Looking for a unique view of Tokyo? How about a view of the city from Tokyo Bay and the Sumida River which feeds into it. Tokyo Cruise Ship Company owns and operates over a dozen ships on various routes around the city.
Newly constructed Water Bus “Himiko” (pictured right) produced by Mr. Leiji Matsumoto, one of the best renowned Japanese cartoonists, now runs from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park, to Hinode Pier and then back to Asakusa. “Himiko” is a completely unique water bus with its streamline shaped body with 3D windows. Mr. Matsumoto designed based on its concepts, “the image of teardrop” and “the ship appealing to children.” During the daytime the futuristic ship runs through old Edo and modern Tokyo while enjoying 360-degree panoramic view. At night the floor panels are lit up and emphasize the ship’s sophisticated design. “Himiko” is named after Queen Himiko who was the first recognized independent lady in Japanese history.
While their core business is daily transportation for Tokyo's citizens, Tokyo Cruise Ship Company offers a number of scenic tours and friendly service for US and English-speaking tourists. You can even charter one of their ships for a private cruise.
Some of the cruise lines to choose from:
* Museum of Maritime Science, Shinagawa Aquarium Line - Operates from the Hinode Pier to The Museum of Maritime Science to Ooi Seaside Park and finally to Shinigawa Aquarium which offers an underwater walk through a 22 meter long tunnel and a variety of sea life.
* Tokyo Big Sight, Palette Town Line - Operates from Hinode Pier to Tokyo Big Site (Ariake) to Palette Town. If shopping is on your list of things to do, this line includes VenusFort, a fashionable shopping mall designed for women shoppers. VenusFort is located in Palette Town, a futuristic commercial district also containing the "Mega Web" car pavilion.
* Tokyo Sealife Park Line - Operates from Hinode Pier to Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake) to Palette Town to Tokyo Sealife Park. See penguins, bluefin tuna, a bird sanctuary, and a beach on the bay all just one train ride away from Tokyo Disneyland.
* Odaiba Line - Operates from Hinode Pier to Harumi to Odaiba Seaside Park. However you get there, don't miss Odaiba Seaside park. A futuristic spot with cafes, refined restaurants, and amusement halls packed with advanced technologies all await on waterfront property.
* Sumida River Line - Operates from Asakusa to Hamarikyu Gardens to Hinode Pier. A great tour when Tokyo's cherry blossoms are in bloom. Boating from Asakusa to Hinode Pier also reveals views of twelve unique bridges on the way.
Ask your travel agent about Tokyo Cruise Ship Company or visit them on the web to learn more.
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