Watch the fireworks from a cruise ship at night. A day spent in Takeshiba

When you think of fireworks in Tokyo, you think of summer — gazing up at the sky in the middle of crowds and sweltering heat.

I like that too, but there's a completely different way to enjoy fireworks.

A night spent watching fireworks from a cruise ship gliding across Tokyo Bay in winter, with the city lights as your backdrop.

This time, I experienced a night cruise departing from Takeshiba to watch the Rainbow Fireworks off Odaiba. Wine in hand, no crowds, no scrambling for a spot — just a front-row seat on the water for a winter night on Tokyo Bay.

Start your day at Tokyo Port City Takeshiba

The cruise departs from Takeshiba — a waterfront area facing Tokyo Bay. It's right in the heart of the city, yet somehow the air feels a little more relaxed here.

I arrived a bit early and spent the time before departure exploring Takeshiba. Around Tokyo Port City Takeshiba, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants clustered together, so there's no need to worry about how to fill the time before boarding.

You don't even need a plan. Just stroll along the waterfront or sit on a bench and take in the view — before you know it, your mind has already started to unwind.

A stylish afternoon tea at Mesm Tokyo

Before departure, I stopped by Mesm Tokyo, a hotel on the Takeshiba waterfront, for afternoon tea.

Mesm Tokyo offers a themed afternoon tea that changes with the seasons. On this occasion, the menu was a collaboration inspired by Dalí's melting clocks — a world where art and sweets overlap, each piece a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.

Savoring tea slowly in a hotel with the waterfront stretching out beyond the window — even before the cruise, the mood was already more than set.

A short stroll through the harbor and gardens

As departure time drew closer, I took a short walk around Takeshiba. Winter air is crisp and clear, and with fewer people around, it's a perfect season for a stroll.The area is dotted with spots like Hama-rikyu Gardens, the Former Shiba-rikyu Gardens, and waterside promenades — even a brief walk offers one new scene after another. I found myself taking photos of the illuminated Atre Takeshiba, pausing to gaze at the evening skyline.This time before boarding felt like it was already a real part of the day, not just filler.

Board the cruise and head out onto Tokyo Bay at night

Stepping aboard, the atmosphere was calmer than I expected. The Tokyo Bay night view was right there beyond the windows, and even before we had left the dock, it already felt like being somewhere a little bit special.

With a glass of wine in hand, the ship set off toward Odaiba. There's something deeply soothing about gliding quietly across Tokyo Bay. As we neared Odaiba, the Rainbow Fireworks began to light up the sky.

The city lights and fireworks sharing the same view, all seen from the deck of a ship — it really is a different experience from watching on land.

No crowds, no staking out a spot. Everyone on board was quietly taking in the fireworks, each in their own way. What stood out most wasn't the excitement, but how easy it was to see and how comfortable it felt. Winter fireworks, I thought, can be this peaceful.