Asakusa Pier Sumida River Cruise
Glide along Tokyo's Sumida River for breathtaking views of the Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, and vibrant cityscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Captivating sunset views
Asakusa Pier Sumida River Cruise
Best Time
Captivating sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Glide along Tokyo's Sumida River for breathtaking views of the Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, and vibrant cityscapes.
"An amazing experience to travel from city center to Tokyo Bay using transportation other than trains."
🎟️ Book Online for Priority
Secure your spot and get priority boarding by purchasing tickets online in advance.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Winds on the open deck can be chilly, even on warmer days. Layering is essential for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Skylines
Sumida River
Witness Tokyo's iconic skyline transform from traditional to modern as you cruise towards Tokyo Bay.
Tokyo Skytree Views
Along Sumida River
Get a unique perspective of the towering Tokyo Skytree, a modern marvel against the cityscape.
Sunset Over Tokyo Bay
Approaching Odaiba
Experience a captivating sunset as the city lights begin to twinkle, especially magical near Odaiba.
Bridge Views
Sumida River
Admire the diverse architecture of the bridges spanning the Sumida River on this scenic journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Dress for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Online for Priority
Secure your spot and get priority boarding by purchasing tickets online in advance.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Winds on the open deck can be chilly, even on warmer days. Layering is essential for comfort.
👶 Stroller Folding Needed
If you have a baby stroller, be prepared to fold it to fit inside the cruise space.
📸 Open Deck for Photos
The cruise deck opens mid-sail for memorable photos. Don't miss this chance!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Online for Priority
Secure your spot and get priority boarding by purchasing tickets online in advance.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Winds on the open deck can be chilly, even on warmer days. Layering is essential for comfort.
👶 Stroller Folding Needed
If you have a baby stroller, be prepared to fold it to fit inside the cruise space.
📸 Open Deck for Photos
The cruise deck opens mid-sail for memorable photos. Don't miss this chance!
🗣️ Language Barrier Possible
Narrations about bridges might be in Japanese, so enjoy the views visually.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise the Sumida River Cruise for its unique perspective of Tokyo's skyline and landmarks, especially during sunset. The open deck offers fantastic photo opportunities, though some note that onboard commentary is primarily in Japanese and advise dressing warmly for the wind. Booking online is recommended for convenience and priority boarding.
"It’s not open for 24 hours. The pier will be opened close to the first board time. The toilet located on the lowest floor facing outside, so it’s basically outside the building. You can buy the ticket online or walk in, but most of the tickets are sold online, anyway they will prioritize visitor with online ticket to enter the cruise first. If you’re with baby stroller, you need to fold the stroller to enter the space cruise.
For the cruise experience, it was amazing. It is a new experience to travel from city center to Tokyo Bay using transportation other than trains. The cruise deck will be opened for public in the middle of sailing, so visitors can get a more memorable experience."
Aghnia Hauna
"I did this cruise on the 30th Nov 2024 at 3.30pm from Asakusa pier. Ticket bought from the cruise counter in the morning. The tour took almost an hour along Sumida river. Seeing the panoramic view of Tokyo city skylines was an amazing experience. The sunset rays make the tour even more captivating as we approach Odaiba. It's wise to dress appropriately because the winds on the open deck of the cruise are really cold. You can experience the sights both inside the boat and on the open deck."
Vwarane SR (Vicky)
"Went for the bridges tours, which were 45 minutes long. We did not purchase the tickets online, as when we went there weren't a big crowd. The captain was narrating/explaining the different bridges, but it was all in Japanese, so we weren't able to understand anything. Still a nice view of the different bridges. The buildings at the side of the rivers were alright, nothing too special. There are other alternatives for a cruise to the Sky Tree instead, which we did not try. On the boat, at the end you still have a chance to take a picture of the Sky Tree and the boat assistant is nice and will help you to take a picture with the views behind you."
Gilbert Sebastiano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Asakusa Pier is easily accessible from Asakusa Station. You can take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, or Tobu Skytree Line to Asakusa Station, and then follow signs to the pier. It's a short walk from the station.
No, Asakusa Pier is not open 24 hours. It opens close to the first boarding time for the cruises. Check the specific cruise schedule for operating hours.
Yes, there are toilets located on the lowest floor of the pier building, facing outside.
Yes, you can bring a baby stroller, but you will need to fold it to enter the cruise space.
The Sumida River Cruise from Asakusa Pier offers a scenic route to Odaiba, passing by landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree and Rainbow Bridge. It's a relaxing alternative to trains.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can buy tickets online in advance or at the cruise counter at Asakusa Pier. Online tickets are often prioritized for boarding.
The price for the cruise from Asakusa to Odaiba is approximately $10 USD, though prices can vary.
It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, as most tickets are sold this way and online ticket holders are prioritized for boarding.
The cruise along the Sumida River typically takes about an hour, offering ample time to enjoy the sights. Some shorter 'bridges tours' are around 45 minutes.
Yes, there are different routes available, including cruises to Odaiba and shorter tours focusing on the bridges over the Sumida River. Some cruises also go towards the Sky Tree.
📸 📸 Photography
The open deck, which becomes accessible mid-sailing, offers the best unobstructed views for photography. Capture the city skyline, Tokyo Skytree, and bridges.
Absolutely! The cruise provides excellent vantage points for photographing the Tokyo Skytree as you sail along the Sumida River.
Yes, boat assistants are often happy to help you take pictures, especially with scenic backgrounds like the Sky Tree.
Late afternoon, especially around sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the city's transformation as day turns to night.
A camera with good low-light capabilities or a smartphone with a decent camera is recommended, especially for sunset and evening cruises. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive cityscapes.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
It's a unique and amazing experience to travel from the city center to Tokyo Bay by water, offering panoramic city views and a different perspective than trains.
Yes, the cruise deck opens for public access in the middle of the sailing, allowing for a more memorable experience and better views.
You can see iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Skytree, Hamarikyu Gardens, and the Rainbow Bridge. The cruise also passes by a replica of the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba.
The captain's narration about the bridges might be entirely in Japanese, so understanding might be limited for non-Japanese speakers. However, the visual experience is still enjoyable.
Yes, there are various boats operating the route, including some older boats with full open-air viewing and more futuristic-looking vessels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tickets online to streamline your boarding process, especially with young children. The late afternoon cruise offers the magic of sunset and city lights, which can be captivating for all ages. It's a relaxing way to see Tokyo's highlights without the exhaustion of extensive walking, making it a great option for a family outing.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The open deck is your prime spot for unobstructed shots. Be prepared for wind, which can affect stability, so a steady hand or a tripod (if permitted and practical) can be beneficial. Capturing the transition from day to night, with the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba's lights coming alive, is a particular highlight. Don't hesitate to ask the boat assistants for help capturing group photos with the stunning backdrop.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While not strictly a budget activity, it's a worthwhile splurge for the experience. Booking online can sometimes offer slight discounts or ensure you get the best value. Consider it as an alternative to expensive observation decks, as it provides panoramic city views for a fraction of the cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sumida River Cruise
When planning your trip, remember that tickets are best purchased online in advance, as they often guarantee boarding and can sell out. The pier itself has basic facilities, including restrooms. For those with strollers, be prepared to fold them to accommodate the onboard space. The open deck is a highlight, offering unobstructed views, but it's crucial to dress warmly as the wind can be quite brisk, especially during sunset cruises.
While the visual experience is universally praised, be aware that onboard commentary might be exclusively in Japanese. This doesn't detract from the scenic beauty, but it's good to manage expectations. The cruise is a fantastic opportunity for photography, with the Tokyo Skytree and the city skyline providing stunning backdrops, particularly as the sun begins to set and the city lights illuminate the water.
The Scenic Route: Landmarks and Views
As the cruise progresses towards Tokyo Bay, the scenery shifts, culminating in views of the Rainbow Bridge and the vibrant artificial island of Odaiba. This part of the journey is particularly captivating during the late afternoon, as the setting sun casts a warm glow over the cityscape and the bridge begins to light up. Some routes even include a stop or pass by the replica Statue of Liberty in Odaiba Marine Park, a symbol of international friendship.
Travelers often highlight the opportunity to see these landmarks from a unique vantage point, appreciating the contrast between traditional riverside areas and the futuristic developments in Odaiba. The open deck provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully absorb the panoramic vistas and capture memorable photographs of Tokyo's dynamic landscape.
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