Discovering nighttime Tokyo on the water
Facing Tokyo Bay and home to numerous rivers and canals both large and small, Tokyo is a city of water through and through. Exploring its waterfront at night can make for a magical experience, with countless lights reflecting on the water, illuminated bridges conjuring up a romantic atmosphere, and the city revealing completely new sides of itself. Here is how to make the most of Tokyo by, from, and on the water.
Start with a waterfront walk
To explore Tokyo’s waterfront at a leisurely pace after dark, head to the Sumida River. Here, walkways including SUMIDA RIVER WALK®/TOKYO mizumachi® and the Sumida River Terrace make strolling along the water a breeze. You can also look forward to spectacular views of the illuminated TOKYO SKYTREE®.
In the bayside Harumi Port Park you’ll find the “TOKYO” Monument, which occasionally turns into a canvas for projection mapping displays with seasonal motifs. The park is also a great place for admiring cinematic views of landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, while the faint lights of the ships floating by on the bay add an evocative touch to the scenery.
Take in some sparkly bridges
The Tennozu Isle area is noted for its boardwalks and cool waterfront scenery. At night, the Tennozu Canal Area Illuminations lend a warm touch of light and color to buildings, bridges, and floating structures along the canal. You’ll also find illuminated bridges in the area around the Meguro River and the Keihin Canal thanks to the Shinagawa Hikari no Mizube (“Waterfront of Light”) Project, a light-up initiative that’s become a favorite among local residents. Both areas are well worth seeking out when you’re looking to explore the water city in peace and quiet.
Farther out on the bay is the Tokyo Gate Bridge, one of the largest structures of its kind in the capital region. Popularly known as the “Dinosaur Bridge,” it makes for a spectacular sight when lit up after dark. Walking over the bridge is possible, but note that the walkway’s opening hours are limited.
See the city from the water
For a change of pace and perspective, head out on the water with TOKYO CRUISE, a sightseeing line that connects Asakusa on the Sumida River with Odaiba and other locations on the coast of Tokyo Bay. Convenient and comfortable, these boats offer the chance to enjoy the urban scenery in style.
While many of the TOKYO CRUISE ships look futuristic, Tokyo’s waterways are also trafficked by more traditionally Japanese vessels. When night falls on the capital, out come the Yakatabune, the old-school pleasure boats that have been an integral part of Tokyo’s scenery since the Edo period (1603–1868). A cruise on one of these allows you to admire the views while enjoying delicious food and drinks.
So when you’re ready for your next nighttime outing, consider heading out to the waterfront for a walk or boat ride. Whether you’ll seek out the bright lights or choose to enjoy the calm of the local neighborhoods, the experience just might change your view on Tokyo.
