Like a scene from a movie! Into Tokyo’s neon-glittering night THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
December 25, 2025 PR by The Asahi Shimbun
(Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau grant project)

Tokyo Tower lit up in colorful lights. In the foreground stands the Rainbow Bridge.
Tokyo Tower lit up in colorful lights. In the foreground stands the Rainbow Bridge.

Why not gaze at Tokyo’s night view wrapped in light while feeling the evening breeze? Once it gets dark, board a cruise ship along Tokyo Bay and set off! The colorful neon lights of Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge, the orange glow of Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree® loom before our eyes—offering a chance to savor a side of Tokyo that is completely different from the daytime.

A luxurious cruise ship offering dining: departure into Tokyo Bay at night

On a November evening when the sun had set and the chill had deepened, the destination was Hinode Pier in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, the boarding point. Waiting there was the “Moderna,” the Symphony cruise ship operating in Tokyo Bay. It is a four-deck luxury liner where fine dining can also be enjoyed. The sight of its white hull bathed in light made our hearts race with anticipation.

The Symphony cruise ship “Moderna” waiting to depart in Tokyo Bay
The Symphony cruise ship “Moderna” waiting to depart in Tokyo Bay
Upon boarding the Symphony cruise ship “Moderna,” crew members in uniform greet passengers at the gangway.
Upon boarding the Symphony cruise ship “Moderna,” crew members in uniform greet passengers at the gangway.

From 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the two-and-a-half-hour “Dinner Cruise” offers a plan for adults at 4,400 yen (children 2,200 yen) to enjoy the night view from the deck. There is also an option to sit inside and savor French or Italian cuisine, sushi, and more for an elegant experience—perfect to choose, according to the occasion. Finally, it is departure time. Upon boarding the ship, uniformed crew members greeted passengers at the gangway.

The spectacular Rainbow Bridge; an encounter with “giraffes” at Oi Wharf

The Rainbow Bridge glowing white in the night over Tokyo Bay
The Rainbow Bridge glowing white in the night over Tokyo Bay
The Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay is breathtaking when viewed from directly underneath.
The Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay is breathtaking when viewed from directly underneath.

Now, it is finally time to set sail. The first spectacular spot is the Rainbow Bridge. We usually cross it by car, but the view from directly underneath is grand and overwhelming. The sheer size looming overhead drew involuntary gasps of awe. Beyond the bridge, Tokyo Tower glows, adding a romantic touch. The night wind was cold, but it felt as if stepping into the role of a movie protagonist.

The night view of Oi Wharf in Tokyo Bay, lined with gantry cranes nicknamed “kirin” (giraffes) for their appearance.
The night view of Oi Wharf in Tokyo Bay, lined with gantry cranes nicknamed “kirin” (giraffes) for their appearance.

Past Rainbow Bridge, clusters of red and white gantry cranes shaped like giraffes appeared in the darkness. This is Oi Wharf, one of Tokyo Bay’s main container terminals, where these massive cranes unload cargo from container ships. It is a hidden night-view spot known only “to those in the know.”

Tokyo Skytree®: a landmark coloring the capital

The two-and-a-half-hour night journey reached its midpoint. One of the highlights of the night cruise, Tokyo Skytree®, came into sight. Standing 634 meters tall, it was built as a new landmark following Tokyo Tower and was recognized by Guinness World Records in November 2011 as the “world’s tallest tower” *. On this night, it was brilliantly illuminated with special Christmas lighting. Tokyo sightseeing, the daytime view from its observation deck is also highly recommended.
*Source: Tokyo Skytree® official website
https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/about/spec/

Tokyo Skytree® shines brightly among the lights of the surrounding buildings, as seen from Tokyo Bay.
Tokyo Skytree® shines brightly among the lights of the surrounding buildings, as seen from Tokyo Bay.

As the ship sailed further, the Tokyo Gate Bridge, opened at the end of 2012, loomed ahead. It stretches about 2,600 meters in length. To allow large vessels to pass underneath, triangular steel frames were combined, resulting in a dynamic shape said to resemble two dinosaurs facing each other.

The Tokyo Gate Bridge as seen from the deck of a ship cruising through Tokyo Bay, appearing like two dinosaurs facing each other
The Tokyo Gate Bridge as seen from the deck of a ship cruising through Tokyo Bay, appearing like two dinosaurs facing each other

From there, the cruise offered a stunning panorama of Tokyo’s illuminated skyline. A building at Haneda Airport displayed the word “TOKYO” in glowing lights, appearing as if it were floating in the sky. Thoughts of traveling abroad crossed our minds, and before long, the pier where the journey began was already near. Two and a half hours passed in the blink of an eye. Tokyo’s beautiful night, like a scene from a movie, left a deep impression.

Information

Symphony Cruise
Reservations in English available here.
https://www.symphony-cruise.co.jp/reserve/calendar-english/