Tokyo is a city with a lot of skyscrapers, but it is also a city with many rivers. In the Edo period (1603-1867), rivers and waterways were developed in Edo (Tokyo at present) by Tokugawa Ieyasu and used as a means of transporting people and goods. Warehouses, wholesale stores, and markets were built around the riverbanks, while streets were adorned with stores and restaurants catering to the bustling workforce in the area. Edo flourished mainly around the waterway areas and became a bustling and lively town. Today, cruise ships operate on the Sumida, Kanda, and Nihonbashi Rivers, making it easy for tourists to enjoy sightseeing on the water. This year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has also created a commuting route on the river for workers. Passengers can enjoy a night view of Tokyo on their way home.
Tokyo’s rivers have long been an integral part of its residents up until this day.