Tokyo Tour On The Sumida River Cruise, Japan

Day 2: Sensoji temple, Asakusa in Tokyo - Nakamise Dori Shopping Arcade in Tokyo - SUMIDA RIVER CRUISE, TOKYO - Hibiya Garden - Imperial Palace and Gardens - Tokyo Tower

Japan is an island nation located in eastern Asia and what better way then to get a glimpse of it than a boat ride or a cruise, as they call it in Japan!

Sumida River Cruise, Tokyo

A few mtrs away from the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is the starting point of the famed Sumida River Cruise, a perfect and a very popular way to enjoy the panoramic views of the city, both with the locals and the tourists alike.

The Sumida River cuts across Tokyo for more than sixteen miles crossing seven distinct districts in its way. One can head towards it right after visiting the Sensoji temple and choose from one of the many cruise ship packages that they have on offer. The most popular option is to take a cruiser from Asakusa to Hinode Pier which is a 40 minute tour (one way). Most tourists get off at Hamarikyu Garden (a stoppage after 35 minutes) en route to enjoy the beautiful Japanese garden. But we opted for the complete 40 minute tour to Hinode Pier without getting down mid way, thanks to an advice by a lady officer there.

Come Aboard!

Before going to Japan, I had never planned for a ride on the Sumida river cruise in Tokyo but, like many other things there that took place unplanned, the cruise somehow fell in my way. Now, I've always been a huge fan of boat rides or cruises ever since I started my yatra travels – be it the Mathura boat ride or the Varanasi boat ride - I've always loved the slow and paused rapidity that comes along with them.

Hence, I was super delighted when I found myself standing in the Sumida river cruise office, by chance and didn’t think twice before getting onboard.

And my pleasure only doubles up today, as it gives me the opportunity to enjoy it once again here in our diary, with all of you as wonderful company!So, as we always do... I ask your permission to break our conversation as I invite you to step on the ship, take your seats, feel the breeze and get set to unveil the charms of a city that seems mesmerized by its own beauty!

Let's together, Soak it all in and Enjoy!

With grey skies above and a cool breeze blowing around us,

the cruise begins!

Leaving the very famous Sky Tree Tower of Tokyo behind

(the needle shaped tallest tower in the pic)

Significant buildings come and go out from view - The Tsukiji Fish Market

Tall skyscrapers painting the beautiful landscape

and panoramic views steal the heart

Speeding boats or boats standing still... the river just lets them be

Experience the thrill when bisecting the twelve historical and architecturally magnificient bridges cutting the river and going under them

And here comes my favorite part of the cruise:

The cheerful onlookers from the water front waving at you

like they have known you for long... and we wave them back

The cruise finally concludes but not before,

it is captured in the eye of the photographer...

40 minutes passed by admiring the beauty that came onto us - the cool breeze, the towering buildings, the lovely bridges - ah, how I had loved them all... and I only longed for more. But the cruise had come to an end... and it was time to alight.

As I got out, I found myself clutching something in my hands, something I'd been carrying all this while, picked up from the cruise office in hurry. Well... today, that something, though very small, has gotten special and I have neatly treasured it in my Japan souvenir box of keepsakes... Hmm, will definitely show it to you someday :-) but for now we need to head forth to our next destination. Let's go...

Fast Facts and Other Traveler Tips:

1. The boats run every 30-60 minutes.

2. The charges vary depending on your choice of destination. Asakusa - Hinoda Pier one way cost us 760 Yen/head and took 40 minutes for the ride. There is no boat change and you can also get down at Hamarikyu gardens after 35 minutes for which the charge could be slightly less (not sure though).

3. The other packages on offer are Asakusa - Odaiba Sea park (50 min one way), Odaiba Seaside Park – Hinoda Pier (20 min. both ways), Hinoda Pier – Tokyo Big Sight (25 min. one way). More information on these can easily be collected in their office in person in Tokyo itself while you are on a tour.

4. If you decide to take round trips to and from Asakusa, you might have to alight at destinations, then wait for some minutes before you can get back again for your round trip. So, make sure you have enough time in your hands if you are going for a round trip cruise.

5. In the cruise tour that we took, Asakusa- Hinoda Pier, you will come across 13 bridges (out of the total 26) and some important buildings which will be introduced to you through an audio clip in English and Japanese on board. There are separate audio guides available which you can purchase for a few extra yen. If you don’t have a very good memory for names of around 30 bridges and a few significant buildings, then you will definitely enjoy the cruise better without it.

6. For more info – you can check out their official website, http://www.suijobus.co.jp/

Previous Posts from the Japan Trip -

1. Planning for Japan: Visa, Flight Bookings, Hotel Reservations, etc.

2. Sunrise pictures from the flight to Japan

3. Review of Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi, Tokyo

4. Expedia Japan Office Meet: An Afternoon to Remember 

5. SensoJi temple, Asakusa - Tokyo

6. Nakamise Dori Shopping Arcade in Tokyo