Tokyo · Asakusa and Sumida
Sumida River Cruise
The most beautiful way to leave Asakusa is on the water. From the pier next to Azuma Bridge, Tokyo Cruise boats head down the Sumida River, under a string of bridges, to Hinode, Odaiba or Toyosu. The basic line to Hinode takes about 40 minutes and costs ¥1,000.
The experience with kids is the boats designed by Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Galaxy Express 999: Himiko and Emeraldas. On Himiko there are photo spots with characters from the series, and on Emeraldas the announcements are recorded in the characters' voices. They sail straight to Odaiba in about 55 minutes, ¥2,000. Emeraldas returned to service in August 2026, and Hotaluna, the third in the series, has been out of service since January 2026 because of the ship's age.
Good to know
- Book on the website by 17:00 the day before, even when you do not have to. On weekends there is a line to board, and those who booked board first.
- One child up to age 5 per adult rides free.
- The stop at Hamarikyu Garden is drop-off only, ¥1,180, and the garden entry is included in the fare. Since October 2024 it cannot be booked in advance: the ticket is sold only at the machine on the Asakusa pier. Before you plan this stop, check the website, because it has days without service.
- The Tokyo Mizube Line, the second cruise line on the river, has been out of service since January 2026. Old guides still suggest it.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Sumida River Cruise.
- HereSumida River Cruise
- 1 min
Sumida Park More to see
A park on both banks of the Sumida River, facing the Skytree.
- ~2 min
Sumida River Walk Street
A pedestrian bridge beside the Tobu railway bridge, which connects the two banks and gives an open view of the river.
- ~3 min
Namiki Yabusoba Food
One of Tokyo's three historic soba houses of the Yabu family, with a sharp, salty dipping sauce. Order cold zaru soba, or tempura soba for ¥2,300.
- ~3 min
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center More to see
A free terrace on floor 8 across from Kaminarimon Gate, with a view of the temple and of Skytree.
- ~6 min
Tokyo Mizumachi Street
A row of shops and cafes under the Tobu railway bridge, across the river, on the way to Skytree.