and can be conveniently made either online or by phone. The service accommodates international guests with a website available in English and Chinese, along with dedicated phone support in these languages, ensuring a seamless booking process for a memorable culinary cruise.

The Symphony Tokyo Bay Cruise offers four varied cruise plans tailored to different times of the day and preferences.

The Lunch Cruise embarks at 11:50 AM for a journey of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, returning to Hinode Pier at 2 PM. This option provides a splendid midday excursion across Tokyo Bay with a delicious lunch.

Next, the Afternoon Cruise sets sail at 3 PM, lasting around 50 minutes. It's an ideal choice for those looking for a brief, tranquil experience on the water, complemented by tea and cake.

The Sunset Cruise departs at 4:20 PM and lasts about 2 hours, offering passengers a unique chance to witness the serene beauty of Tokyo Bay as the sun dips below the horizon.

The pinnacle of the day's cruises is the Dinner Cruise, leaving at 7 PM. This 2-and-a-half-hour voyage invites guests to immerse themselves in the nocturnal majesty of Tokyo Bay, illuminated against the night sky, while savoring an exquisite dinner.

With the exception of the Afternoon Cruise, the Lunch, Sunset, and Dinner cruises feature gourmet French and Italian dishes prepared by esteemed chefs, alongside a buffet option. This blend of culinary excellence and the captivating vistas of Tokyo Bay promises to leave an indelible mark on your Tokyo visit.

Nihonbashi Cruise offers a selection of boat tours along several of Tokyo's waterways. Several captivating cruise plans are available, including the following.

1. Oyoko River Sakura Cruise (大横川さくらクルーズ): From March 16 to April 7, 2024, this 60-minute cruise celebrates cherry blossom season, offering stunning views along the Oyokogawa. Priced at 4,300 yen with advance booking, or 4,500 yen by phone.

2. Kanda River Cruise (神田川クルーズ®️): A 90-minute historical tour around Nihonbashi and Kanda River, showcasing Tokyo's heritage through its bridges and Edo Castle's stone walls. Tickets are 2,500 yen on weekdays and 2,800 yen on weekends.

3. Edo Tokyo Cruise (お江戸TOKYOクルーズ): This 60-minute journey takes you from past to present, with fares starting at 2,000 yen on weekdays. It features three routes, each highlighting different aspects of Tokyo's history and modern skyline, including a unique view of the Tokyo Skytree®︎.

All cruises are aboard open-air boats equipped with comfortable seating, offering an immersive experience of Tokyo's natural and architectural beauty. These cruises offer a blend of sightseeing and cultural exploration, ideal for experiencing Tokyo's historic and contemporary facets.

Enjoy a magical journey with these Cherry Blossom Cruises through scenic waterways adorned with blooming cherry blossoms. From dinner cruises to blossom tours, you can enjoy some of the city's most enchanting spots where the delicate pink blossoms frame the perfect photo.