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Sumida River Cruise

By , About.com Guide

Sumida River Cruise

Sumida River Cruise Boat

Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima

Tokyo Cruise Ship Co. operates a variety of cruise boats along the Sumida River and on the Tokyo Bay. The boats are called suijo-bus and are popular among tourists. You can arrange your own cruise if you would like. Contact Tokyo Cruise Ship Co. for more information

1. Sumida River Line
(Asakusa - Hamarikyu Garden - Hinode Pier)
Asakusa - Hamarikyu: Cruising Time 35 minutes. 720 yen
Hamarikyu - Hinode Pier: Cruising Time 5 minutes. 200 yen
Asakusa - Hinode Pier: Cruising Time 40 minutes. 760 yen
*You can take a boat from either Asakusa Terminal (1 minute walk from Subway Ginza/Asakusa line Asakusa Station No.5 Exit.) or Hinode Pier Terminal (1 minute walk from Yurikamome line Hinode Station or 7 minutes walk from JR Yamanote line Hamamatsucho Station South Exit.)

Boats pass under 12 unique bridges on the Sumida River: Azuma Bridge, Komagata Bridge, Umaya Bridge, Kuramae Bridge, Ryogoku Bridge, Shinohashi Bridge, Kiyosu Bridge, Sumidagawa ohashi Bridge, Eitai Bridge, Chuo-ohashi Bridge, Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge, Kachidoki Bridge. Azuma, Kiyosu, Eitai, and Kachidoki Bridge are illuminated at night, and the reflection of lights on the river brings a romantic mood to the cruise. It's interesting to see old and new buildings along the river. You can see the Asahi Beer Building located near Asakusa Terminal. The shiny building resembles a glass of beer.

Boats that depart from Asakusa stop at the Hamarikyu Onshi Garden. This beautiful garden was built in 18th century, and it's like an oasis on the Tokyo Bay. It's good to stop by and spend some time here.

From the end of March to mid-April, cherry blossom viewing boats are operated along the Sumida River. Sumida Park in Asakusa is one of the most popular places for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). It's nice to see beautiful cherry blossoms from a cruise boat. Also, viewing fireworks from a cruise boat is very popular during the Sumida River Firework Festival held at the end of July and Tokyo Bay Firework Festival held in August. Fireworks viewing boats require reservations months in advance. Please contact Tokyo Cruise Ship Co. for more information.

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