Tokyo’s public transportation system is legendary. And quite rightly so too. I live minutes away from a monorail. The city’s train network is positively mindboggling, not to mention punctual. And then there’s the super fast and smooth shinkansen. Heck, even bus drivers are polite and wear nice hats.
Yet as convenient as all of the above are, in regards relaxation, none of them can compete with the old-worldly and wonderfully tranquil nature of Yagiri-no-watashi in Shibamata — Tokyo’s only man-powered ferry boat.
For a mere 100 yen one can have the pleasure of silently crossing the Edo River, then alighting in Chiba Prefecture on the other side.
Unfortunately it quickly becomes apparent that there’s absolutely nothing there except field after field of negi, although in some respects that’s a bonus, as it means the only option is to hop on board again and enjoy the ride back. And as it really is so peaceful.
That’s pretty much perfect.
Don says
That makes the list of things I’d like to do if I ever manage to get to Japan!
Lee says
Combined with Shibamata, it’s definitely a nice day out.
Marc Tobolski says
You can actually see one of the ferries crossing in Google Maps! Outstanding! Thanbks for the tip. Definitely worth a visit.
Lee says
No way, didn’t realise that.
Not at all. Just hope you enjoy it as much as I did when you go there.
JCDU says
I want to see me some negi 🙂
Must’ve been quite the peaceful experience!
Lee says
There’s certainly plentry of it to see!
winnie says
Oh…it is so cool!!!
Beautiful pictures.
Do they have this on this cold season too?
I want to board this ferry boat with my daughter 🙂
Lee says
Thanks Winnie.
Yes, they do. From December onwards it still runs by all accounts, but only at the weekends and national holidays. So you can still go and enjoy it.
winnie says
Thank you, Lee 🙂
Gijs says
Can someone give the Googlemaps link to this location? Like to do this when I’m in Japan again!
Lee says
Here you go. You can even see the boat: http://bit.ly/sJjw4h
Gijs says
Tnx!