Welcome to TOKYO BEAT- a special series by your Tokyo Tourism Representative (New York Office) that aims to provide you with story ideas and inspiration. As summer rolls in, locals start flocking to the numerous waterfront areas of the city – a unique feature afforded by the vast Tokyo Bay and a robust network of rivers that cut through some of the most vibrant neighborhoods. From to strolling along a peaceful riverbank to cruising around the city at top speed, and even basking in a day at the beach, there are many extraordinary ways to get the most out of the waterfront areas of Tokyo.
The Floating Journey
Traversing the seemingly endless miles of bay and river waters is a daunting prospect. But this is Tokyo, where there’s always a convenient solution – including water buses that shuttle between locations like Odaiba, Asakusa, Hama Rikyu Garden, and Tokyo Big Sight. Pleasure cruises, such as those provided byTokyo Cruise, offer more atmosphere across a fleet of boats, including the futuristicHimiko,Hotaluna, andEmeraldasdesigned by famed manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, a themed ‘Samurai Cruise’ on the Edo-era battleshipGozabune Atakemaru, American-style paddle streamers and more. Yakatabune pleasure boats, a tradition harking back centuries, are perhaps some of the best options in the evening. These classically designed wooden boats function as all-you-can-eat-and-drink floating restaurants likeAmitatsuandHarumiyathat also come with entertainment ranging from live music to karaoke. Lounging barefoot on tatami mats with the evening breeze coming through open windows is especially fun during fireworks season, when explosions are flying overhead. Many yakatabune cruises actually take place on theSumida River, one of Tokyo’s most iconic waterways and perhaps most famous for hosting theSumida River Fireworks Festivalevery year.
Unexpected Must-Sees
Surprising waterfront standouts includeTodoroki Valley. Just minutes away from the center of the city, this distinctive gorge is unlike any part of Tokyo – exploring this unspoiled piece of nature feels like stepping into a time machine and makes way to various gardens, the 1300 year oldTodoroki Fudoson Temple, andSetsugekkatea house, whose matcha and mochi rice cakes make for an idyllic respite. In contrast, walking alongside the 5-mile longMeguro Riveris perhaps the best way to discover all of the wonderful modern commercial districts of Setagaya, Meguro, and Shinagawa. Well-known in springtime as a cherry blossom lined stretch, following the river will uncover sights likeMeguro Sky Garden– a circular rooftop garden covering the intersection of two expressways – as well as many fashionable cafés, hidden boutiques, art galleries, and modern eateries.
Beach Blankets and BBQ
Last, but not least, Tokyo even has some beaches in locations likeOdaiba Seaside Park. While the manmade island of Odaiba draws countless locals and visitors for its variety of cultural and shopping attractions, the park’s half-mile-long beach is the perfect place to enjoy a beach day and activities like beach volleyball – all the while with landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge, the Ferris Wheel, and the rest of the Tokyo city skyline as a backdrop. Locals also head to Edogawa forKasai Rinkai Park, Tokyo’s largest public park whose bayside location makes way to a relaxing beachfront. But it’s amenities such asSONA Area Tokyo BBQ Garden– where guests can reserve all the necessary food and tools for a beach barbecue – that gives any visit here an edge.
For more information on the best waterfront experiences in Tokyo, contact press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head toTokyoTokyo.jpandGotokyo.org/en/
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