Exploring Tokyo by boat

What to know

Tokyo sits on a bay and is crisscrossed by rivers and canals, offering several boat services that visitors may find handy. The Water Bus (水上バス, Suijō Basu) and other boat services provide a fun alternative to trains or subways when traveling between waterside destinations.

The most convenient spots for water bus access are the artificial islands of Tokyo Bay, especially Odaiba and Toyosu. Many water buses also ply the Sumida River, one of the city's most famous waterways. The numerous bridges spanning the Sumida River each boast a unique design. Boats along the river give access to Asakusa and Ryogoku.

The coronavirus pandemic hit water bus services hard, and operations remain reduced compared to pre-pandemic levels. On the most popular routes, departures may be roughly hourly, but on many other sections, there are only a few connections per day, and service is suspended entirely on certain days.

Most water buses are operated by Tokyo Cruise. Its main line connects Asakusa with Odaiba. In addition to direct services, some boats stop at Hama Rikyu (toward Hinode only), Hinode, and Toyosu (toward Asakusa only).

Urban Launch runs 30–50 minute mini cruises that start and end in Asakusa, plus some connections between Asakusa and Toyosu. Meanwhile, the Mizube Cruise Line (currently suspended until around summer 2026) travels from Asakusa via Ryogoku to Odaiba, and on select days as far as Kasai Rinkai Park. A promising new link is the Nihonbashi e-Liner, which connects Toyosu with the Nihonbashi district near Tokyo Station almost hourly.

Boat ride costs depend on the route and typically range from 1,000 to 2,500 yen. Most companies offer online reservation systems (see links below), but tickets can also be purchased on the spot if space is available.