“船ふねを通勤つうきんに” 東京とうきょう 五反田ごたんだ～天王てんのう洲しゅうアイル航路こうろ あす運航うんこう開始かいし

As Tokyo Metropolitan Government encourages the use of boats for commuting and other daily transportation, a new regular ferry service connecting Gotanda and Tennozu Isle will begin operating from the 14th.

Tokyo provides subsidies to companies operating regular ferry services that can be used for commuting, as part of efforts to enliven waterfront areas by utilizing waterways.

This time, the newly launched service is a route of about 4 kilometers round trip between Gotanda in Shinagawa Ward and Tennozu Isle. On the 13th, before the official start of operations, a trial ride was held for ward officials and members of the press.

The boat operates along the Tennozu Canal and the Meguro River for about 30 minutes.

It takes about 10 minutes longer than traveling by train and on foot, but the appeal is that you can enjoy the scenery as you travel.

This ship operates seven times between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, with a capacity of 44 people. The one-way fare for adults is 900 yen.

You can make a reservation in advance, but if there are available spots, you can also board on the same day.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Promotes the Use of Boats for Commuting, etc. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is promoting the use of boats for commuting and other purposes as one way to avoid crowded trains and congestion in the city.

Subsidies have also been provided to businesses, and as a result, services have been operating on the route connecting Nihonbashi in Chuo Ward and Toyosu in Koto Ward since October the year before last, and on the route connecting Harumi in Chuo Ward and Hinode in Minato Ward since last May.

The route between Nihonbashi and Toyosu operates from Tuesday to Friday in the evening to nighttime, while the route between Harumi and Hinode operates two to three times a week on weekday mornings, although the operating days vary depending on the month.

All of them allow you to travel in a shorter time than by train, and the adult fare is 500 yen one way.

According to the metropolitan government, there is a certain level of demand for these routes as a means of transportation for shopping and other activities. However, they would like to promote them further so that they become more established as a commuting option as well.

The city official said, Since boats can avoid crowds and traffic jams and allow for comfortable transportation, we want to expand their use not only for tourism but also as a daily means of transportation, thereby revitalizing the waterfront areas.

I hope people will feel the charm of a boat that can be used in a very relaxed and pleasant way, he said.