Water Bus Japan

February 3, 2008

The sunset on Sumidagawa River, Tokyo Waterfront.


In retrospect, the word "bus" should have implied some tourist- and children-friendly speed. But for some reason, when I saw the photo of the Water Bus, I thought it would be something like a hover craft ride, or even a hybrid vehicle that could submerge. However, the futuristic capsule was designed by a famous cartoonist, not a marine transport expert. Although it featured ever-changing disco lights that lined the floors and walls, and a friendly cafe-like atmosphere, it traveled over the water at an uninspiring boat speed.

From Hinode Pier, we sailed to Odaiba Seaside Park. Instead of exploring the wonderland, which featured at least a ferris wheel and a statue of liberty replica, we rushed onto the Water Bus for an up-river cruise to Asakusa (sort of pronounced ah-sock-sah). About forty minutes into the trip, we had to laugh. None of us had any true desire to go to Asakusa - we just wanted to go to dinner, which was at least forty minutes in the other direction. Somehow I had tricked everyone into following me on this too-slow torpedo-shaped bus up an hour-long river.

Of course, being on the water bus itself was neat, and seeing the city from the water was a treat. The ride was interesting because we passed underneath thirteen distinct bridges, whose architecture would have been interesting to hear about (but the brief announcements, if they were even tour guide hints, were in Japanese).



Arriving in Asakusa, we met a rickshaw driver, walked through a very busy shopping street, passed under Kaminarimon Gate to Sensoji Temple (the oldest temple in Tokyo?). This beautiful sight really made the trip. The giant lanterns have engravings underneath (the lotus flower, right), and the center walkways on the gates are flanked with sculptures of intimidating guardian sculptures. At the temple, I donated a 100 yen, and tied a prayer paper onto the lines outside the shrine.


It was a hard-earned dinner we ate tonight - lots of traveling during the day, buying souvenirs and postcards, and even eating red-bean pastries. We treated ourselves to Outback Steakhouse in Roppongi - half of mine is in the fridge. The portions were invincible. We sang "Happy Birthday" to two fellow diners, and I listened to American men curse and rant about American football while we four talked about dating, cooking, and over-protective fathers. Hoping for a good day in Harajuku tomorrow.

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