Riding the Tokyo Water Bus
So where were we? Oh right, Judy and I had just gotten on the Tokyo Water Bus at the Hama Rikyu Garden stop. We decided we would take the Sumida River Line to Asakusa, then get off and walk to the Sensoji Temple.
Here’s a map of the various water bus routes. The Sumida River Line is in gold. You can see the Hama Rikyu stop at the lower left, and Asakusa is at the upper left.
Here’s the view from the river as we leave Hama Rikyu. Remember that it was a mostly rainy day.
The park seen from the river was quite attractive. On a drier day it would be nice to sit on those benches.
This was an interesting building. Is there a name for this technique of making the outer part of a building appear as if it were partially torn away?
Another river view.
And an unusual bridge. The rain started coming down much harder while we were on the river, and Judy struggled to take photographs through the raindrop-streaked window.
Another bridge.
These two look like they are having a heart-to-heart. Wonder what they are talking about.
Judy and I were completely puzzled by that pointy gold thing attached to the above building. What is it supposed to be – a giant carrot or radish? Turns out the building is owned by Asahi Beer. Maybe the gold thing is supposed to represent horizontally flowing beer, I don’t know.
After a little more than half an hour, we reached the Asakusa stop and got back onto land.
The stop was extremely clean (like almost everything else in Japan) and nicely landscaped.
Once disembarked, we wandered off to find Sensoji Temple. However, that will have to wait for another post.
That’s all for now.
gardeninacity 
That building looks like Godzilla tore part of the exterior away. . . or it looks like its lapels are folded back . . . maybe someone just left it unzipped. That is what people say about the Devon Tower in Oklahoma City.
I’ve never seen the Devon Tower. If its zipper is down someone should discretely let it know.
Oh my!
Looking forward to the post on Sensoji Temple.
Working on it!
Nice to see some colour at your Asakusa stop … What a pity to get the rain, nothing spoils sight-seeing more..
It wasn’t too bad. At least it wasn’t so hot like the last time we were in Japan.
I am sure the Japanese have one word for the torn-away building. They are masters at that sort of thing. Love it!
What interesting architecture. I, of course, had to find out about that gold thing – it’s the Asahi Flame and is supposed to represent the burning heat of the beer as well as it’s frothy head. Don’t really understand that, but then again I’m not one for modern sculpture.
That’s weird. I mean, they don’t drink their beer hot. And it didn’t look frothy at all.
Yes, that’s right. It’s a flame..Most people don’t “get” the reasoning…but it’s become a Tokyo landmark. The gold and silver building next to it is also part of Asahi Beer HQ…that building’s design is meant to look like a glass of beer (golden) with a “head” (silver).
Not a bad way to travel, sightseeing and transport all rolled into one!
Exactly.
Interesting way to get around. You see the city from a different view point.
Yes. The river tour of Chicago by the Chicago Architecture Foundation is also excellent.
Tokyo doesn’t look that much different than an American city. Cleaner maybe.
Much, much cleaner.
Oh, you had a wonderful trip didn’t you? It’s such a joy to read about and see pictures of the highlights! Thanks.
You’re welcome.
Interesting travel, Jason. Despite rainy weather Judy’s photos are nice, I’m waiting for your next story about Japan.
Beautiful images. They really capture the moody weather but also are lovely in and of themselves.
How fun, though too bad it was raining for your trip. Such interesting architecture there!
Definitely.
That certainly is an interesting skyscraper! I am enjoying your adventure.xxx