Following Tokyo’s waterways lets you journey from the city’s old downtown to its most cutting-edge cityscape, and on into the heart of Japan’s unpretentious pub culture.
From historic Asakusa, take a water bus down the Sumida River toward Odaiba to understand why Tokyo is known as a city of water—and to see the cityscape in a whole new light.
Your boat will arrive at Odaiba, an area named after the daiba cannon batteries built to defend Tokyo in the mid-1800s. Today, the artificial island is a bustling entertainment district known for its many multi-use complexes and large museums.
Then, at the end of the day, head to Shimbashi, the neighborhood of choice for generations of thirsty Tokyo office workers, and raise a toast with the locals at an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) under the railway tracks.
Hop on a TOKYO CRUISE vessel from Asakusa to Odaiba
The eye-catching TOKYO CRUISE water buses operate along the Sumida River, ferrying passengers between Asakusa and Odaiba as well as other locations on the waterfront. They range from spaceship-like vessels designed by manga and anime master Leiji Matsumoto to ships with a distinctive retro look, and offer a comfortable and convenient way to see Tokyo from the water. Reservations are recommended or required for some services, so be sure to check in advance.
Water bus
Admire the Rainbow Bridge from Odaiba Seaside Park
After disembarking, head to nearby Odaiba Seaside Park to take in the waterfront views. This spot offers a chance to capture multiple landmarks at once: the Rainbow Bridge connecting Odaiba with Shibaura Pier; Tokyo’s Statue of Liberty, built as a symbol of friendship between France and Japan; and Tokyo Tower on the other side of the bay.
Shop your way around DECKS Tokyo Beach
Ship-themed shopping center DECKS Tokyo Beach is home to fashion boutiques and fun variety stores, as well as attractions such as the Odaiba Takoyaki Museum, a theme park focused on the titular octopus dumplings. Don't miss the old-fashioned Japanese souvenirs available at the Odaiba Itchome Shopping Street, which recreates a downtown neighborhood in the style of the 1950s and 1960s. After sunset, head to the Seaside Deck on the third floor for the sparkly Odaiba Illumination*.
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Have dinner with a bay view at AQUA CiTY ODAIBA
When hunger strikes, head to the AQUA CiTY ODAIBA shopping center adjacent to Odaiba Seaside Park. Offerings here include, but are not limited to, Japanese, Chinese, and Italian cuisine, with some restaurants offering views of Tokyo Bay. Noodle enthusiasts will want to explore Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai, a cluster of six renowned ramen shops.
Take the Yurikamome to Shimbashi
After leaving AQUA CiTY ODAIBA, board the Yurikamome Line from Daiba Station toward Shimbashi Station. Have your camera ready as you cross the Rainbow Bridge, and take in views of Tokyo Tower and the futuristic harbor area from the train window.
Walk
Keep the night going in Shimbashi
Close to bustling business districts such as Ginza, Yurakucho, and Hibiya, Shimbashi is a vibrant neighborhood sometimes called the “holy land” of Tokyo’s famous “salarymen.” If you'd like to see how the city’s office workers spend their after hours, step into any of the numerous bars and pubs clustered in the area and join in the revelry.
If the abundance of drinking dens makes it hard to decide on one, consider starting at Grand Hammer, a food and leisure complex offering an enticing mix of dining, entertainment, and traditional Japanese culture.
Take a midnight stroll through Asakusa
Returning to Asakusa late at night, you’ll find that the bustle has quieted down, with the neighborhood giving off a quiet, serene vibe. If you’re staying nearby, consider taking a leisurely stroll around the station area or along the Sumida River before calling it a day.
