A Yakata-bune Cruise to Odaiba

Even though it is already September, the heat shows no sign of letting up.

The other day, I boarded a yakata-bune, a traditional Japanese pleasure boat, for a gathering.

It was an exceptionally hot day, but a breeze swept across the surface of the Sumida River at dusk, making for a pleasant departure.

The route departed from Ryogoku, traveled down the Sumida River, and headed to Odaiba.

On board, we enjoyed a Japanese course meal centered on freshly fried tempura.

In the cheerful company of senior colleagues, the journey to Odaiba passed in the blink of an eye.

We dropped anchor near Joypolis and spent some time enjoying Odaiba’s night view from the boat.

Tokyo seems all the more dazzling when viewed from the sea.

I had a lively conversation with a senior of my generation about how, back in our student days, we would often come to Odaiba—then an overgrown wilderness—with no particular destination in mind.

Before long, it was time to head back.

The cool late-summer yakata-bune glided back along the same route we had taken on the way out.