Tokyo Water Taxi: Explore Tokyo from the Water
Discover the City by Water with Tokyo Water Taxi
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When we talk about Tokyo, one of the first things that comes to mind is its extensive network of trains and subways. It’s indeed one of the most effective ways to get around the city. However, it can be very crowded, especially during rush hours.
Do you want to discover Tokyo in an original and fun way? How about a water taxi? In this article, we will introduce you to Tokyo Water Taxi, a unique service that will allow you to visit Asakusa and the Skytree area in a unique way. Explore part of Tokyo on water and discover incredible views you will not see anywhere else.
If you need a general overview of the Asakusa area, check out our All-in-One Guide to Asakusa!
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
Tokyo Water Taxi
Until recently, the only options for sailing the rivers of Tokyo and reaching its bay were traditional yakatabune boats offering Japanese dining experiences or futuristic and modern cruises with unique designs. However, both options require sharing the journey with other travelers, and passengers do not have the freedom to choose their own route.
Tokyo Water Taxi is a unique experience, which allows you to book a small boat privately to enjoy with your family, friends, or partner (with a maximum of 8 people). You can choose the time you want to ride and the route, since it is a chartered one, so you can enjoy the time only with the people you want. If you don’t know which route to choose, they have some suggestions available with the best spots if you ask them.
In addition, the boats come equipped with a small portable speaker so you can play whatever music you want from your smartphone, so you can relax and unwind as if you were in the comfort of your own room.
▶︎Book now your Tokyo Water Taxi experience!
My Experience with Tokyo Water Taxi
I recently had the opportunity to enjoy a Tokyo Water Taxi ride with my friends, and I must say that after more than 7 years in Tokyo, I thought there were few activities left that could surprise me, but this one did.
The Tokyo Water Taxi boats are relatively small but offer a cozy experience with all the necessary amenities. Inside, you’ll find a small table accompanied by three armchairs, perfect for enjoying food or drinks during your ride. The boat also features a mini bathroom and a designated area for the pilot. At the back, there is a small open-air section where you can take in the beautiful scenery.
We left from near Shinagawa and headed for Asakusa and the Skytree. Although it was winter, it was a sunny day, so we spent most of the time outside, as the weather was very pleasant.
As we cruised along the river, there was also a part of the trip where a lot of seagulls suddenly appeared, and we were able to feed them! They accompanied us for a while and then went on their way.
And so, enjoying the scenery, the sun, and a pleasant breeze, we reached the Asakusa area and were able to see the Skytree and the famous Asahi office building. After some photos around the area, we turned around, and on the way back, we went to a small corner where the traditional yakatabune boats rest during the day before starting their night activity.
We headed to Tokyo Bay while we could still enjoy the last rays of sunshine. At this point, it started to get colder, and as we changed from the river to the open sea, we decided to take shelter inside and have a drink and something to eat while we looked out of the windows and enjoyed the comfortable sea winds. All around u,s there were huge cargo ships, which made our ship look even smaller. In the background, we could see the beautiful city of Tokyo, illuminated at nightfall, including the Tokyo Skytree in the background.
At the end of our tour, we ended up in Tokyo Bay in front of Odaiba, with an amazing view of the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo Tower. Despite the cold, we could not help but go outside to enjoy the scenery.
The photos are beautiful, but I promise you that seeing those views in person is even more incredible!
Overall
Both for work and personal leisure, I have had the opportunity to try on more than one occasion to dine at Yakatabune, or go by cruise from Asakusa to Odaiba. I have thoroughly enjoyed both experiences, but Tokyo Water Taxi has to date been my favorite!
The fact that it’s a private rental, which you can enjoy alone with your friends, gives you much more freedom, and you are much more relaxed. It allows you to have fun at your own pace and do silly things with your friends that you might not do in public because of embarrassment.
Also, the Tokyo Water Taxi staff was super nice and friendly at all times, and by the end, you felt like you were part of the group!
Although it may seem expensive at first, if you share between 6-8 people, the price is very similar to the cost of an individual ticket for a yakatabune or futuristic boat.
Prices and How to Book Tokyo Water Taxi?
There are different options to enjoy the Tokyo Water Taxi. Choose between departing from Skytree and arriving at Shinagawa or departing from Shinagawa and arriving at Skytree. When time is limited, opt for the Direct cruise. Alternatively, optional routes such as the Bay Zone cruise, which offers views of Odaiba, large ships, and cranes, or the Heritage Zone cruise, which explores the waterfront’s history, are also available.
▶︎Book now your Tokyo Water Taxi experience!
Some of the Tokyo Water Taxi staff can speak some English, and as I said, they are very friendly, so I encourage you to write to them with any questions you have, and they will surely help you find the option that best suits you. But, to give you an idea, here are the basic rates:
THE TAXI Basic Ride
Booking: https://water-taxi.tokyo/taxi-tours/
Direct cruise: 55 minutes/28,000 yen.
Bay zone cruise: 120 minutes/44,000 yen.
Heritage zone cruise: 90 minutes/ 36,000 yen.
*Night charge will be added after 17:00.
What do you think? Want to visit Tokyo from the water for a few hours? For more interesting activities to do in Tokyo and transportation tips, check these articles too!
Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover.
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and dramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you. Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.
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