Yakatabune (©JNTO)
Fireworks at the Sumida River in summer (©JNTO)
| A sightseeing cruise on the Sumida River offers a view of the
city that is panoramic in terms of both space and time. The view from the river
shows many different facets of Tokyo. There are several operators offering a number
of different cruises. For instance, one boat picks up passengers downtown at Asakusa
and heads downriver through atmospheric old cityscapes before ending at Hinode
Pier in Hamamatsucho. From there another cruise heads out to Odaiba, an artificial
island containing a new urban community that exemplifies modern-day Tokyo. Odaiba
is connected to central Tokyo by the
Rainbow Bridge, and the night view of the lit-up bridge with skyscrapers in
the background is truly surreal.
The cruise boat from Asakusa to Hamamatsucho passes under 12 bridges, including famous ones like Azumabashi and Kiyosubashi that have existed since the Edo period. Each bridge has a distinctive appearance, and when they are lit up at night, they form a "still-life fireworks display" that adds to the appeal of an evening cruise. Speaking of fireworks, Tokyo has plenty of real ones as well. From the end of July through early August a series of fireworks displays are held. Particularly famous are the Sumida River fireworks displays, which go back to the Edo period; every year as many as 20,000 fireworks are shot up. Anyone visiting Tokyo at this time of year should take the opportunity to see some fireworks. Another enjoyable riverside attraction comes in early April, when the cherry trees along the riverbanks come into bloom. A pleasure cruise affords the best view of these cherry blossoms. On the river, these elegant sightseeing vessels cruise alongside traditional Japanese roofed passenger boats, known as yakatabune. A leisurely two-hour cruise down the Sumida River on a yakatabune includes tempura and other food cooked on board and karaoke. |
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