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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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