A cruise along the Sumida River seemed like an easy way to see more of Tokyo. I boarded a ferry at Asakura Pier and glided beneath countless bridges. While the trip was relaxing, there wasn’t much that drew my attention until we reached Hama Rikyu Garden.

I decided to disembark at this point, but because I’d purchased a ticket all the way to Odaiba Island, I wasn’t allowed to leave the boat at the gardens. This was disappointing because the rest of the journey was as uninspiring as what I’d already seen (unless you’re a bridge or highrise fan). The royal gardens looked like the only point that was worth a closer look.