Hamarikyu Pier (Tokyo Water Bus) - Image 1
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Hamarikyu Pier Tokyo

4
·181 reviews·Chuo City, Japan

A serene garden oasis and a bustling pier, offering tranquil strolls and scenic water bus journeys through Tokyo.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium
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Hamarikyu Pier (Tokyo Water Bus) - Image 1

Hamarikyu Pier Tokyo

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene garden oasis and a bustling pier, offering tranquil strolls and scenic water bus journeys through Tokyo.

4
(181 reviews)

"Best ¥740 I've spent in a while! Cruise from the Fish Market to Asakusa. The trip is about 50 minutes and really lovely!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance

Purchase garden entry and water bus tickets online to save time. Vending machines are available but can have queues.

📸 Capture City Views

The water bus offers fantastic photo opportunities of Tokyo's skyline. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sumida River Cruise

Sumida River Cruise

Hamarikyu Pier

See Tokyo from the water on a scenic cruise, offering unique city perspectives.

Hamarikyu Gardens

Hamarikyu Gardens

Adjacent to the pier

A beautiful Edo-period garden with a tidal pond and teahouse, perfect for a stroll.

Asakusa Route

Asakusa Route

Water Bus

A popular 50-minute water bus journey offering lovely views and a direct route to Asakusa.

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Planning Your Visit

Garden Entry & Water Bus Tickets

You'll need separate tickets for Hamarikyu Gardens and the water bus. Vending machines are available on-site for convenience, but booking water bus tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for popular routes like Asakusa.

Pier Location Nuances

Hamarikyu Pier is a drop-off point for some boats from Asakusa. To take a boat TO Asakusa, head to the 'WATERS Takeshiba' pier outside the gardens. Confirm your boarding point to avoid confusion.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

豊洲の新しい顔✨ 晴海橋梁🌉 Former Harumi Railway Bridge 📍東京都中央区晴海2丁目 Harumi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo #東京 #豊洲 #tokyotravel #toyosu #fyp
@tokyowalker_yutan
4.7K likes • 71.1K views

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance

Purchase garden entry and water bus tickets online to save time. Vending machines are available but can have queues. Reddit

📸 Capture City Views

The water bus offers fantastic photo opportunities of Tokyo's skyline. Sit back and enjoy the ride! Instagram+1

Chopin: Scherzo No. 1 B minor, Op. 20 Masaya Kamei (piano) Hamarikyu Asahi Salon, 2022 #piano #pianist #chopin #fredericchopin #classicalmusic #japan #poland
@joaquinamayapiano
2.6K likes • 43.8K views
#art_of_japan_ #park #water #pier #green #naturephotography #japan #culture #japan_daytime_view #hamarikyu #buddhim #instagramjapan #ig_japan #japan_of_insta #hiphopculture #jdmcarculture #tokyo #tokyodisneyland #icu_japan #japanese #japantrip #vacation #lensculturestreets #trip #wildernessculture #lake #madeinjapan
riccardoromano981
86 likes • 708 views

🚶‍♀️ Garden Stroll

Allow time to explore Hamarikyu Gardens after your boat trip; it's a peaceful oasis. Reddit

🗺️ Check Pier Directions

Ensure you're at the correct pier for your intended water bus route, as some are drop-off only. Reddit

#art_of_japan_ #park #water #pier #green #naturephotography #japan #culture #japan_daytime_view #hamarikyu #buddhim #instagramjapan #ig_japan #japan_of_insta #hiphopculture #jdmcarculture #tokyo #tokyodisneyland #icu_japan #japanese #japantrip #vacation #lensculturestreets #trip #wildernessculture #lake #madeinjapan
riccardoromano981
125 likes • 525 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance

Purchase garden entry and water bus tickets online to save time. Vending machines are available but can have queues. Reddit

📸 Capture City Views

The water bus offers fantastic photo opportunities of Tokyo's skyline. Sit back and enjoy the ride! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Garden Stroll

Allow time to explore Hamarikyu Gardens after your boat trip; it's a peaceful oasis. Reddit

🗺️ Check Pier Directions

Ensure you're at the correct pier for your intended water bus route, as some are drop-off only. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(181 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Hamarikyu Pier a convenient gateway to both the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens and scenic water bus tours. The garden offers a peaceful retreat, while the boat trips provide unique city views, especially the popular route to Asakusa. Some confusion exists regarding pier access for boarding vs. disembarking.

"Use this pier/ ferry terminal to explore Tokyo by boat. Cruising along the Sumidagawa (Sumida River) allows you to view Tokyo from a different perspective.
* You'll need to purchase two sets of tickets: Garden entrance fee and Water Bus fee. There is a vending machine on site, so you don't need to stress about purchasing tickets prior to your visit.

(+) I recommend the route to Asakusa. Great for a full day of sightseeing.
(+) The boat has plenty of seating and great for pictures.

* Consult the time of sundown if you want pre-sunset/ sunset pictures on the water."

C Murasaki

"This is the correct Hamarikyu Gardens pier location for the Suijo Bus ferry and you can book tickets on their website (in English). The ferry from Asakusa to Hinode Pier stops here (but not on the way back I think so check). Tickets to this stop will add extra for the price of admission to the gardens. Well worth it though, so you can stroll across them and head for Ginza."

V C

"Be aware: This is ONLY a drop of point for some boats FROM Asakusa.

If you want to take a boat TO Asakusa, go to the pier 'WATERS Takeshiba ウォーターズ竹芝前' outside of the park at the other side."

Dreh stoff

What People Like

Scenic water bus rides
Beautiful garden oasis
Unique city perspective

What People Dislike

Confusing pier directions
Separate ticket purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hamarikyu Pier is accessible via the JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi Station, followed by a short walk. It's also a stop for some water buses. Reddit

The pier is located within the Hamarikyu Gardens. Follow signs for the gardens and then for the pier. Reddit

Yes, taxis can drop you off near the entrance of Hamarikyu Gardens, from where you can walk to the pier. Reddit

Take the JR Yamanote Line directly to Shimbashi Station, then it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the gardens and pier. Reddit

Yes, Shimbashi Station is served by multiple subway lines, including the Ginza, Asakusa, and Toei Mita lines, making it a convenient hub. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an admission fee for Hamarikyu Gardens. Tickets can be purchased at the garden entrance or via vending machines. Reddit

Water bus fares vary depending on the destination. A popular route to Asakusa costs around ¥740. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase water bus tickets at the pier, but booking online in advance is recommended to avoid queues. Reddit

While not always a direct combo ticket, purchasing both tickets at the pier or online is straightforward. The water bus ticket price may include a small discount on garden entry. Reddit

Hamarikyu Gardens typically opens at 9 AM and closes around 5 PM. Water bus schedules vary, so check the official Suijo Bus website for exact times. Reddit

🎫 🚢 On the Water Bus

The route to Asakusa is highly recommended for its scenic views and duration of about 50 minutes. Reddit

Hamarikyu Pier serves as a drop-off point for some boats coming from Asakusa. To board a boat to Asakusa, you'll need to go to the WATERS Takeshiba pier. Reddit

Crowds can vary, but weekdays and off-peak hours generally offer a less crowded experience. The boats have ample seating. Reddit

The open decks offer unobstructed views. Try to capture the Tokyo skyline, Rainbow Bridge, and passing landmarks. Instagram+1

The journey from Hamarikyu Pier (or nearby) to Asakusa typically takes around 50 minutes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Late afternoon, especially around sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the pier and surrounding cityscape. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The water bus provides unique angles of Tokyo's skyscrapers, bridges, and waterfront. Instagram+1

A standard zoom lens is versatile. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive cityscapes and a telephoto for distant details. Instagram

Yes, photography is permitted within Hamarikyu Gardens. Capture the traditional Japanese landscape and the teahouse. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive behavior. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hamarikyu Pier and Gardens offer a pleasant outing for families. The gardens provide open spaces for children to explore, and the teahouse offers a unique cultural experience. The water bus ride itself is often a hit with kids, offering exciting views of the city and bridges. Reddit

Consider the Asakusa route for a longer, more engaging boat trip. Pack snacks and drinks, as options on the boat can be limited. Ensure you have a stroller-friendly plan for the gardens, though some areas might be more challenging. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Hamarikyu Pier and the surrounding gardens are a photographer's dream. The contrast between the traditional Japanese garden and the modern Tokyo skyline is striking. Golden hour before sunset provides the most dramatic lighting for capturing the pier, the garden's pond, and the cityscapes. Instagram+1

During the water bus journey, keep your camera ready for panoramic city views, iconic bridges, and the unique perspective of Tokyo from the water. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the expansive scenery, while a telephoto can be useful for details on distant buildings. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Explorers

For those seeking a relaxed pace, Hamarikyu Gardens offers a tranquil escape. Spend a couple of hours wandering through its beautiful landscapes, enjoying the teahouse, and then take a leisurely water bus ride to your next destination. Reddit

Opt for a shorter water bus route if you prefer less time on the boat, or simply enjoy the journey without a specific destination in mind. The gentle movement of the boat and the changing scenery make for a calming experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Hamarikyu Gardens

Hamarikyu Gardens is a stunning example of a traditional Japanese landscape garden, dating back to the Edo period. It was once a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and later a imperial detached palace. The garden's most striking feature is its tidal pond, which changes water level with the Tokyo Bay tide. You can enjoy a cup of matcha at the Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse, located on an island in the pond, offering a serene spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

The garden also boasts a reconstructed duck hunting ground and a small forest of plum and cherry trees, which are beautiful in spring. Walking through the meticulously maintained grounds provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It's a place where you can truly appreciate Japanese aesthetics and horticultural artistry. Reddit

Pro-tip: Combine your garden visit with a water bus ride for a comprehensive experience. The pier is conveniently located within the gardens, making it easy to transition from a tranquil stroll to a scenic river cruise. Reddit

The Sumida River Water Bus Experience

The water bus, or Suijo Bus, offers a unique and enjoyable way to see Tokyo from a different vantage point. Cruising along the Sumida River, you'll pass under numerous bridges, each with its own character, and get glimpses of the city's modern architecture juxtaposed with historical sites. It's a relaxing journey that provides excellent photo opportunities of the Tokyo skyline, including landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree and the Tokyo Tower. Instagram+1

Popular routes include the journey from Hamarikyu Pier to Asakusa, which takes about 50 minutes and is highly recommended for its scenic value and the chance to explore the historic Asakusa district afterward. Reddit Another option is the route from Hamarikyu to Odaiba, offering views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay. The boats are generally spacious with plenty of seating, and many have open decks for unobstructed views and photography. Reddit

Important Note: Be aware of the pier's specific function. Hamarikyu Pier is primarily a drop-off point for boats coming from Asakusa. If you intend to travel to Asakusa, you'll need to board at the nearby WATERS Takeshiba pier. Always confirm your boarding location to avoid missing your intended journey. Reddit

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