Tokyo Cruise Water Bus: Asakusa Routes, Fares & Piers

The Tokyo Cruise is a water bus that runs from Asakusa toward Odaiba, Hinode, and Toyosu, or on loop courses past Skytree and the Sumida River bridges. Here's how to book, the fares, how to check the timetable, the Asakusa pier, and the differences between the Himiko, Hotaluna, and Emeraldas boats, all as of 2026.

What is the Tokyo Cruise? Asakusa water bus and sightseeing boat courses

The Tokyo Cruise is a Tokyo water bus and sightseeing boat service that departs from Asakusa and connects Hinode Pier, Odaiba Seaside Park, Toyosu, and other stops.

The most popular section is the route from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park. Beyond that, there are courses toward Hinode Pier, Toyosu, and Skytree, as well as a Sumida River bridge loop, so you can pick one to fit your itinerary.

The Asakusa-to-Odaiba route follows the Sumida River through the Tokyo cityscape and takes in Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Odaiba scenery, so the ride itself becomes a sightseeing course.

Tokyo Cruise routes and fares from Asakusa

From Asakusa, the Tokyo Cruise runs to Odaiba Seaside Park, Hinode Pier, Toyosu, toward Skytree, and on the Sumida River bridge loop.

① Asakusa ↔ Odaiba Seaside Park

This is the Tokyo Cruise’s signature route, from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park. It heads down the Sumida River, so you get Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Odaiba scenery along the way.

Both the regular sightseeing boat and the Hotaluna run this section. The regular boat has more departures and costs relatively less.

📌 On the Hotaluna, the rooftop deck stays closed from Asakusa to Hinode Pier, and opens only on the Hinode Pier ↔ Odaiba section. On the return direction from Odaiba to Asakusa, the rooftop deck is not opened.

So if you want to see the Rainbow Bridge from the Hotaluna's rooftop deck, take it in the Asakusa-to-Odaiba direction.

※ As of the official notice on July 3, 2026, the Emeraldas is under repair and inspection, and is expected to take about a month before service resumes. The restart date may change depending on how the repair and inspection go.

② Asakusa ↔ Hinode Pier

Hinode Pier is the midpoint between Asakusa and Odaiba. You can use it for an itinerary where you enjoy just a short stretch of the Sumida River instead of going all the way to Odaiba. Note that the Hotaluna does not open its rooftop deck on this section.

③ Hinode Pier ↔ Odaiba Seaside Park

Hinode Pier to Odaiba Seaside Park is a short section of about 20 minutes. It’s a good pick when you don’t have much time but want a light taste of the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo Bay atmosphere.

For the shortest, most efficient way to enjoy the Hotaluna’s rooftop deck, the Hinode Pier → Odaiba Seaside Park section is the one to take. Even if you start from Asakusa, the rooftop deck opens on the Odaiba section after Hinode Pier.

That said, the rooftop deck may close in rain or when needed for safety.

④ Asakusa → Toyosu

This course connects Asakusa and Toyosu. It’s not a route toward Odaiba or the Rainbow Bridge, but a separate course heading to the Toyosu area.

※ Toyosu-bound service is scheduled to be suspended for the time being from August 1, 2026. The Himiko is also currently out of service due to the aging of the boat.

⑤ Asakusa Skytree Cruise

A loop course that starts at Asakusa, goes around toward Skytree, and returns to Asakusa. It’s a good pick when you want to see the view toward Skytree from the Sumida River in a short time.

※ The Asakusa Skytree Cruise is scheduled to be suspended for the time being from August 1, 2026.

⑥ Asakusa Bridge Circular Cruise

A course centered on the bridges and riverside scenery of the Sumida River, returning to Asakusa. It does not head toward Odaiba or the Rainbow Bridge.

※ The Asakusa Bridge Circular Cruise is scheduled to be suspended for the time being from August 1, 2026.

⑦ Asakusa → Hamarikyu | Currently unavailable

Boarding at Hamarikyu is currently not possible. The Asakusa → Hamarikyu → Hinode Pier section is not in operation.

How to book the Tokyo Cruise and check the timetable

The Tokyo Cruise’s operating hours change by date. Even on the same Asakusa-departure route, the departures can vary depending on the day of the week, boat inspections, and whether extra sailings are running.

So the most accurate way to check the timetable is on the official reservation screen, based on your actual boarding date.

✅ How to book

① Go to the official Tokyo Cruise website

👉 [Official] Check Tokyo Cruise timetables and book tickets

② Select Timetable & Fares

③ Choose your departure point (Asakusa, Odaiba, Hinode, Toyosu)

④ Choose your destination

⑤ Check the sailings for your boarding date

⑥ Select an available time and pay

⛔ The official domain is suijobus.co.jp. A similarly named site, suijobus.net, is reportedly a fake. It can appear at the top of a Google search as an ad, so always check the domain before you connect. Booking on the fake site reportedly carries a risk of your personal and credit card information being stolen, so be careful.

✅ Things to check before booking

• All the main routes except the Hamarikyu-bound one can be booked online
• Some sailings can be booked up to 5 minutes before departure
• Payment is by credit card or WeChat Pay
• People with reservations can get boarding guidance first at the site
• Sailings can change depending on the day of the week, the date, and boat inspections

Tokyo Cruise pier locations and how to get there

When you use the Tokyo Cruise, you need to check the exact location of your departure pier.

① Asakusa Pier

Asakusa Pier is the departure point first-time Tokyo Cruise riders check most. From Asakusa you can head toward Odaiba Seaside Park, Hinode Pier, and Toyosu.

It’s a good spot to hop on the water bus right after sightseeing in Asakusa. It pairs well with Senso-ji, Nakamise-dori, and a Sumida River stroll, and if your plan is to move on to Odaiba, you can take the Tokyo Cruise instead of overland transit.

② Hinode Pier

Hinode Pier is a midpoint between Asakusa and Odaiba. It runs services toward Asakusa and toward Odaiba Seaside Park, and it’s the key pier where the Hotaluna opens its rooftop deck.

③ Odaiba Seaside Park Pier

The Odaiba Seaside Park pier is the one you use when heading from Odaiba toward Asakusa or Hinode Pier. It’s a spot where you can take in the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and the Tokyo Bay scenery together.

④ Toyosu Pier

The Toyosu pier is toward the inner plaza on the first floor of Lalaport Toyosu. It’s easy to combine with shopping or a meal in Toyosu.

There’s no ground staff stationed at the Toyosu pier. When the boat arrives, a crew member will guide you, so just wait near the entrance. Take care not to confuse it with the nearby Toyosu Market pier.

Himiko, Hotaluna, and Emeraldas differences

The Himiko, Hotaluna, and Emeraldas are the Tokyo Cruise’s signature boats, designed by Leiji Matsumoto. Their exteriors are more distinctive than the regular sightseeing boats, and plenty of travelers pick a ride based on the boat itself.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Can I board the Tokyo Cruise on the spot without a reservation?

Yes. But people with reservations can get boarding guidance first, and on weekends or in peak season the time slot you want may be full. If your schedule is set, it’s better to book ahead on the official website.

Q2. Does the Tokyo Cruise run even when it rains?

Depending on the weather and sea conditions, sailing times can change or be canceled. In rain, the Hotaluna’s rooftop deck may also close, so check the official operating status on your boarding day.

Q3. Can I take the Tokyo Cruise from Hamarikyu?

Currently you cannot board at Hamarikyu. The Hamarikyu departures toward Asakusa and Hinode Pier are not running, so it’s best not to plan Hamarikyu as your departure point.

Q4. Can I use the Toyosu-bound route right now?

Toyosu-bound sailings are scheduled to be suspended for the time being from August 1, 2026. Check the latest operating status on the official timetable before you go.

Q5. Are the Tokyo Cruise and Tokyo Mizube Line the same water bus?

No. The Tokyo Cruise and Tokyo Mizube Line are both Tokyo water buses, but they have different operators and routes. What this post covers is the Tokyo Cruise, which connects piers like Asakusa, Odaiba, and Hinode. The Tokyo Mizube Line is a separate water bus route; it has been paused since January 19, 2026, and is aiming to resume around summer 2026.

In closing

The Tokyo Cruise is a special way to travel that links Asakusa and Odaiba across the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay.

Instead of moving quickly by subway, if you choose the water bus, you get the Sumida River scenery along with Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge, and the views around Odaiba Seaside Park.

Especially if your plan is to head from Asakusa sightseeing to Odaiba, it turns the travel time itself into a sightseeing course, making for a memorable part of a Tokyo trip.

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