Cruising around Edo

In part thanks to all the Olympics-related construction happening out by the bay, Tokyo's waterfront areas are undergoing a quiet revival, with new restaurants, cafés and other exciting hangouts popping up here and there along the capital's rivers and canals. Such developments will hopefully help revive the city's reputation as an aquatic metropolis – an aspect that was largely lost during the turmoil of the 20th century. For a look at how Tokyoites lived in harmony with the water during the Edo era, check out the Ota Museum's July special, which focuses on ukiyo-e depicting maritime amusements from 'pleasure boats' to firework festivals in locations such as Nihonbashi, Tsukudajima, the Sumida River and Shibaura. The exhibition features work by some of Edo's greatest masters, including Hokusai, Hiroshige, Kuniyoshi and Kunisada.