Sumida River Cruise

The Sumida is evolving into one of Tokyo's most satisfying and soothing attractions due in part to a great effort to beautify the riverside, thus enhancing the inherent charm of a trip on the water through a national capital.

The best way to see what the Sumida is all about is to take a water bus from/to Asakusa from/to Hinode Pier.

Most people do this one-way, as part of an excursion to Asakusa. Many Tokyoites enjoy this trip, as it offers a refreshing perspective on well-known landmarks ashore (it's easy to forget Tokyo's a bay city).

Let's start at Asakusa. Your boat, which also offers snacks and drinks, winds its way downstream under a total of 13 bridges to the accompaniment of an explanation in both English and Japanese of what you are seeing.

Your recorded guide will point out the Kokugikan sumo arena, the Tokyo-to City Museum and the Tsukiji fish market. You'll get a good look at the Rainbow Bridge spanning Tokyo Bay, and if you start at the Hinode end, you will stop at Hama-rikyu park (you can begin your voyage from there as well).