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3 Types of Space Ships in the Sumida River

A floating bus like a spaceship runs through the Sumida River and connects Asakusa to Odaiba (operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Tourist Steamship). Silver metallic streamlined hulls were designed by Reiji Matsumoto, the author of Galactic Railway 999 and Space Pirate Captain Hurlock, and there are three types.

Himiko (Himiko)

Himiko (HIMIKO) 3 Types of Space Ships in the Sumida River

Launched in 2004. Number of passengers: About 80 people. Total length: 30.5m, full width: 8m, total tonnage: 114 tons.

"Himiko" is the first in the series. According to the website of Tokyo Kanko Kisen, it was designed as a "ship that children want to ride" based on the image concept of "tiar drop (tear drop)". Unlike the other two types, there is no roof deck. As a result, it gives you a more spacecraft impression. Himiko received the Good Design Award 2004 (Product Design Division - Public Equipment / Public Transportation Equipment / Public Transportation Equipment / Equipment).

Hotaluna (Hotaluna)

HOTALUNA 3 Types of Space Ships in the Sumida River

Launched in 2012. Number of passengers: About 120 people. Total length 40m, total width 9m, total tonnage: 167 tons.

The second series "Scallona" is the largest of the three types, characterized by a large deck on the roof of the hull, allowing you to enjoy the scenery outside the ship. According to the website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Kanko Kisen, the ship name "Scallona" is "Firefly and Luna (the goddess of the moon / Luna), and the thought of "Fireflies that emit mysterious glow on the night when the moon shines dance the Sumida River." It seems to be. In addition, some of the "Ohanamifune" scheduled for Saturday, March 19 to April 6 (Wed), 2022, will be operated by "Scallona".

Emeraldas (EMERALDAS)

EMERALDAS 3 Types of Space Ships in the Sumida River

Launched in 2018. Number of passengers: About 100 people. Total length: 34.5m, full width: 8.4m, total tonnage: 132 tons.

The latest ship "Emeraldas" is the third in the series. The size is between "Himiko" and "Scallona", and features a rooftop deck that seems to have been designed with an arrow motif. In addition to "Emeraldas" on the hull, the same name "QUEEN EMERALDAS" as the spacecraft of the space pirate Emeraldas, is written, and I feel the strong feelings of Reiji Matsumoto.

This year (2022) has entered March and spring has begun. It may be exciting to cruise on the Sumida River of Urara in spring, as if you were on a space ship.

※All photos in this blog post are taken from Chuo-ohashi Bridge.