Tokyo From the Water

Visitors to Tokyo can view the metropolis’ skyline from the water aboard Tokyo Cruise Ship Co.’s fleet of six boats, which offer two regular cruises on the Sumida River.

The Sumida River Line cruise travels from the old Tokyo downtown to the garden of the former Imperial Detached Palace of Hamarikyu, passing under 12 historic bridges on the way. Passengers can disembark at Hamarikyu or continue to the final stop at Hinode Pier, 10 minutes by foot from the Hamamatsu railway station.

The “Museum of Maritime Science Line” cruise departs from Hinode Pier for the museum, 30 minutes away on a Tokyo Bay island in a building shaped like a ship. The tour also passes by Odaiba, the ruins of a fort built to defend the city against invading barbarians during feudal times.

Sumida River Line trips last 40 minutes, leaving at 40-minute intervals from 9:50 a.m. to sunset. The cost is about $3 one way, with an additional $1 for those wishing to visit Hamarikyu Garden.

Museum cruises depart hourly 10 a.m. to sunset and are about $6, which also covers admission to the museum.

For more information, contact the Japan National Tourist Organization at 630 Fifth Ave., New York 10111.