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Sumida River and Tokyo Bay Cruises: Top 5 Boat Tours in Tokyo
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Enjoy a leisurely cruise on Tokyo's Sumida River and Tokyo Bay! We introduce five river cruises that can be booked online. Some of them include dining on exquisite cuisine while taking in the cityscape and Rainbow Bridge from the water.
Written by
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
Tokyo River Cruises: Enjoy the Cityscape and Excellent Cuisine
Photo by Pixta
From Sumida River to Meguro River, Tokyo is crisscrossed by water throughout. What better way to enjoy the wonderful sights of the city than by cruising down one of its waterways?
In this article, we introduce five river cruise services available in Tokyo. Some of them included dining on board! You can book any of these cruises on the KLOOK reservation site.
Tokyo River Cruises
1. Sumida River Cruise from Asakusa to Odaiba
2. Tokyo Bay Lunch Cruise on the Symphony
3. Tokyo Bay Afternoon Tea Time Cruise
4. Tokyo Bay Sunset Cruise
5. Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise
1. Sumida River Cruise from Asakusa to Odaiba
Picture courtesy of Klook
Spend a relaxing day cruising down the Sumida River in Tokyo. This cruise offered by Tokyo Mizube Line offers one of the best ways to enjoy the sights from Asakusa to Odaiba. With beautiful domed windows as well as a large viewing platform, you can enjoy a range of photogenic attractions from Tokyo Skytree to the famous Rainbow Bridge.
Picture courtesy of Klook
The cruises on the Tokyo Mizube Line take around an hour and twenty minutes, and you can choose whether to depart from Asakusa or Odaiba.
This means you have the fantastic opportunity to visit the futuristic art facility TeamLab Planets Tokyo in Toyosu and take a stroll around the traditional streets of Asakusa or vice versa!
Make sure that you're at the Asakusa or Odaiba pier at least 15 minutes prior to the departure. Please note that the last cruise departure is at 13:30.
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2. Tokyo Bay Lunch Cruise on the Symphony
Picture courtesy of Klook
Why not enjoy an exquisite lunch while cruising along Tokyo's riverscape?
On board the cruising restaurant Symphony, you can enjoy a delicious three-course meal while taking in iconic Tokyo sights from the water. Enjoy fresh Japanese seafood while gazing at the towering visage of Tokyo Skytree or delicious Japanese beef while sailing gracefully under the Rainbow Bridge.
The Lunch Cruise takes a leisurely course over two hours from 11:50 to 14:00 giving you time to appreciate the scenery around Tokyo Bay.
Top tip: for a guaranteed window seat, choose the Japanese Beef Steak Set meal!
Book the Tokyo Bay Lunch Cruise on the Symphony
3. Tokyo Bay Afternoon Tea Time Cruise
Picture courtesy of Klook
A high tea experience while cruising along Tokyo's bay area - what could be a better way to spend an afternoon? The Afternoon Tea Time Cruise is one of the shortest on offer, allowing time-restricted visitors to pack it into a busy schedule of sightseeing and other travel plans.
The Afternoon Tea Time Cruise mainly takes in the sights around Odaiba's famous Rainbow Bridge and can be enjoyed with cake, croissant, or a sandwich-themed meal set. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of seasonal desserts based on the time of year they choose to take the cruise.
This ship departs at 15:00 for the Afternoon Tea Time Cruise: the entire experience takes approximately 50 minutes from start to finish.
Book the Tokyo Bay Afternoon Cruise with Tea Time (The Symphony)
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4. Tokyo Bay Sunset Cruise
Picture courtesy of Klook
One of the nice things about Tokyo Bay is that visitors can enjoy the beautiful burnt orange colors of the sunset while also seeing the sparkling Tokyo skyline light up for the night. The Sunset Cruise offered by Symphony is a great way to experience this and enjoy an early dinner!
The cruise offers a delicious set meal that allows you to choose between a French or Italian meal. However, for the best experience be sure to choose the Japanese beef steak set menu for a window seat vista of the sunset cruise. The Tokyo Bay Sunset Cruise takes place from 16:20 to 18:20 running for approximately two hours.
Book the Tokyo Bay Sunset Cruise (The Symphony)
5. Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise
Picture courtesy of Klook
The final offering of the Symphony cruise line might just be one of the most majestic cruise trips you can take out on Tokyo Bay! Enjoy the glittering lights of the Tokyo Waterfront and Odaiba on this beautiful dinner cruise.
This Dinner Cruise offers much of the same food options as the Lunch and Sunset Cruises with the added appeal that you can enjoy your meal along with the beautiful lights that twinkle around Tokyo Bay. This magical atmosphere is ideal for visitors looking to enjoy a romantic cruise as a couple or a chance to make glittering new memories with a good group of friends.
The Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise takes place from 19:00 to 20:30, and the fact that the cruising route takes the shape of a heart is an added romantic bonus!
Book the Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise (The Symphony)
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FAQ
How long is the Sumida River cruise?
The Sumida River cruise in Tokyo typically lasts around 40 minutes to one hour, depending on the specific route and any stops or sightseeing points along the way. This leisurely boat ride offers passengers a scenic view of Tokyo's riverside landmarks, including the iconic Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa district, and various modern and traditional structures along the Sumida River. The cruise provides a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience the city from a unique vantage point, offering insights into Tokyo's history and culture as you sail along the waterway.
What is the name of the river in Tokyo?
The river that flows through Tokyo is called the Sumida River (隅田川 - Sumidagawa). This river runs through the heart of Tokyo and is a significant waterway in the city. The Sumida River is approximately 27 kilometers long and flows from the Arakawa River to Tokyo Bay, passing by notable landmarks such as the Asakusa district and the Tokyo Skytree along its route.
Where do celebrity cruises depart from in Tokyo?
Celebrity Cruises do not have regular departures from Tokyo. However, cruise itineraries and departure ports for various cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, can change over time. It is recommended to directly check with Celebrity Cruises or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information on their current cruise schedules and departure ports, including any departures from Tokyo that may be available.
Sumida river cruise price
Sumida River cruise prices in Tokyo typically range based on the type and duration of the cruise. Regular sightseeing cruises, lasting around 40-60 minutes, may cost between 1,500 to 3,000 yen per person, varying depending on the amenities provided. For specialty cruises like evening dinner cruises or private charters with longer durations or themed experiences, prices can span from 5,000 to 10,000 yen or more per person. It's advisable to confirm current rates with the cruise operators or tour companies as prices can fluctuate seasonally and over time.
Where do cruises leave from Tokyo?
Cruises departing from Tokyo typically leave from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, also known as Harumi Passenger Terminal. This terminal is one of the primary ports for cruise ships in Tokyo and is situated in the Harumi area of Tokyo Bay. From here, cruises set sail to various destinations both within Japan and to international ports of call. It's worth noting that cruise itineraries and departure points can vary based on the cruise line and specific voyage, so it's advisable to check with the cruise operator for the most current information regarding departures from Tokyo.
Spend a Relaxing Day along Tokyo's Rivers
Cruising around Tokyo Bay and along some of these scenic rivers is truly a unique way to spend a day out in Tokyo.
It's a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of foot traffic and enjoy a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Why not give cruising a try next time you're in the heart of Tokyo?
Read also
Main image by Pixta
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
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