Let`s ride a houseboat in Tokyo! | Official reservation site
2023.05.19
Japan is a marvellous country, and Tokyo is one of its gems.
The city has undisputable popularity, so popular that you develop certain ideas visiting it.
Like any city, Tokyo has its secrets. Ones that give delight to the wanderers who discover them. However, during the search for these secrets, we forget to appreciate the prominent ones.
They have always been there, available and obvious. Inevitably, we have less opportunity to see things from a different perspective. Not to the point of unacceptable, but regrettably it comes.
Especially here in Tokyo. Some places worldwide achieve this beauty, but only a few places carry this harmony.
And it has waited long for recognition of the combination it has accomplished.
Tokyo Tower stands tall and majestic, providing an enchanting view of the Sumida River and the city making it a picturesque sight.
The first one stands in the heart of Tokyo with a striking beauty. Completed in 1958 and soaring to a height of 332.9 meters, Tokyo Tower was originally built as a communications tower.
As time goes by, it has now become a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. The Tower’s design draws inspiration from the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris but with a modern and colourful twist. Because of its white and orange mien, Tokyo Tower carries an exciting appearance despite its old age.
Hidden in its giant body is an entertainment world.
You can take elevators up to the observation decks and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The “Main Deck” is located at a height of 150 meters, and the “Top Deck” is at 250 meters.
While the higher one offers a much wider, arguably the best, view of Tokyo, only visitors with the “Top Deck Tour” reservation can get up here. However, make no mistake that the alternative offers less value. As a make-up for the 100m gap, visitors of the Main deck are welcomed with an abundant service, from Skywalk Window to a live music venue.
In addition to this, the Tower houses several restaurants and shops, a wax museum, and a small aquarium. There is no lack of destinations for curious wandering.
The Tokyo Skytree offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape and the Sumida River, showcasing the stunning beauty of the city
In the skyline of Tokyo, stands a towering beauty completed in 2012, reaching an impressive height of 634 meters. Understandably, Tokyo Skytree is no less impressive than its neighbour.
Slowly transiting from its main broadcasting purpose, Tokyo Skytree has made its way up the beloved spots in Tokyo, competing equally with any other attractions. Painted in a shade of light blue reminiscent of the traditional Japanese colour of indigo. Tokyo Skytree boasts a sleek and futuristic aesthetic.
Similar to Tokyo Tower, visitors can take elevators up to the observation decks located at heights of 350 meters – the Tembo Deck and 450 meters – the Tembo Galleria. From these decks, you can admire breathtaking views of Tokyo’s skyline and surrounding areas. One might be better than another, but none without magnificence.
While these two skyscrapers undoubtedly give the visitors chance to see the grandeur of Tokyo, it’s theirs that is concealed. Different from the expansive view of the city one gets from towering observation decks, cruising along the Sumida River puts the majestic of the two towers into perspective.
As the boat glides along the Sumida River, you can watch the cityscape unfold, with these giants of the skyline providing a breathtaking backdrop. The experience is especially magical at night when the towers are lit up, casting their reflections on the water and creating an ethereal ambience. Getting on the open-air deck of the boat, it is when you can take memorable photos with a full appreciation of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree.
The Rainbow Bridge gracefully stretches across the Sumida River, adorned with colorful illuminations at night, creating a mesmerizing scene that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
Rainbow Bridge is a spectacular suspension bridge that spans across Tokyo Bay, connecting the Shibaura and Odaiba districts of Tokyo.
The construction of the Rainbow Bridge began in 1987 and was completed in 1993. With 798 meters long and 127 meters high, Rainbow Bridge has never stopped amazing any visitors passing by.
With a dual-deck structure, the Rainbow Bridge has been a transportation hub for millions of daily commuters by trains and cars.
In addition, the Rainbow Bridge has slowly become an essential part of the city’s skyline, offering a chance for anyone who wants to have a complete view of Tokyo from its observation deck. Every night, the bridge lives up to its name wearing 7 different illumination colours and embellishing the Sumida River.
Eitai Bridge, with its elegant design and tranquil surroundings along the Sumida River, offers a serene atmosphere where one can admire the serene beauty of Tokyo’s waterway.
Eitai Bridge is a famous bridge that spans the Sumida River in Tokyo, connecting Sumida and Chuo districts.
The bridge has a fascinating history and is renowned for its unique design and historical significance. Built in 1926, the Eitai Bridge was the first bridge in Japan to use a rigid-frame structure.
Even though not as impressive as the Rainbow Bridge, with 311 meters long and 26 meters wide, Eitai Bridge is still one of the longest and widest bridges in Tokyo.
Eitai Bridge has a long history with numerous renovations throughout the past. Unfortunately, it was the location of a sad episode during the Edo era in which many people died in a stampede. In order to prevent any other similar accidents, the bridge was rebuilt in 1987 to suit the increased traffic flow in the area.
By the most recent renovation, a pedestrian walkway on the south side of the bridge was also added as part of the refurbishment, providing a fantastic view of the Sumida River and the Tokyo cityscape. In 1999, the bridge has been recognized for its historical and cultural significance, and the Japanese government designated it as an Important Cultural Property
Tokyo Gate Bridge showcases modern architectural marvel as it spans across the Sumida River, blending seamlessly with the urban landscape and presenting a captivating sight for onlookers.
The Tokyo Gate Bridge, which crosses Tokyo Bay and is an iconic symbol of the city’s modernism and inventiveness, is one of the most well-known. The bridge, which was completed in 2012, is a remarkable marvel of engineering, with a sleek design and vivid lighting.
Running for 2.6 kilometres and rising 87 meters over the bay, The Tokyo Gate Bridge provides stunning views of the metropolitan skyline.
Surprisingly, the Tokyo Gate Bridge was built to replace an earlier bridge that had been in place for nearly 70 years. The former one, known as the Tsukuda Bridge, was an important transportation link for the city, but it had grown obsolete and could no longer accommodate the increasing traffic demands.
Engineers encountered numerous challenges when building the Tokyo Gate Bridge, including navigating the bay’s powerful currents and ensuring that the bridge could withstand earthquakes and typhoons.
Nonetheless, there has been no compromise on the design. If you stand looking at the bridge from afar, you might be surprise by its trusses representing two dinosaurs facing each other. As beautiful as it is, the bridge does not neglect its main purpose. It can handle a stunning 32,000 vehicles every day.
Riding on a Yakatabune is truly the only way for you to feel the magnificence of these bridges. As the Yakatabune drifts down the Sumida River, the majestic bridges that span its waters reveal themselves in all their glory.
One can’t help but feel small in the presence of such grandeur. The sound of the water gently lapping against the sides of the vessel and the rhythmic hum of the engine provides a soothing backdrop to the spectacle of these engineering marvels.
A moment of pure awe, of beauty that can not be found elsewhere.
The Shinagawa Container Wharf along the Sumida River offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s bustling maritime activities, with colorful cargo containers lining the waterfront, creating an intriguing contrast between industry and nature.
It is not uncommon for visitors to know about the Shinagawa Container Wharf. Though it might offer a magnificent scene looking from a Yakatabune.
As one of Japan’s major container ports, Shinagawa Container Wharf works as an international gateway for the city, receiving and delivering goods from and to all over the world.
Dating back all the way to 1896, the port has grown over time, improving its facilities and capacities to suit the growing need for international trade. The dock is now a large network of piers, warehouses, and cargo handling facilities spanning 1.1 square kilometres.
However, hidden behind this industrial site is a unique and intriguing sightseeing opportunity. Passengers on the Yakatabune may see the gigantic ships and cranes that make up the wharf. The ships are docked in orderly rows, their lights gleaming against the dark sky. The cranes, with their towering frames reaching for the stars, are as striking.
Particularly at night, when the wharf comes alive with a kaleidoscope of lights and colours. In combination with the Rainbow Bridge in the distance, the sight is truly a feast for any eyes.
As night falls and the city lights come on, the view of Shinagawa Container Wharf from the Yakatabune becomes even more magical. The reflection of the lights on the water creates a spectacular, beautiful, and hypnotic display.
The bustling wharf finally awakes, giving off the sounds of ships and cranes merging to create a unique harmony in Tokyo.
As we journeyed down the river on a Yakatabune, we bore witness to the ever-shifting tapestry of sights and sounds that define Tokyo. Truly, the Sumida River is a living, breathing embodiment of the city’s rich history and boundless spirit, a testament to the enduring legacy of this magnificent metropolis. To miss the Sumida River and the Yakatabune is to miss a part of Tokyo.
Sumida River has always been where people visit coming to Asakusa, regardless of all the attractive spots around the city. It represents not only the beauty of nature but also the perfect combination between modernity and tradition.
