A Himiko boat at Odaiba Seaside Park. Courtesy: japan-guide.com
Tokyo’s waterways are being revitalised ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games.
With Tokyo Bay established in recent years as a tourist destination, attention has now shifted to improving transportation and leisure offerings on the river.
For instance, government-owned docks meant for emergencies are being opened for use by ferry services. Earlier in June, Taito ward opened one near Asakusa’s Senso-ji temple so that tourists can travel there by boat from Haneda Airport.
Currently, Japan’s first waterway transport company, Tokyo Water Taxi, which had been in operations since November 2015, says the company operates from 25 docks city-wide with more being opened, according to spokesperson Yuha Inoue.
The company plans to expand its routes by 2020 to include lesser-known destinations.
Meanwhile, authorities have been testing the feasibility of water routes between Haneda and tourism hot spots such as Akihabara and Yokohama.
Carl Kay, president of tour provider Tokyo Way, believes the waterways are a huge natural draw for tourists. “Deregulation needs to speed up but we remain hopeful, and we bring guests to the Tennozu Isle area whenever it fits their interests and schedules,” he said.
Earlier this year, restaurants were also opened on dry riverbeds in Tokyo and companies tested out cruises on the canal network.
According to Emi Izawa, representative of private tour operator Travelience, these efforts are likely to be popular given the success of other existing river and bay cruises in Japan.
