Where the concierge points people first
- Azumabashi Pier — On the Asakusa side of the Sumida, by Azuma-bashi bridge, and the natural start for a river trip south towards the bay. Combine it with Senso-ji and you have used the morning well. (35.7110, 139.8007)
- 屋形船あみ幸吾妻橋桟橋 — The Azumabashi landing of one of the yakatabune operators, the traditional low wooden-roofed boats that cruise the river and bay with dinner on board. Shoes come off and you sit on tatami. (35.7110, 139.8008)
- お台場水上タクシー乗り場 — A water-taxi stop in Odaiba. The small boats work more like a cab than a tour, useful for crossing the bay in a group rather than joining a scheduled sailing. (35.6293, 139.7735)
- Kachidokibashi Water Taxi Stop — A water-taxi stop by Kachidoki Bridge, handy for the Tsukiji and Tsukishima side of the river. (35.6633, 139.7746)
The rest of the boat tours in Tokyo — every one we hold
- Riverboat Mizuha (35.6837, 139.7750)
- Samurai Cruises Tokyo Bay (35.6515, 139.7608)
- SIC Yumemizuki (35.6505, 139.7936)
- エメラルド・クルーズ (35.6989, 139.7773)
- つり船屋形船竹内 (35.6533, 139.7559)
- 吾妻橋船着場 (35.7111, 139.8009)
- 小松屋 (35.6951, 139.7873)
- 屋形船 あみ貞 (35.7110, 139.8006)
- 屋形船 新船組 (35.6568, 139.7794)
- 屋形船あら川丸 (35.6620, 139.7776)
- 屋形船東京都協同組合 (35.6962, 139.7867)
- 屋形船釣庄 (35.7120, 139.8022)
- 江戸前汽船 勝どき 朝潮桟橋 (35.6562, 139.7774)
- 縄定 二天門船着場 (35.7133, 139.8013)
- 芝浦 いりき (35.6414, 139.7498)
- 釣り船。吉野家 (35.6664, 139.8082)
- 釣新 (35.7037, 139.7961)
The Sumida fireworks night is the one night to plan around
The Sumida River Fireworks, held on a Saturday in late July, is the busiest night of the year on Tokyo's water. Yakatabune sailings for that evening are claimed months in advance and cost far more than usual, and the river itself is packed. On any other night the dinner boats are easy to get on, typically as either a shared sailing, where you pay per person and sit with other groups, or a whole-boat charter for a party. Shared sailings are the realistic option for couples and small groups.
Questions people ask
What are the best boat tours in Tokyo?
A river trip from Azumabashi Pier in Asakusa for daytime sightseeing, a yakatabune dinner boat such as the one at the Azumabashi landing for an evening, and a water taxi from Odaiba or Kachidoki to cross the bay.
What is a yakatabune?
A traditional wooden houseboat with a tatami floor, low tables and lanterns, used for dinner cruises on the Sumida and Tokyo Bay. Food and drink are usually a set menu included in the price.
How many boat tours are there in Tokyo?
Num's directory maps 21 boat-tour operators and piers in Tokyo, most of them yakatabune along the Sumida.
Ask Num which boat tour in Tokyo fits your evening
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