Takeshiba Pier is the gateway to the Izu and Ogasawara Islands, which belong to Tokyo prefecture. The pier was integrated with office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and a waterfront park to form the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal as part of a redevelopment project that began in 1991. The Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal serves as a departure and arrival point for ships, and is also loved by many as an area for strolling, dining, and enjoying the seaside views. In this guide, we will introduce some spots at the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal that will be sure to inspire you to take some photos!

In 1995, upon the opening of the Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Waterfront Line (Yurikamome) and the completion of all zones of the terminal, the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal was adjoined to the Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome Line. A monument modeled after the mast of the sailboat Nippon Maru, which served as a training ship for nearly half a century, stands tall in the central plaza.

The central plaza features a fountain and a Moai statue, making it a great spot for families with children. In the evening, the mast is illuminated, shining in the darkness.

There are two waiting areas: Waiting Area 1 and Waiting Area 2. Waiting Area 1 is spacious and is attached to vendors, cafes, restaurants, and shops selling specialty items from the islands.

At Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal, you can find ferries departing and arriving for destinations such as Miyake Island, Mikura Island, and Hachijo Island operated by Tokai Kisen, as well as ships bound for the Izu Islands (Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, and Kozushima), and Ogasawara Islands operated by Ogasawara Kaiun. Models of these ships are on display in the waiting area.

In Waiting Area 2, there are dolphin sculptures that evoke the sea of the Ogasawara islands. They're sure to make you even more excited for your trip!

Many travelers visit the islands of Tokyo, floating in the emerald blue sea, throughout the year. There are also traditional Japanese-style evening cruise ships that sail around Tokyo Bay during the summer months. They offer yukata rental services and other amenities, attracting large, lively crowds. There are supposedly even couples that met on these evening cruise ships who went on to get married! Around 1 million people utilize the Takeshiba Passenger Terminal every year, including both evening cruises and ferries. While the numbers decreased due to the pandemic, it has since recovered to around 600,000 people in 2022.

The best photo spot at Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal is undoubtedly the wooden promenade deck facing the sea. The deck is divided into three zones: the Central Zone (which has pine trees planted in it), the North Zone, and the South Zone. Spend some quality time leisurely strolling and gazing at the sea, and be sure to take plenty of photos to capture these moments!

The North Zone of Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal, where you can admire the distant Tokyo Skytree, is adjacent to New Pier Takeshiba North Tower and Bayside Hotel Azure Takeshiba, among others. There are also wedding venues in this area, and there are apparently many couples that take commemorative photos on the promenade deck. The evening and nighttime views of the waterfront subcenter are also romantic.

The South Zone is adjacent to the New Pier Takeshiba South Tower and the Hotel Intercontinental Tokyo Bay. It's one of the best viewing spots, offering a panoramic view of the Rainbow Bridge and the Fuji Television headquarters in Odaiba. It's extremely popular as a date spot, with a scenic night view that you can't miss out on.

Once you go past the South Zone, you'lll reach the Takeshiba Small Ship Terminal Waiting Area. Although it is lower than the promenade deck, you can still enjoy views of the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from here. It's truly a hidden gem of a spot.

If you arrive at the right time, you can also watch the arrival and departure of ships at the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal. On this day, the Seven Islands Tomo, which connects Tokyo and the Izu Islands, was docked at the port. Currently in service are the Tachibana Maru and Sarubia Maru chartered passenger ships operated by Tokai Kisen, the jet boat Seven Islands, and the Ogasarawara Maru chartered passenger ship operated by Ogasawara Kaiun.

In addition to fully enjoying the seaside view at Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal, various events are regularly held in collaboration with the local community, such as summer festivals and food truck events. Additionally, once every two years, there is a fair where you can enjoy specialty products, delicious food, and traditional regional performance arts from the Izu and Ogasawara Islands. The next fair will be held in 2025, so be sure to keep an eye out for any information.

With the opening of the Waters Takeshiba and Tokyo Port City Takeshiba complexes in 2020, the Takeshiba area, centered around the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal, has become an even more attractive area. It serves not only as the gateway to the Izu and Ogasawara Islands but can also be enjoyed as a destination in itself.

The Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal
1-16-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo-to
https://www.tptc.co.jp/terminal/guide/takeshiba
Open (Waiting Area 1 and 2): 7:00-22:00 (If there is a ship arriving or departing after 22:00, the waiting areas will be open until that ship arrives or departs).