Things to Do in Japan

Choose from 200 Fun Things to Do in Japan

Togetsukyo Bridge

Once a destination for nobles, the Arashiyama district of Kyoto boasts small-town charm and beautiful mountainside views. Today, the popular neighborhood attracts tourists and nature lovers. The scenic neighborhood’s iconic landmark, Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River and provides panoramic views of lush mountainside foliage, gentle river swells, and local fisherman navigating the shoreline. The bridge’s history extends back 400 years and has been featured in many historical films.

Crossing Togetsukyo Bridge is a highlight of any visit to Arashiyama. From feeding carp fish over the railing to enjoying the splendor of cherry blossoms in the spring and fall foliage, the bridge is a gateway to a simple, stunningly scenic way of life. Another popular way to see the bridge is by a boat ride along the river.

Practical Info

The bridge is a one-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on Keifuku Railway. From Kyoto Station, Arashiyama is a 5-10 minute wealk from Saga-Arashiyama Station. Walking across the bridge is free. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall, when foliage is in bloom and colors on the mountainside are most vibrant.

Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

From $ 94

Taketomi Island

Located just southwest of Ishigaki in the Okinawa Islands, Taketomi Island is at once convenient yet remote. Quiet and charming, the small island has no cars and no chain convenience stores, and the population of only a few hundred still live in traditional coral-walled houses with red-clay tile roofs. Visitors wanting to get the full cultural experience can tour the village on a cart pulled by water buffalo, guided by a local who’ll tell folk takes to the sounds of a local instrument.

The island’s beaches also make it worth a visit. Kondoi Beach on the western shore offers beach facilities with white sand and beautiful teal water. Kaijihama Beach on the southwestern coast and Aiyauhama Beach on the eastern coast are both notable for their star-shaped sand formed by the shells of crustaceans.

Practical Info

The only way to get to Taketomi Island is by boat. High-speed ferries depart from Ishigaki every 30 minutes throughout the day, and the trip takes about 10 minutes.

Taketomi Island, Okinawa, Japan

From $ 34

Teramachi Street

Teramachi Street, a covered pedestrian shopping arcade in Kyoto, brims with shops and boutiques – a favorite shopping destination for Kyoto’s university students in particular. The name of the street translates to Temple Town, reflecting the many temples and shrines that occupied the area during the sixteenth century.

Today, it’s dominated by casual clothing shops and stores selling green tea, accessories, books and souvenirs. Hungry shoppers will find a few traditional Japanese confectioneries, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes specializing in Japanese and international flavors.

Practical Info

Teramachi Street is about a 10-minute walk from Marutamachi Station. It’s also possible to get there by taking buses 4, 17 or 205 to Kyoto Shyakusho Mae (City Hall) and walking for about 5 minutes.

Teramachi Street, Kyoto, Japan

From $ 63

Studio Ghibli Museum

Fans of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli, which produced the films Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle, can see the filmmaker’s animated fantasylands brought to life and uncover the secrets behind the movies at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo.

The Basics

An admission ticket for the Studio Ghibli Museum—which must be purchased in advance—includes full access to the museum’s two exhibition floors, designed to imitate an animated set. On the first floor, explore the vast collection of art and animation, and learn about the history and culture of animation. Next, check out the special exhibitions and films on the second floor, which feature the work of Miyazaki and other celebrated animated films, such as Toy Story and Wallace and Gromit.

It’s possible to explore the museum on a guided or self-guided tour, but a popular choice is to combine it with other Ghibli-related attractions such as Hotel Gajoen Tokyo and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

Tickets are not sold at the museum and must be purchased well in advance.
Plan at least two hours to take in the museum’s exhibitions.
The museum has a cafe, rooftop garden, children's play area, and gift shop full of Ghibli merchandise and handmade crafts.
The museum is accessible for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Studio Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, around 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) west of downtown Tokyo. The closest subway station is Mitaka on the JR Chuo Line; from there, walk (15 minutes), or catch a bus or taxi to the museum (about a 5-minute journey). Or, get off at Kichijoji station for a 20-minute walk along Inokashira Park.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily, except Tuesday, year-round. With all visits booked in advance, you won’t find yourself having to queue for tickets, but the museum is popular, and tickets can sell out weeks in advance.

Ghibli sights in Tokyo

The quirky animations produced by Studio Ghibli have left their mark all around Tokyo. After visiting the Studio Ghibli Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum (which inspired the architecture for Miyazaki's film Spirited Away), head to the Nippon TV headquarters in Shiodome, where a gigantic Ghibli Clock (created by artist Kunio Shachimaru to Hayao Miyazaki’s design) hangs right over the entrance. Another fun destination is Shirohige Cream Puff Factory in Shimokitazawa, where all the baked goods (including the popular Totoro cream puffs) are Ghibli themed and approved by the studio.

1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan

Varies

From $ 53

Shitenno-ji Temple

One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, Shitenno-ji Temple was built by Prince Shotoku around 593 AD, a cultural hero of Japan who helped to bring the adoption of Buddhism to the country.

Raked-gravel grounds surround the temple, and it is entered through a huge stone tori gate dating back to 1294, the oldest in the country.

A focus for Buddhists in Osaka and around the country, the temple has been reconstructed over the centuries but retains its original 6th century design. The complex includes a many-floored tower, pagoda, lecture hall and gate. Most of the current structures are from the last rebuilding in 1963.

Many Buddhist festivals and activities are held at the temple during the year.

Practical Info

The temple is in the south of the city near Tenno-ji Park. The closest station is Shitennoji-mae.

1-11-18 Shitennoji,Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0051, Japan

Open daily. Apr - Sept: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Oct - Mar: 8:30am - 4pm

Main Temple - Adults: ¥ 300, Children (15yrs and under): Free. Treasure House: ¥ 200

From $ 27

Tofuku-ji Temple

Few places on earth are more breathtakingly beautiful than Fall in Tofucku-ji Temple. During cool autumn months travelers and locals make the journey to this Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto that’s known for its incredible colors and brilliant Japanese maples. Visitors climb to the top of Tsutenkyo Bridge, which stretches across a colorful valley full of lush fall foliage in fiery reds and shocking oranges.

Visitors who make their way to Tofuku-ji other times of year can still wander beautiful temple grounds and explore places like the Hojo, where the head priest used to reside. Well-kept rock gardens provide the perfect spot for quiet contemplation and a stone path near the Kaisando is lined with brightly colored flowers and fresh greenery that’s almost as beautiful as the Japanese maples this temple is famous for.

Practical Info

A large part of the temple grounds are free to visit, although the bridge does require travelers to pay a small fee. Colors usually reach their peak in mid to late November. Travelers can expect to find bigger crowds and congestion on the Tsutenkyo Bridge, but most agree it’s still worth a visit.

15-778 Hommachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

From $ 54

Shuri Castle

This iconic structure housed royalty during the Sanzan Period in the mid-1300s and later served as the administrative center for the entire region. But between 1609 and World War II this epicenter of culture, history and politics was burned or destroyed multiple times. As a result, the surrounding community came together to rebuild the castle from photographs, drawings and even shared memory.

Travelers who wander the restored grounds can explore the Stone Gate of Sonohyan-utaki, built during the reign of King Sho Shin. Its ornate details exemplify the mastery of stone working skills exhibited by early masons. The Shikina-en Gardens offer visitors a chance to reflect on the century’s long history of Shuri Castle while walking across the delicate Chinese-style bridge. The tiny islands dotting the quiet pond and impeccable landscape are just part of what makes Shuri Castle a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s worth a visit.

Practical Info

Shuri Castle is located just north of Sakiyama Park in Naha.

Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa, Japan

From $ 225

Todai-ji Temple

Located in Deer Park (Nara Park) in Nara, about 35 minutes from Osaka by train, Todaiji Temple is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant Buddhist temples. Originally built in the year 752, the temple as it exists today dates back to 1709. The main hall, called Big Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), is the world’s largest wooden building, even though it’s a third smaller than the original hall from the 700s.

The greatest attraction in the Todaiji Temple complex is the enormous bronze Buddha statue (Japan’s largest) housed with the massive main hall. When the temple was first built, Emperor Shomu planned for Todaiji to serve as the headquarters of Buddhism throughout Japan, and he ordered the casting of the statue as part of that plan. The 50-foot-tall (15-meter-tall) statue required eight castings to complete.

According to local legend, anyone able to squeeze through the hole in the pillar located behind the Big Buddha achieves enlightenment.

Practical Info

Todaiji Temple is a 15-minute walk away from Kintetsu Nara Station, but it can also be reached by bus or taxi. Set aside about three hours to see Todaiji and the other temples and structures huddled together in Deer Park.

1 Zōshi-chō, Nara, Japan

November-February 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; March & October 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April-September 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

500 yen (museum only), 800 yen (museum and Daibutsuden Hall)

From $ 45

Shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Kamakura makes for a colorful and cultural day trip from Tokyo. The small city has over 75 temples and shrines, the biggest and most famous of which is the Shrine of Tsuragoaka Hachimangu.

The shrine was founded by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063. Despite being a shinto shrine it's layout is that of a Japanese buddhist temple. Because of its extreme beauty it's a popular spot for weddings and for the year's first shrine visit, a practice called hatsumode. During the New Year holidays it draws over 2 million visitors.

The walk from the station to the shrine is beautiful and dramatic: a long wide street embellished by orange torii gates that leads from the waterfront through the entire city. In April and September archery on horseback is performed along this street. The best time to visit is early springtime when the cherry blossoms and azaleas burst into colorful bloom.

2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan

April-Sep: 5am-8:30pm; Oct-March: 6am-8:30pm

From $ 90

Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine

Osaka’s most famous shrine, Sumiyoshi-taisha, protects travelers of all sorts, including fisherman and sailors. The shrine is named both for the Sumiyoshi gods – the gods of the sea – and for a distinctive style of purely Japanese architecture known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri. To this day, it remains a pilgrimage destination for seafarers and travelers from around Japan, and the world, to pray for safe passage and good fortune. Adding to its superlatives, the shrine was founded in the 3rd century, making it one of Japan’s oldest shrines. For these reasons, Japan designated the Sumiyoshi-taisha shrine as a National Treasure.

The most recognizable image of Sumiyoshi-taisha is its symbol, the Taiko-bashi Bridge. The red arched Bridge provides a picturesque walkway across a pond flanked with verdant foliage that leads to the shrine. The shrine itself features traditional straight roofs and a red gate. It attracts visitors year round but bustles with activity on New Year’s Day, as Japanese families come to pay homage to a new year.

Practical Info

Located in the southern part of Osaka city, Sumiyoshi-taisha can be reached on both the Hankai Line and the Nankai Railway by the station bearing its name. The Hankai Line Sumiyoshikoen Station exits at the shrine, and the Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Railway is a three-minute walk from the shrine. The shrine is open from sunrise until about 5:00pm daily. There is no admission fee.

2 Chome Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka 9-89, Japan

Daily: Sunrise-5:00pm

From $ 36

Tokyo City View Observation Deck

Tokyo City View Observation Deck may be the sleekest of the city's many observation centers. You can find it on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower, which is the centerpiece of the new and modern Roppongi Hills building complex.

The Sky Gallery is a 360 degree panoramic observation room split into three separate sections. Gallery 1 offers a view of Tokyo Tower and Odaiba, Gallery Two showcases Yokohama and Mount Fuji and Gallery 3 overlooks Sibuya and Shinjuku. The cost of admission allows you to enter all three. For an extra fee it's possible to visit the Sky Deck, an even higher open air rooftop observation center.

Also included in the price of admission is entry to the adjacent modern art museum which spotlights a rotating series of exhibitions. If you have more money to spend there is a planetarium show as well as several bars and restaurants.

Practical Info

Open Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm (admission until 10:30pm), Fri/Sat/Day before holiday 9am-1am (admission until 12am) and the Sky Deck is open 10am-8pm (admission until 7:30pm). Hours may change seasonally. Sky Deck may be closed due to bad weather such as rain, heavy fog or strong winds. For cost of admission, adults 1,500 yen, students 1,000 yen and children 500 yen. For Sky Deck only, adults and students 500 yen and children up to junior high are 300 yen. Accessible by train, car or bus. 3 min from Roppongi Station (Hibiya Subway Line). 6 min from Roppongi Station (Oedo Subway Line). Parking is available.

52nd floor Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm (admission until 10:30pm), Fri/Sat/Day before holiday 9am-1am (admission until 12am), Sky Deck 10am-8pm (admission until 7:30pm)

Adults: 1,500 yen; Students 1,000; Children 500

From $ 14

Tokyo Central Railway Station

There are many large rail stations in Tokyo, but none have quite the elegance and history of Tokyo Central Railway Station. The station sits near the Imperial Palace grounds in the Ginza district. The classical look of the main facade is fashioned after Amsterdam's main station. In 1921, Prime Minister Hara Takashi was assassinated at the south gates. Much of the station was damaged during World War II and is constantly being renovated and improved upon.

Nowadays the station is the busiest in all of Japan in terms of train volume with over 3000 trains passing through and 381,704 passengers every day. It's the starting point of many Shinkansen trains as well as JR Trains and the Tokyo Metro. It's an excellent place to people watch- just make sure to stay out of the way of the busy commuters!

1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan

From $ 50

Spa World

While Japan is famous for its hot springs, very few naturally occur in the Osaka area. Luckily, visitors looking for a little relaxation of the soaking variety can find it—seven floors of it—at Spa World. One of the world’s largest hot springs complexes, Spa World bills itself as a sort of theme park, with onsen (hot springs pools) and saunas from around the world.

The complex is divided into various themed areas. The onsen occupy two floors and two different areas: the European Zone, with pools fashioned in styles of ancient Greece and Rome, Italy, Spain and Finland; and the Asian Zone, featuring Japanese, Indonesian, Persian and Middle Eastern-style baths. Another floor houses eight themed saunas, while yet another floor contains an indoor water park complete with three slides.

Visitors will also find a hotel with Western and Japanese-style accommodations, a food court, full-service spa, gym, gift shop, arcade and TV room within the complex.

Practical Info

Admission to Spa World is good from the time of entrance until 8:45 a.m. the following morning and includes access to the onsen, swimming area and gym. Lodging and the sauna areas require additional fees.

3-4-24 Ebisu-higashi Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan

24 hours a day

Adults 2700 yen, Children (12 and under) 1500 yen

From $ 11

Tenryu-ji Temple

Ranked number one of Kyoto's five great temples, Tenryu-ji celebrates a history dating back to 1339 and stands in dedication and memory to an ancient emperor. Many of the temple buildings have been destroyed over the centuries, but the temple's landscape garden remains much the same today as it did in the 14th century.

The garden boasts a clever and unique design that marries imperial taste with zen aesthetics. Lush foliage lines a shimmering pond, and as visitors walk from one end of the pond to the other, it appears as though the seasons change in front of their eyes. Intricate stonework on one hill represents a mountain stream cascading into the pond, while in another area stones appear to be carp fish. Visitors seek out the garden to be transported to another time.

Practical Info

The small Keifuku train line connects Kyoto with the city's Arashiyama district, and visitors should exit at the Keifuku Arashiyama Station for access to the temple. On the JR line from Kyoto Station, get off at the Saga-Arashiyama Station, and Tenryu-ji is a 5-10 minute walk. Entrance costs 500 yen ($5USD) and an additional 100 yen for access to the temple buildings ($1USD). The temple is open year from from 8:30am-5:30pm April through October and until 5pm from late October until late March. The temple's main buildings are undergoing renovations under March 2014, but the temple's garden is still open to the public.

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

8:30am - 5:30pm

600¥

From $ 81

Takayama's Morning Market

Each morning the historic city of Takayama hosts two morning markets. The smaller of the two takes place in front of Takayama Jinya and the larger — one of the best morning markets in Japan — takes place on the east bank of the Miya-gawa River in Old Town.

The morning market tradition dates back to the Edo Period, and modern day shoppers will find vendors selling fresh produce, local folk art, souvenirs, sweets, fresh milk and other traditional Japanese cooking ingredients, like miso. And while both markets remain open until around noon each day, they’re best visited around 6 am when they first open, as there’s an added energy in the air as vendors begin setting up their stalls and preparing their wares for the local early shoppers.

Practical Info

Both markets are located within a 10-minute walk of JR Takayama Station.

Takayama, Japan

From $ 308

Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center

Tokyo Camii is located right in the heart of Tokyo in the Oyama-cho district of Shibuya. It’s the largest mosque in the city and is adjoined with the Turkish Culture Center, which provides an introduction to Islam and an insight into Turkish culture.

The mosque was originally built in 1938, but in 1986 it was demolished due to structural damage. Construction on a new building began in 1998 using marble shipped in from Turkey, and the new mosque was finally complete in 2000. It’s a huge Ottoman-style construct covering an area of more than 700 square-meters, with its main dome – supported by six pillars – reaching 23 meters tall.

The Turkish Culture Center serves to educate visitors about the mosque, as well as Islamic teachings and rituals. Here, books and pamphlets about Islam and Tokyo Camii are sold alongside souvenirs such as Turkish tiles.

Practical Info

Tokyo Camii and the Turkish Culture Center are situated in Oyama-cho, Shibuya. The nearest station is Yoyogi-Uehara. Visitors should ensure they adhere to certain rules when visiting the mosque, including dressing modestly and women covering their hair with headscarves.

1-19 Oyama-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan 151-0065, Japan

Open daily 10am-6pm

From $ 77

The Philosopher's Path

One of Japan’s heralded philosophers is said to have meditated daily as he walked on a stone route alongside a canal on his commute to Kyoto University. The scenic path, shaded by hundreds of cherry trees, quickly became known as The Philosopher’s Path (or The Path of Philosophy), and today hundreds of people traverse the two-kilometer trail every day searching for peace, insight, and a clear mind. Small temples and shrines peek out from the cherry trees, beckoning to thinkers and walkers in search of religious observance.

Originating near Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion temple, the trail extends to the Kyoto neighborhood of Nanzenji. Near the end of the trail, a large aqueduct greets visitors, a popular spot to stop and take photos. Restaurants and cafes dot the trail. In the Spring, The Philosopher’s Path is one of the best places in all of Kyoto to enjoy the vibrant cherry blossoms in bloom.

Practical Info

Reach The Philosopher’s Path by a 5-10 minute north of Nanzenji’s main temple buildings. The walk takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, but many visitors take longer to explore the temples and sights along the route.

The Philosopher’s Walk, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

From $ 71

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

The Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Tokyo. Worshippers come here to pray for love and a happy marriage. The shrine is dedicated to two Shinto sun goddesses and three gods of creation and growth. It was built in 1880, and is famous for being the first place to hold a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony.

The Basics

While the structure of the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine was built in the late 19th century and it was moved to its current location after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the practices of worship that the shrine embodies are much older. A similar temple in Mie Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, has been a pilgrimage site since the 17th century. The Tokyo Daijingu Shrine was built to help people living closer to Tokyo worship the same gods. Today, the shrine continues to play an important role in the spirituality of many Japanese, and it’s always busy with worshippers seeking blessings for love and marriage. Travelers often visit the shrine on guided or self-guided walking tours of Tokyo

Things to Know Before You Go

Stalls outside the shrine sell charms designed to bring good luck in love; they make a nice souvenir.
Before entering the shrine, purify yourself at the fountain by washing your hands and mouth.
You’ll see many hanging wooden plaques on which worshippers have written their prayers. You can purchase an ema plaque and write your own wishes or prayers.

How to Get There

Like most places in Tokyo, it’s advisable to travel to the shrine by train or subway. It’s about a five-minute walk from Iidabashi Station on the JR Sobu Line.

When to Get There

The shrine and its grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. It’s especially busy during weekends, so visit outside this time to avoid the crowds.

Visit the Nearby Yasukuni Shrine

The Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is among Tokyo’s five most important shrines. Another of these is the nearby Yasukuni Shrine. It’s a notorious place, as it enshrines some generals considered to be World War II war criminals by much of the international community. But, for travelers interested in history and politics, the Yasukuni Shrine is a must-see destination in central Tokyo. It can easily be combined with a visit to the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

2-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0071, Japan

From $ 60

Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon)

The symbol of the Asakusa neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan, the impressive, large, red Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, gives visitors a grand welcome to Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple). Standing 38 feet tall (11.7 meters), Thunder Gate gets its powerful name from Raijin, the god of thunder, one of the two deities it honors. Four statues guard Thunder Gate: at the front, the Shinto gods of wind and thunder attract the most attention. The other two – a Buddhist god and goddess - rest at the reverse side of the gate. Under Kaminarimon, a giant red lantern draws the eye next. The fragile piece was restored and donated to the temple complex in August 2003 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the start of the Edo period.

Kaminarimon’s history dates back to the year 941, when a military commander constructed the now iconic gate. Over the centuries, it has been destroyed by fire at least three times, and has always been rebuilt on the same ground. The current structure dates to 1960. Today, locals gather at the imposing gate to pray for peace in the world, fruitful harvests, and protection against natural disasters.

Practical Info

Thunder Gate and Senso-ji temple are a five-minute walk from the Asakusa subway stop in Tokyo. The station can be reached on the Ginza Subway, Asakusa Subway Line, and Tobu Railway. There is no entrance fee to visit the Gate or the temple, and the grounds are always open.

Tokyo, Japan

From $ 41

Sumida River

Flowing from Arakawa River and running for eight miles (27 kilometers) through the capital before emptying out into Tokyo Bay, Sumida River is Tokyo’s lifeblood. Passing under 26 bridges and feeding a network of scenic canals and waterways, Sumida River offers magnificent views of Tokyo.

The Basics

A boat ride along the Sumida is a scenic way to explore Tokyo, and you can get on the water in a number of ways. Sightseeing cruises aboard spaceship-like cruise ships take in the districts of Asakusa, Hamarikyu, and Odaiba, affording views of Tokyo Tower, Hamarikyu Gardens, Asakusa Temple, Tokyo Skytree, and Rainbow Bridge. Alternatively water taxis hop between various waterfront destinations, and day cruises run out into Tokyo Bay. Boat cruises are often combined with other city tours and attractions, such as a tour of Tokyo's Asakusa area, a walking tour of Tsukiji Fish Market, or a visit to Tokyo Tower.

Things to Know Before You Go

Sightseeing cruises typically last about 40 minutes.
Most boats have an open-air viewing deck, as well as indoor seating with panoramic windows.
Audio guides are available onboard sightseeing boats in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Limited tickets are available day-of, so it’s best to book cruise tickets in advance.
Most boats are wheelchair accessible, but confirm with individual operators before booking.

How to Get to There

Boat cruises run from Hinode Pier, Asakusa, and Hamarikyu Gardens, and it’s possible to board at all three stops. The closest subway stations for Hinode Pier are Hinode (Yurikamome) or JR Hamamatsucho; the closest station for Asakusa is Asakusa (Ginza Line); the closest station for Hamarikyu is Kachidoki (Toei Oedo Line).

When to Get There

Sumida River cruises run regularly year–round, but for the most atmospheric views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise. For an even more unforgettable experience, book a cruise to coincide with Sumida River Firework Festival, held in July, and watch the spectacular firework displays against a backdrop of the illuminated city.

Views of the Sumida River

A boat cruise isn’t the only way to enjoy a view of Sumida River. Take a stroll around the waterfront Odaiba Seaside Park for a view with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower in the background, enjoy a ride on the giant Ferris wheel at Palette Town in Odaiba, watch the sunset along the river from the Roppongi Hills, or soar overhead on a helicopter tour.

Tokyo, Japan

Free

From $ 41