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3 types of spaceships in the Sumida River

A water bus like a spaceship passes through the Sumida River and connects Asakusa to Odaiba (operated by Tokyo Tourism Kisen). There are three types of silver metallic streamlined hulls designed by Reiji Matsumoto, author of "Galaxy Railroad 999" and "Space Pirate Captain Harlock".

Himiko (HIMIKO)

Himiko (HIMIKO) 3 types of spaceships in the Sumida River

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

"Himiko" is the first in the series. According to the website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Kisen, it was designed as a "ship that children want to ride" based on the image concept of "teardrop". Unlike the other two types, there is no rooftop deck. As a result, it can be used as a spacecraft. Himiko received the Good Design Award 2004 (Product Design Category: Public Equipment / Equipment / Public Transportation Equipment / Equipment)

Hotaluna (HOTALUNA)

Hotaluna (HOTALUNA) Three types of spaceships 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 installment of the series, "Hotaluna," is the largest of the three types, characterized by a large deck on the roof of the hull, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery outside the ship. According to the website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Kisen, the ship name "Hotaluna" is "Firefly and Luna (the goddess of the moon / LUNA)" and the idea is that "Fireflies shining mysteriously on the night when the moon shines dance on the Sumida River" It seems to be. In addition, part of the "Hanamiboat" scheduled from Saturday, March 19 to April 6 (Wed), 2022 will be operated by "Hotaluna".

Emeraldas (EMERALDAS)

Emeraldas (EMERALDAS) Three types of spaceships in the Sumida River

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

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

This year (2022) has entered March, and it has come to spring. It may be exciting to cruising on the Sumida River in Urara in spring, as if you were on a spacecraft.

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