Peak Times

Popular times for the cruises correlate with

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Japanese seasonal pastimes. Especially in late March and early April, visitors can experience hanami (cherry blossom viewing) from the boat, which allows for a rare, up-close look at the cherry blossom trees along the river.

In summer, locals and tourists alike enjoy hanabi taikai (fireworks festivals) from the view on the water. Some of the most popular fireworks viewing courses are for the Sumida River fireworks festival and the Edogawa fireworks festival in eastern Tokyo.

Beware that reservations fill up quickly, and it can often be more pricey — two to three times the regular price. However, the view of the fireworks and cherry blossoms from a yakatabune make for memorable photos.