Sumida River (Sumida Gawa) Tours

Flowing from Arakawa River and running for eight miles (27 kilometers) through the capital before emptying out into Tokyo Bay, the Sumida River (Sumida Gawa) 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.
Address: Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Admission: Free
20 Tours and Activities to Experience Sumida River (Sumida Gawa)
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Authentic Geisha Performance and Entertainment including a Kaiseki Course Dinner
Slip on a kimono and savor a multi-course kaiseki dinner while you’re entertained by a geisha performance. A host greets you at an authentic Japanese restaurant in Tokyo during this 3-hour evening experience. Settle in with a small group as you’re served traditional dishes and converse with the geisha who are trained in dance, music and the art of communication.
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From
$299.53
Price varies by group size
From
$299.53
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Private Walking Tour of Tsukiji and Hamarikyu Garden with a Water Bus Ride to Asakusa
Sample some of Tokyo’s top sights in one great trip during this 5-hour private walking tour. Start your day strolling the seafood at the outer Tsukiji Market. After a casual sushi lunch (at your own expense), explore a peaceful, 18th-century, Japanese garden and take a scenic cruise on Tokyo’s Sumida River. Finish the day by uncovering the unique historical sights of the ancient Asakusa area. A private guide, garden entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport are all covered.
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From
$98.80
From
$98.80

Tokyo Night Yakatabune Crusing -Odaiba and Tokyo Sky Tree- on Weekdays
Skip the crowds of central Tokyo and soak up nighttime views of such landmarks as the Rainbow Bridge, Sky Tree, and Tokyo Tower on a relaxing cruise. The cruise includes dinner, snacks, and unlimited drinks.
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From
$129.87
From
$129.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Japanese Traditional Yakatabune Dinner Cruise (Funasei)
This is the perfect choice for travelers interested in an evening of panoramic views and incredible Japanese food. Cruise along Tokyo Bay and Sumida River on a Yakatabune boat. Pass by Tokyo’s illuminated landmarks, and enjoy lots of great photo opportunities that you wouldn’t see otherwise. If you’re looking for a way to delve into Japanese cuisine, this tour is the perfect way to do it—enjoy a 10-course menu with drinks included too.
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From
$139.33
From
$139.33

Samurai Sword Experience in Asakusa, Tokyo
-our instrctor has more than 10 years experience in Battodo (swordsmanship)
-plus acquired silver medal once, bronze medal twice in the all Japan championship during the past 3 years.
-our instructor is bilingual in English and Japanese, he explains participants about not solely key points culture and history of samurai and classical martial arts.
==
-Guided by an instructor swordsman with more than 10 years of experience
-Demonstration by instructor swordsman with more than 10 years of experience
-Experience using real swords used in the past
-The only serious facility in Asakusa
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From
$50.67
From
$50.67

Asakusa: 1400-year history exploration
Discover a historic township in the heart of Tokyo with this half-day walking tour. Join a local guide to see popular landmarks including the Sensoji Temple, the market street of Nakamise-dori, and the Rokku district. Taste traditional snacks such as Japanese sweets and wander among the bars, boutiques, and snack stands of Rokku.
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From
$79.04
Price varies by group size
From
$79.04
Price varies by group size

Adventurous Japanese Food Tour
Most culinary tours in Japan only cover classics like ramen and udon, but you discover out-of-the-box treats during this adventure lovers’ food crawl. Meet an expert foodie for a daring expedition through the savory streets of Ginza, packed with local eateries. Get a taste of only-in-Japan delicacies like blowfish (fugu) and horse meat, while also making time for standbys like sushi and yakitori.
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From
$113.62
Price varies by group size
From
$113.62
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Challenging Full-Day Tokyo City Tour
This is a great pick for travelers with limited time in Tokyo. You’ll combine the old and the new, as well as sightseeing on land, by boat, and from high up in Tokyo Tower. Take the stress out of figuring out Tokyo’s transport system by having morning pickup included. Exploring Tokyo with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you'll make the most of your time. Highlights include Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, a Sumida River Cruise, and Odaiba.
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From
$89.91
From
$89.91

Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Including 5 Popular Spots
Tokyo is one of the world’s most bustling metropolises, and sightseers often have trouble knowing where to start. Tick off five of the city’s most renowned highlights during this full-day walking tour. Join your own private group guide as you cover iconic attractions on foot, like 7th-century Sensoji Temple and the sprawling, seafood-packed Tsukiji Market, where you’ll stop to grab a tasty lunch.
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From
$306.28
per group
From
$306.28
per group

Ultimate Japanese Guide - Private Guide in Japan with Cabin Attendant
This private tour from Tokyo with a Japanese guide is tailor-made to your requests. The itinerary is flexible, with multiple options for sightseeing, such as exploring Asakusa. Guides share in-depth knowledge and an understanding of cross-cultural customs to prevent miscommunication. Hotel pickup and drop-off is provided, with personalized service for the ultimate 6-, 8-, or 12-hour day.
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From
$247.63
per group
From
$247.63
per group

Electric-Powered Biking Tour: Asakusa, Akihabara, and Imperial Palace
Take a pedal-powered trip through Tokyo aboard an electric-powered cycle on this 2 or 3-hour sightseeing tour by bike. Sample a mix of the Japanese capital’s historic and modern landmarks, visiting hotspots like the neighborhoods of Asakusa, and Akihabara, the Imperial Palace, and much more.
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From
$86.21
From
$86.21
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Pray for the end of COVID-19 pandemic in Japanese style on Tokyo Bus Tour
This is the perfect tour for travelers interested in finding traditional experiences in Tokyo. Save hours of research time and enjoy having a comprehensive itinerary planned out for you. Highlights include Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, a Sumida River cruise, a Matcha tea tasting at Hamarikyu Garden, and watching dancing and Shinto music performances at Meiji Jingu Shrine.
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From
$106.70
From
$106.70

Dynamic Tokyo: Tokyo Tower, Tea Ceremony and Sumida River Cruise Day Tour
Take a whirlwind sightseeing tour of Tokyo as you visit the city’s top landmarks, observe a tea ceremony, and enjoy a river cruise during this full-day tour. Follow your guide to attractions including the Imperial Palace, Nakamise shopping street, Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji), and Tokyo Tower observation deck. You also enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and take a cruise on the Sumida River. This excursion in Tokyo, perfect for those with limited time, also includes lunch, all entrance fees, and a souvenir city map.
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From
$126.46
From
$126.46
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Private Asakusa, Tsukiji Fish Market and Sumo Stable Tour Including Water Bus Ride
Watch powerful sumo wrestlers train during a practice session at the Chiganoura training stable. You’ll learn about this ancient sport on a private tour of Tokyo with your own personal guide. Then visit Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple in the popular Asakusa area. Afterward, ride a boat on the Sumida River and tour Hamarikyu Gardens and the outer Tsukiji Fish Market. You'll ride accompanied on the subway (own expense) to each attraction, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
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From
$138.32
Price varies by group size
From
$138.32
Price varies by group size

Full-Day Tokyo Walking Tour to Learn about Japanese History and Culture
Get to know Japan’s history and culture during this day-long Tokyo sightseeing tour. You’ll see landmarks such as the Imperial Palace and Hama Rikyu Gardens; discover the shrine-filled neighborhood of Asakusa; and take a Sumida River cruise to admire sights of bridges, the Tokyo Skytree, and the cityscape from the water. A hotel pickup and drop-off service is included, but note that entrance fees are at your own expense.
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From
$194.64
per group
From
$194.64
per group

Adventurous Private Japanese Food Tour
Taste some of Japan’s most notorious delicacies on a private food tour of Tokyo’s Ginza district. Find the food experiences you want and order with the help of your English speaking guide. Open your eyes to local foods you didn’t know existed, or wouldn’t have tried on your own. If you want to try blowfish, horse sashimi, or whale, this is your tour; either way, your guide can adjust the menu and restaurant visits to meet your needs.
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From
$188.42
Price varies by group size
From
$188.42
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Tokyo Night Yakatabune Crusing -Odaiba and Tokyo Sky Tree- on Holiday
Spend your evening far from the crowds of Tokyo, on a relaxing cruise. Take in the views after dark as the city lights up and you cruise by landmarks such as the Rainbow Bridge, Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower. Includes dinner and an open bar.
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From
$129.87
From
$129.87
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Asakusa: 2 hour Photo Walking Tour with Professional Photographer
Your guide acts both as knowledgeable guide and professional photographer.
Besides a fun, interesting and entertaining tour filled with information, your guide will take a lot of photos of you along the way and send the high quality photos to you after the tour.
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From
$139.97
From
$139.97
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands

VIP tour - 3-geisha experience for private group of max 4
After a 3.5-hour history tour, your local expert certified guide will provide you with an in-depth explanation of geisha including the history of geisha art, their training, and of course, proper etiquette to enjoy their exquisite company! Once you arrive, your geisha for the evening will be waiting for you in their splendid kimono; relax as they expertly pour your sake and let yourself be enthralled by their refined dancing. Your senses will instantly be delighted as you savor authentic and seasonal kaiseki cuisine to the sounds of traditional music. Later, you’ll have the unique opportunity to enjoy their laughter as you play traditional games with them. No Japanese skills are necessary to play games with geisha, but your guide will be available as an interpreter the entire evening should you have any questions. Photo-taking and video-taking is allowed. This experience is one of a kind in terms of maximum four guests having company with three geisha.
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From
$1,402.21
Price varies by group size
From
$1,402.21
Price varies by group size

Family package in Asakusa: history tour with a visit to amusement park
Discover Tokyo's famed district of Asakusa on this private tour designed especially for families. In the company of an expert guide, unearth the history of the district on a walking tour before heading to an amusement park that provides entertainment for kids and adults alike.
During your walking tour, listen to the mysterious story of the two brothers who found a Buddhist statue in the river which became the origin of Sensoji Temple. Admire statues, lanterns, souvenir shops which are selected especially for children. Celebrate or despair with your children depending on the outcome of Sensoji’s infamous paper fortunes.
Later, head to Hanayashiki, the oldest amusement park in Japan opened in 1853. This somewhat quaint facility now features 20+ kinds of modern rides and attractions. Enjoy an incredible inclusion in the tour: unlimited access to rides and attractions with much less waiting time than in major theme parks. Feel free to stay at the park after your tour ends.
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From
$118.56
Price varies by group size
From
$118.56
Price varies by group size
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