Sumida River cruise: see Tokyo from the water for a completely new perspective
- japansophy
- Sep 29
- 7 min read
From the historic charm of Asakusa to the futuristic cityscape of Odaiba, a cruise down the Sumida River (Sumidagawa) is both a feast for the eyes and a welcome break for your weary feet.
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Tokyo from the water: why a Sumida River cruise should definitely be part of your Tokyo itinerary
You've walked the neon-lit streets, battled Shibuya Scramble, and gazed admiringly at both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. Your step counter is blowing a gasket and your legs just don't feel like the same ones you arrived in Tokyo with. What if I told you there’s an entirely different perspective on this incredible city, one that glides by at a gentle pace and takes the weight of your feet? I'm talking about a Sumidagawa cruise, and trust me, it’s one of the most underrated experiences you can have in Tokyo.
The lifeblood of an emerging megacity
Before Tokyo was the gleaming metropolis we know today, it was Edo, a sprawling city of wooden buildings and bustling markets. At the heart of it all was the Sumida River, the city's lifeblood. For centuries, this river served as a vital highway, a hub for commerce, and a cultural artery. It was the stage for grand festivals, the source of daily life, and backdrop for some of the city's most famous woodblock prints.
Today, while the river's role has changed, its importance hasn't. It's still a major thoroughfare, now for leisurely water buses and traditional houseboats, connecting key districts and offering a unique insight into the city's rich history. Got an hour or to to spare? Book yourself a Sumida River boat ride and grab a front row seat to the the city's waterfront panorama.
Choosing your experience: Suijō bus or Yakatabune?
You have two main options when looking at taking a Tokyo river cruise. The first is the somewhat unromantically named "Suijō Bus" (but don't let the name put you off) and the Yakatabune houseboat. Aside from the fact that they ply the same river, the two options have little in common. We break it down for you below in a side-by-side comparison.
The Suijō Bus (Water Bus)
This is the most common and practical option for a river cruise. The Suijō Bus is a modern – even futuristic – glass-roofed "water taxi" that sails principally between Odaiba and Asakusa. While they are an established part of the city's public transit system and run on a regular, reliable schedule, they are used mostly for sightseeing purposes.
Atmosphere: The boats are clean, comfortable, and have large windows for unobstructed sightseeing, even though the boats sit quite low in the water. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. In fine weather, it is possible to go out onto a small deck. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual and quite jolly, with overseas tourists making up the most part of the passengers.
Cost: Affordable. While a ticket on the Suijō Bus is more expensive than a train or subway fare for a similar distance, it is still a budget-friendly option. The trip between Asakusa and Odaiba is currently 2000 yen for adults (as at September 2025, subject to change).
Purpose: Primarily an A-to-B option with some cool views of Tokyo thrown in. It's the ideal choice if you want to travel from, say, Asakusa to Odaiba and want to add a scenic element to your journey.
Time: The one-way trip between Asakusa and Odaiba takes around 70 minutes.
The Yakatabune (Houseboat)
If the Suijō Bus is a water taxi, the Yakatabune is your stretch limo. These are traditional Japanese houseboats, low-slung vessels with a distinctively old-world charm. They are designed for private parties and special events, and their primary purpose is to provide a dining and entertainment experience.
Atmosphere: Luxurious and intimate. You'll be seated on tatami mats at low tables, and many of these cruises include a multi-course Japanese meal, often featuring fresh tempura or monjayaki. Most have open-air decks on the roof for a perfect view of the city lights or a cooling breeze in summer.
Cost: Expensive. These are not a budget option. A spot on a Yakatabune cruise typically starts at around 12,000 yen per person, but it includes food, drinks, and a truly unique experience.
Purpose: Dining and entertainment. This is the perfect choice for a special occasion or for a group looking for a memorable evening.
Time: Different routes are available but tickets are generally for round-trips of around 2 and a half hours.
For the purpose of this article, we're going to focus primarily on the more accessible Suijō Bus, but it's good to know your options! If you are interested in booking a cruise on the Yakatabune, reservations can be made through the English-language website of the Tsurishin company, for example.
Suijō Bus routes and tickets
The Suijō Bus offers several routes. The most popular one connects the historic district of Asakusa with the futuristic island of Odaiba but you could consider a trip down to the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens with its pond and tea house or catch the water-bus from Hinode Pier up to Asakusa after visiting Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple. A longer cruise will drop you off in Toyosu, home to Tokyo's fish market and the new Sekaku Banrai attraction. Here's a break down of the duration and ticket prices of the four Suijō Bus routes.
Child fares are roughly half of the adult ticket price and apply to children up to the age of 11. Ticket prices for the Asakusa – Hamarikyu route include admission to Hamarikyu gardens.
Tickets can be bought on the same day from the different alighting points (ticket office or ticket machine) if capacity allows. We advise reserving tickets in advance for the popular Asakusa-Odaiba route, since it fills up very quickly. You can book tickets online on the official website.
Sights along the way
This is where the magic happens. A Sumida River cruise is an art gallery of the architecture, history, and urban beauty of Tokyo. Here are some of the sights you'll see:
The bridges of Tokyo
The river is spanned by a series of bridges, each with its own unique design. As you pass under them, you'll notice how each one has a different personality, from the elegant, steel arches of the Azuma Bridge near Asakusa to the striking suspension of the Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba. Each bridge tells a story about the era in which it was built, making the journey a fascinating architectural tour.
The landmarks
Look to the banks, and you'll see some of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks, including:
Tokyo Skytree: This is the first thing you'll see as you leave Asakusa. The sheer scale of the tower from the river is breathtaking, and it's a great opportunity for some incredible photos.
Asahi Beer Hall: You can't miss the enormous golden "flame" on top of the Asahi Beer Hall, a truly unique and quirky piece of modern architecture.
Hamarikyu Gardens: As you approach the city center, you'll pass by these beautiful traditional gardens, which stand in elegant contrast to the modern buildings around them.
Odaiba's Futuristic Skyline: The last part of the journey is a treat for the eyes. You’ll be surrounded by the futuristic skyline of Odaiba, with the giant Ferris wheel, the Fuji TV building, and the stunning Rainbow Bridge all coming into view.
Special seasonal cruises
A Sumida River cruise is a perfect activity at any time of year, but a few seasons offer extra magic:
Spring (March-April): The riverbanks near Asakusa are lined with cherry blossom trees, making a cruise a truly spectacular way to see the famous flowers in full bloom.
Summer (Late July): If your timing is right, you might be able to witness the famous Sumida River Fireworks Festival, one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks displays in Japan. Tickets for these special cruises sell out early. Book online on the Suijō Bus website.
Sumida River cruise FAQ
How much is a Sumidagawa cruise?
The prices vary according to boat and route. The Yakatabune cruises include dinner and cost upwards of 12000 yen per person. The Suijō Bus (water bus) services are much cheaper (1000 - 2600 yen) but are one-way, don't include dinner and are shorter. The prices of these depend on the route (see the table above).
How long is a Sumida River cruise?
Here, too, the length of your cruise will depend on the route. The Yakatabune cruises typically take around 2.5 hours, whereas the Suijō Bus routes are one way and take between 35 and 90 mins (see the table above).
Is a Sumida River cruise worth it?
As a means of getting from A to B, a Sumidagawa cruise is more expensive and takes longer than taking the train/subway. For example, the trip between Asakusa and Odaiba costs 2000 yen per adult and takes around 70 minutes by Suijō Bus, where as the same journey by train and Metro will cost around 540 yen and take less than 30 minutes. BUT: taking the Suijō Bus is a fun way to see Tokyo from another angle, especially for kids, and you get to sit down and enjoy air-conditioning/heating for an hour!
Are the water buses accessible?
The Suijō Bus is wheel-chair accessible but has limited wheelchair capacity (2-3 wheelchairs per boat).
Does the Suijō Bus run every day?
No, there are Sumidagawa cruises all year round but the boats have to undergo regular maintenance and weather conditions may mean that certain routes are cancelled on certain days. The Suijō Bus website updates the sailing status every day: check before you go.
Can I bring luggage on the water bus?
Passengers are each allowed to bring one suitcase measuring up to 2 metres (length + width + depth) with them on board.
Where can I buy Sumida River cruise tickets?
You can buy tickets for a Sumidagawa cruise on the pier or in advance online. Popular routes such as Asakusa – Odaiba or special cruises like for the Sumidagawa fireworks sell out very quickly, so it's best to book well in advance. For same day tickets, try to be at the pier at least 30 minutes before the sailing, since those with pre-booked tickets will have boarding priority.
A Sumida River boat ride is a fun addition to any Tokyo itinerary. It’s a chance to see the city from a different angle, to appreciate its history and to enjoy a moment of tranquility, watching the Tokyo world go by.
Are you thinking of doing a Tokyo river cruise? Let us know if we can help you fit it into your itinerary.
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