For travelers in Tokyo looking to enjoy both spectacular views and gourmet meals, a Tokyo Bay cruise offers a unique experience.
Departing from Hinode Pier, these cruises cover a grand route including the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Gate Bridge, the waters near Tokyo Disney Resort, and the vicinity of Haneda Airport. Passengers can also enjoy authentic course meals aboard the ship.
This guide focuses on the routes and dining options across three time-slot plans: Afternoon, Sunset, and Dinner.
Unlike traditional Japanese-style “Yakatabune” boats, which emphasize a traditional atmosphere, these cruises use Western-style large ships where passengers can enjoy refined French or Italian cuisine. This is ideal for those seeking a more sophisticated cruise experience.
Departure and Arrival: Hinode Pier (Sea Line Tokyo, Hinode Terminal) Address: 2-7-104 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0022, Japan
Nearest Stations:
1-minute walk from Hinode Station (Yurikamome Line, 3 stops from Shimbashi Station)
12-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station (JR Yamanote Line South Exit)
15-minute walk from Daimon Station (Toei Oedo Line)
The location provides easy access from Shimbashi and Hamamatsucho, making it convenient to include in Tokyo sightseeing schedules.
☀️Afternoon Cruise (Approx. 50 minutes)
Route Highlights: After departing from Hinode Pier, passengers can enjoy open views of Tokyo Bay. The ship slowly approaches the Rainbow Bridge, passing directly underneath – a highlight that cannot be experienced from land. The massive bridge structure overhead offers a unique perspective.
The cruise continues toward Odaiba Seaside Park and the Shinagawa/Oi Pier area, passing container terminals and warehouses that showcase Tokyo’s industrial port side.
Although the cruise is only about 50 minutes, it condenses iconic Tokyo Bay scenery into a short yet memorable journey.
Dining (Light Sets): Afternoon cruises feature elegant tea-time style light meals, not full course dining.
Cake Set: Seasonal cakes paired with a drink. Options may include sponge cakes or mousse, depending on the season.
Croissant Set: Freshly baked buttery croissants served with a drink.
Coffee Set: Simple set featuring hot coffee.
These options are perfect for travelers who want a short, relaxing experience between sightseeing.
🌇 Sunset Cruise (Approx. 2 hours)
Route (Same as Dinner Cruise): Sunset and Dinner cruises follow the same scenic route:
Depart Hinode Pier
Pass under Rainbow Bridge
Cruise through Odaiba and Shinagawa Pier areas
Pass Oi Pier and approach Tokyo Gate Bridge
Pass offshore near Tokyo Disney Resort
View Tokyo cityscape from the Central Breakwater
Cruise near Haneda Airport for close-up views of arriving and departing planes
Return toward Rainbow Bridge
Cruise Climax: The highlight occurs when passengers step out onto the deck to view Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree beyond the Rainbow Bridge. The sky transitions from sunset to night, the bridge lights up, and the city skyline sparkles – a breathtaking moment best experienced outdoors.
Available Courses for Sunset: (Same menu options as Dinner; all courses may change seasonally or based on ingredient availability.)
Premium Wagyu Beef Course (Window Seat)
Seafood Terrine: Cold seafood mousse appetizer with shrimp and white fish.
Seasonal Vegetable Potage: Smooth soup made from carefully pureed seasonal vegetables.
Seasonal Fish and Seafood Bouillabaisse: Rich, Southern French-style seafood soup.
Premium Domestic Beef Steak: Tender and juicy steak.
Homemade Dessert
Bread and Coffee or Tea
Chef’s Recommendation Course
Pâté de Campagne: French-style country terrine with pork and spices.
Seasonal Potage
Steamed Seasonal Fish: Moist and delicate fish preparation.
Roast Premium Beef
Homemade Dessert
Bread and Coffee or Tea
Italian Course
Rockfish with Salsa Verde: Fresh white fish with herbed sauce.
Puttanesca Pasta: Tomato, olive, and caper pasta with zesty flavor.
Route: Same as Sunset, but focused on night views.
Passengers enjoy the illuminated Rainbow Bridge, glowing Tokyo Tower, and the distant Skytree. The reflections on the calm bay create a completely different, magical atmosphere at night.
Available Courses for Dinner: The Dinner Cruise adds one premium top-tier course in addition to the three Sunset options. All courses may change seasonally or based on ingredient availability.
Symphony Royale Course (Window Seat, Top-tier)
Monthly Appetizer Plate: Vibrant appetizers using seasonal ingredients.
Consommé Soup: Clear soup extracted for rich umami.
Lobster Thermidor: Baked lobster in béchamel sauce, French-style delicacy.
Domestic Beef Fillet and Foie Gras Rossini: Luxurious fillet topped with foie gras.
Today’s Special Dessert
Bread and Coffee or Tea
2–4. Same as Sunset:
Premium Wagyu Beef Course
Chef’s Recommendation Course
Italian Course
After enjoying a refined dinner cruise with skyline views, you may want to continue your evening in one of Tokyo’s most authentic nightlife districts. Explore what to expect in Shinbashi, known for its classic izakaya culture and salaryman atmosphere.
Summary
Afternoon Cruise: Short trip to experience Tokyo Bay quickly.
Sunset Cruise: Enjoy sunset views with authentic course meals.
Dinner Cruise: Indulge in night views with premium courses for a special evening.
Highlight: The view of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree beyond Rainbow Bridge is one of the cruise’s most memorable moments. Stepping onto the deck, feeling the sea breeze, and soaking in these iconic city sights creates lasting memories.
