Tokyo Water Bus
Located on a bay and covered with a network of rivers and canals, Tokyo has a few boat services that tourists may find useful. The Water Bus (水上バス, Suijō Basu) can be an enjoyable alternative to trains or subways when traveling between destinations near the water.
The locations most notably convenient for water bus access are the man-made islands of Tokyo Bay, especially Odaiba. Many water buses also travel along the Sumida River, one of the city's most famous rivers. The many bridges that span the river have each a different design. Boats along the river provide access to Asakusa and Ryogoku.
The coronavirus pandemic had a severe impact on the water buses, and services remain considerably reduced compared to pre-corona times. On the most popular lines, departures can be close to hourly, but on many other sections, there are only few connections per day, and service is completely suspended on certain days.
Most of the water buses are operated by the Tokyo Cruise Ship Company. Its main line connects Asakusa with Odaiba. Besides direct connections, some boats stop along the way at Hama Rikyu (in the direction of Hinode only), Hinode and Toyosu (in the direction of Asakusa only). There are also 30-minute mini cruises, which start and end in Asakusa. The cost depends on the section traveled and is typically between 1000 and 2500 yen. Note that the company will turn cashless on May 8, 2024. Acceptable payment methods will be credit cards, IC cards and selected other digital payment systems.
Some other water bus lines are operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association. The Mizube Cruise Line travels from Asakusa on the Sumida River via Ryogoku to Odaiba. Only on selected days, service is also provided between Odaiba and Kasai Rinkai Park.
There are some other cruises available that include lunch or dinner for customers to enjoy a meal on the water. These cruises usually take about two hours and make a round trip that ends at the departure point. Prices depend on the meal and typically vary from 6,000 to 15,000 yen.
Getting there and around
Asakusa Pier
The pier is located along the Sumida River, just beside the Asakusa Stations of the Ginza Subway Line and the Tobu Line or a five minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Asakusa Subway Line. More detailed access information can be found on the Asakusa page.
Odaiba Pier
The pier is located just in front of the Aquacity Odaiba shopping mall, about a five minute walk from either Daiba Station or Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station on the Yurikamome Line. More detailed access information can be found on the Odaiba page.
Hinode Pier
The pier is a five minute walk north from Hinode Station on the Yurikamome Line, which can be accessed from Shimbashi Station (5 minutes, 260 yen, along the JR Yamanote Line).
Hama Rikyu Pier
The pier is located within Hama Rikyu garden. Currently it is not possible to board water buses at Hama Rikyu, but only to get off.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Tokyo
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SAKE Bar Hotel AsakusaA boutique hotel with free-flowing Japanese sake, two-minutes from Asakusa Station. Savor our original sake while relaxing with an open-air footbath.View siteSponsored
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MokkoanFeaturing free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.View on Booking.com -
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7 Rooms Hotel & CafeConveniently set in the Edogawa district of Tokyo, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park, 1.5 km from Gyosen Park and 1.6 km from Ukita Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe, while Former House of Udagawa Family is 2.6 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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cyashitsu ryokan asakusaSituated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan has a hot tub and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Hozomon Gate. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Kaminarimon RyokanKaminarimon Ryokan offers accommodation with free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, fridge and Nespresso coffee machine. An electric kettle, a green tea set and free toiletries are provided. The hotel offers laundry service for an additional fee. Kaminarimon Ryokan is a 2-minute walk to the Asakusa Metro Station. From there, destinations like Akihabara, Ginza and Ueno are a 15-minute subway ride away. There are many dining options and convenience stores within a few minutes' walk from the hotel.View on Booking.com -
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Ryokan NakadayaSituated in Tokyo, within 1.5 km of Sensoji Temple and 2.2 km of Tokyo Skytree, Ryokan Nakadaya offers accommodation with a shared lounge. The property is set 3.5 km from Edo Tokyo Museum, 6 km from Marunouchi Building and 6 km from Yasukuni Shrine. Free WiFi is available. The units in the inn are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room is equipped with a shared bathroom. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 19 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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The Okura TokyoComposed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.View on Booking.com -
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ulu TokyoAttractively located in the Koto Ward district of Tokyo, ulu Tokyo is set 500 metres from Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument, 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence and 500 metres from Shinkawa Historic Place Monument. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 700 metres from Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai. The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Ulu Tokyo features some rooms with city views, and all rooms are equipped with a balcony. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near ulu Tokyo include Masago Monument, Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and Takao Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com -
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ENT TERRACE AKIHABARAIdeally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Yushima Seido, 400 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Yushima Goryo Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Gajoen TokyoBoasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Tokyo Hikari GuesthouseThe cosy Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse offers private rooms and dorm beds, only a 1-minute walk from Kuramae Subway Station. It also features a shared lounge with WiFi/wired internet, tea and cooking facilities, all for free. A washing machine with detergent can be used free of charge. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with extra-long beds. Linens are changed every 3 nights. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, a shared hairdryer is provided free of charge and bath towels are available with an extra charge. Open from October 2014, Tokyo Hikari has a small, sunny garden. Luggage storage is available. Guesthouse Tokyo Hikari is a 15-minute walk from Asakusa.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Tokyo
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Japanese Traditional Kintsugi Experience in TokyoDiscover the Japanese traditional technique of transforming broken ceramic objects into revitalized art pieces, KintsugiView on Klook -
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Most Popular Sushi Making Class & Cooking Class in TokyoYou can learn how to make **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Temari-Sushi** or **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Nigiri Sushi**View on Klook -
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Crafting Your Own Unique Edo Kiriko Glass in AsakusaExperience the time-honored traditional craft of Edo Kiriko, which has continued since the Edo period first-hand.View on Klook -
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Samurai Trial Cutting Experience of Japanese Swords in TokyoIaido, an ancient Japanese martial art, traces its origins back to the era of samurai warriorsView on Klook -
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Tokyo Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide (4/8h)Enjoy a day tour or a customizable half day tour with a private group in Tokyo!View on Klook -
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Kimono rental & photography experience in AsakusaTake the subway to Asakusa Station (Ginza Line) Exit 4 and walk for 20 seconds. It is 220 meters away from Sensoji Kaminarimon Gate. The location is perfect!View on Klook -
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Asakusa Kimono&Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa in Main Branch**Klook Exclusive Free Next Day Return! Limited Time Only!** Show this message and return your Kimono the next day for FREE for rental during Sep 15 - Dec 15, 2023. Exclusions applied to Formal Kimono Furisode and Homongi. See What to Expect for more detailsView on Klook -
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Kimono Yae Rental Experience in AsakusaVisit Yae in Asakusa, Tokyo and get to experience Japanese culture through clothing by renting a kimono/yukataView on Klook -
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Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy MealDon't miss your chance to interact with real sumo wrestlers!View on Klook -
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Jeans Making Experience in TokyoWe use high quality selvedge denim with "red ears" treatment on both ends to prevent fraying.View on Klook
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