Seasons by the Water

Main content starts here.

Updated: February 28, 2019

Cherry blossoms! Fireworks! Feel Tokyo’s four seasons!

Explore the city’s streets and natural scenery—the charms of Tokyo are the charms of the four seasons: fireworks in summer, the changing foliage in fall, the nighttime views of winter, and cherry blossoms in the spring. Each scene is unique to its season, each view all the lovelier when seen by boat.

Tips

One thousand cherry trees blooming on the banks of the Sumida river
Watching fireworks from the water buses and yakatabune
See how autumn leaves color the waterfront auburn and carmine
Lightshows and wintry nighttime views from the water

A thousand cherry trees bloom by the water

Between April and March in Tokyo the cherry blossoms reach their peak, and some thousand trees come into bloom on the city's many river banks. Enjoy not only the illuminated blossoms in full bloom at night, but also the blanket of petals which covers the surface of the water when you take the water bus. Of particular interest are the many blossom festivals on the Sumida river, and the blossoms on Meguro river and around Chidorigafuchi.
Meguro River
Sakura Blossom Guide

Firework festivals as seen by boat

In summer, the banks and riverbed are host to various festivals and firework competitions. Feel the beauty and force of each firework as you watch from the deck of a water bus or yakatabune. The soft light of yakatabune lanterns and bright splashes of the fireworks reflecting off the water is a classic image of summertime in Tokyo.
Fireworks Guide
Riverside Walks

Bright autumn at the waterfront

Autumn’s approach can be felt in the trees, now dotted with color beneath a clear sky. From the end of November to the beginning of December, the trees in waterfront spots like Sumida Park and Hamarikyu Park burn with orange and read leaves. Ride among the fiery leaves as you experience an autumn like no other.
Autumn Leaves

Winter scenes at night compound the natural beauty

Winter is the season for evening scenery. See all the city sparkling and reflecting of the water like crystal towers under a starry sky. The bridge over the Sumida river, Tokyo Skytree, the illuminated Tokyo Tower and the light shows of Tokyo Bay—it is a joy to take in these views in a single sweep as you cruise the nighttime waters.
Winter Illumination Guide