Starting from the 1600s, this historical ferry has linked Shibamata in Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward with the shore on the other side in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture.
As there is no timetable, the ferry takes off when a certain number of people board it.
Cross a handmade pier to where the boat is docked and pay the captain. Even if there is no boat, it will soon appear from the other shore, so line up and wait for it.
This hand-rowed boat leaves the noise of the city behind in a relaxing 5-minute cruise.
When hand-rowing is impossible due to weather and river conditions, or when such service is suspended, a riverboat maybe used.
On the Katsushika Ward side, it’s about 5 minutes on foot from Shibamata Taishakuten. This temple served as the setting for the 1969 Japanese movie, “The Otoko wa tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man)”. Located in a popular tourist area, this is a recommended addition to sightseeing plans.