Pleasure Boat / Water Cruise Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
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  Akita
  
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  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
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  Hyogo
  
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  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

Experience / Training / Vehicle

Pleasure Boat / Water Cruise

Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride

4.5

388 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kameokashi Hoduchou Shimonakajima 2

This thrilling riverboat ride travels approximately 16 kilometers from Kameoka in Tamba to scenic Arashiyama in Kyoto over a period of about two hours. The boat course was originally used as a means to transport materials down the Hozu River to Kyoto and Osaka. The natural and seasonal beauty of the gorge through which the river travels, however, was so great that this section of the river was turned into a boat ride course for tourists in 1895. Veteran boatman use pole, rudder, and oar to guide the vessel, impressively squeezing through rocky stretches. The boat continues to operate even on rainy days, when a tent is erected for the comfort of riders.

Due to a capsizing accident that left two employees dead, this cruise is cancelled until an investigation is completed. Cancelled at least through the end of June 2023.
Matsushima Shimameguri Kankosen cruises

4.0

404 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Chounai 85

Matsushima Shimameguri Kankosen cruises offer scheduled trips on large ships, setting out from the Matsushima Coast, for 50-minute cruises in which passengers can enjoy viewing the Matsushima Islands, which have traditionally been ranked as one of the “Three Views of Japan.” For an additional charge, passengers can relax and enjoy the views from the luxury seats on the ship’s upper deck. Other island cruises using medium-sized and small-boats (for groups of at least 15 passengers and at least 12 passengers respectively) are also available; because these boats have a shallower draught than the larger Nio-maru, they are able to follow different routes, giving passengers a closer look at the Matsushima Islands.

Many islands, small to large, in various shapes, some with caves, are there. In addition, there are many gulls and black-tailed gulls (in Japan black-tailed gull is called Umineko – sea cat – as its...
Tombori River Cruise

4.0

186 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Souemonchou 7-13 Taehwaemon Bridge Pier

Tonbori River Cruise is a sightseeing cruise boat which tours the Dotonbori River, one of the famous attractions in Osaka. It departs from Tazaemonbashi Wharf in front of the Don Quijote Dotonbori branch and goes under nine bridges while you see the sights of the Minami area of Osaka. During the tour, there are many good places for commemorative photos such as a gigantic octopus sign as well as a Glico man sign. The light-hearted talk by the guide is also one of the enjoyments. As the short trip requires only about 20 minutes, you can easily board when you have time to spare while sightseeing or on a date. The closest station is Namba Station.

While walking around Osaka, I came across this river cruise. I came booked a ticket and got on the boat. There was a commentator on the boat, but it was only in Japanese, so I didnt understand...
Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora and Aurora 2

4.5

256 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Abashirishi Minamisanjouhigashi 4-5-1 Road Station Ice Rink Road Abashiri

The icebreaking ship Aurora/Aurora 2 are large sightseeing vessels that in seasonal service break the drift ice of Okhotsk. In addition to enjoying the sound and impact of breaking ice from the observation deck, you might also be able to catch sight of wild animals such as seals if you are lucky. You can also watch and relax from the first or second floor where there is good heating. The ships’ schedule is decided depending on the drift ice so it is recommended that you check the official site before you go. Shuttle buses are available from Memanbetsu Airport and JR Abashiri Station.

Took this trip when the ice flows were prevalent in February. We fully expected to see an intriguing panorama of ice, but what surprised us most was just how many bird species there were out on the...
Horikawa Pleasure Boat

4.5

320 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kurodachou 507-1

A pleasure cruise which goes on a 50 minute tour of the moat surrounding the National Treasure-designated Matsue Castle in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The cruise’s coarse is dotted with famous and elegant castle town sights such as Shiomi Nawate-dori Street and the Former Samurai District. The water birds, flowering plants growing by the water, and other highly seasonal scenery is also a must-see. The cruise boat itself is eight meters long, two meters wide, and covered with a small roof; a toasty kotatsu (table with a blanket and heater underneath) is provided in winter. The Hori River the boat travels is spanned by 17 bridges, and when the boat travels under particularly low bridges, the roof must be lowered to pass.

The experience of having to duck down so that the roof can be lowered was fun. We had the additional pleasure of having two volunteer guides from the Matsue Goodwill Guide Group to assist us in...
Otaru Canal Cruise

4.0

188 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Minatomachi 5-4

You can find the ticket center and dock at the Otaru Canal Chuobashi Bridge located about a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station towards the port. You can enjoy the history and romance of Otaru City from the canal boat with cruises lasting about 40 minutes. With the gas-powered street lights along the canal, the night cruises are a beautiful sight to behold. During the cold winter a canopy covers the boat and heaters are provided to keep passengers warm.

The tour itself especially the night time cruise (when it runs) is OK by be aware commentary is in Japanese only. So if you do not speak Japanese not worth doing cruise. As cruise does not have...
Nagatoro River White Water Rafting

4.0

169 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saitama Pref. Chichibugunnagatoromachi Nagatoro 489-2

This traditional river rafting tour is offered each year from around March 10 to early December. Customers can choose between three courses - from Oyahana Bridge to Iwadatami, from Iwadatami to Takasago Bridge, and one course traveling the full length from Oyahana Bridge to Takasago Bridge. No advance reservation is required and tours leave every five to 20 minutes. A special limited time tour is also offered in winter which has riders sit in a toasty-warm kotatsu (heated table with a blanket).

Took the long (in terms of time) train trip out to Nagatoro on a beautiful day, looking forward spending time on the river, planning to do both routes. When we arrived, we were told that I...
Santa Maria Sailing Model Ship of Osaka Bay

4.0

128 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Osakashi Minato-ku Kaigandori 1-1-10

A tour cruise ship operating in the bay area in Minato Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. The ship’s dock is located near the Tempozan Harbor Village mall and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Modeled after the Santa Maria, Columbus’ flagship when he set sail to journey around the world, this sailing vessel, popular with children, is about two times the size of the original. During their journey, riders can enjoy views of bay area sights like Maishima and Universal Studios Japan. The twilight cruise (reservation required), which sets off with the setting sun, is particularly popular.

We took the sunset cruise and had a great experience and view of the Osaka har our during sunset. It’s free with Osaka Pass.
Dougashima Yuransen Cruising

4.5

140 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunnishizuchou Nishina 2060

These are sightseeing cruise boats that depart from Nishi Izu-cho, Kamo County in Shizuoka Prefecture; cruises last for approximately 20 minutes and tour round the mysterious caves of Dogashima. The cruise tours the ever-changing ria coastline and the small islands that pepper the sea as well as the Tenso Skylight Cave where the blue sea sparkles in the light that shines through a hole in the ceiling and Sanshiro Island than can only be accessed on foot at low tide. As the cruises depart every 10–15 minutes, you can drop by anytime when you are out for a drive.

Its not that beautiful in reality when seen from boat as some of pictures mention. Better to see the cave area from top by short 10min hike on top of caves.
Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Pleasure Cruise

4.0

117 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokushima Pref. Miyoshishi Yamashirochounishiu 1520

This sightseeing tour boat departs from the “Restaurant Oboke Gorge Mannaka” and the “V”-shaped Oboke Gorge can be seen from the river. Visitors can also see the Natural Monument, Ganrekihengan (pebbly schist) up close and the scenery of the gorge can only be described in one word: stunning.

You can get the tickets once you arrive at the reception. Ticket for an adult is 1200 yen and the boat ride is around 30mins (round trip). Since the temperature was quite cold, the services staff...
Lake Kawaguchiko Excursion Boat

4.0

92 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi Pref. Minamitsurugunfujikawaguchikomachi Funatsu 4034

Modeled on southern European lake resorts, the Ensoleille is your cruise boat for the popular Lake Kawaguchiko Excursion Boat, which operates from late August to mid November. It is now barrier-free, and you can bring pets aboard too. On days with good weather, not only can you see upside-down Fuji, but you can also enjoy Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi with Unoshima Island in the background-the only island on the Fuji five lakes.

We just returned from our Mt Fuji day trip. We decided to concentrate only at Lake Kawaguchi. So we did the Ropeway and the Lake cruise. Cost is ¥1600 for adult and ¥800 for child. You can purchase...
Tokyo Mizube Cruising Line

4.0

207 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Sumida-ku Yokoami 1-2-15

The Tokyo Mizube Cruising Line is a water bus that travels along the Sumida River, Arakawa River and Rinkai areas. It offers various courses including not only the standard cruises but event and charter cruises. The “Asakusa-Odaiba Cruise” which tours from the Asakusa area to the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba area is popular for viewing the Senbonzakura (thousands of cherry trees) in Sumida Park in the spring season, while the night cruise that allows guests to take in Tokyo’s splendid night scenery is recommended for dates.

Took the trip from Asakusa to Hamarikyu Gardens. Its a goid way to get there, but the fitter on a less wet day could was along the river. The scenery is uninspiring and going out the commentary was...
KOKUDO KYUSHI FERRY

4.0

38 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Nishiuwagunikatachou Misaki 1700-2

A sea ferry that connects Saganoseki Port in Oita Prefecture with Misaki Port in Ehime Prefecture. This is the shortest connection between Shikoku and Kyushu at 31 kilometers wide, taking about 70 minutes to cross. It is part of National Route 197 which connects Kochi City with Oita City, but instead of using a bridge to cross the water, it has a ferry passing over the sea. The ferry makes 16 round-trip crossings every day, from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Along with scenic view seats, shops, gallery seats, and group seating, there are a variety of accessible facilities including wheelchair accessible elevators (phone reservation required) and multipurpose bathrooms.

四国を楽しんで、あまり知られない、伊方町三崎へ、海を見ながら進んでゆくと、小さな港があります。ここに大きく国道九四フェリーの看板、中にはいって係の人に従って、列に入りました。早く到着したので、ダメ元で「一便早めに乗船できるか確認しましたが、これは残念・・・スペースが有れば、乗れるようです。車に乗ったまま乗船して、客室へ移動、海を見ながら一時間少し、雨でしたが揺れることもなく、定刻に別府に到着しまし...
Kanmon Line Ferry

4.0

153 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Kitakyushu-shi Moji-ku Nishi Kaigan 1-4-1 Marine Gate Moji

A ferry line connecting Moji Ward in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, with Karato Town in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It boards and departs from the Mojiko Pier on the Kitakyushu side and from the Shimonoseki Karato No. 1 Pier on the Shimonoseki side. The crossing time is approximately five minutes. While crossing the Kanmon Strait you'll have an amazing view of the Kanmon Bridge, Ganryu Island, and more.

In 2018 I spent the best part of a whole day walking from Mojiko to Shimonoseki via the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel. On a beautiful sunny Spring day; a thoroughly enjoyable 11~12km walk, taking in the...
Shiretoko Sightseeing Ship

4.0

135 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shari-cho Shari-gun, Hokkaido Utoro-e 107

The Shiretoko Sightseeing Boat operates daily from the end of April to the end of October. The primitive landscape seen from the ship is an exceptional view. Due to its large size the ship is stable and does not rock so much. You can enjoy the scenery leisurely from either a non-reserved seat on the first floor or a reserved seat on the second floor, but the observation deck is recommended if you want to take great photos. It is about 50 minutes by bus from JR Shiretoko Shari Station. It takes about two hours by car from Memanbetsu Airport.

We booked a trip to the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula during the GW. On the day of the departure waves were too high and the trip was changed to thei Kamuiwakka Falls instead. We decided to go on...
Yagiri no Watashi

3.5

130 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, Matsudo-shi, Chiba Prefecture

A small, manually-propelled ferry boat connecting Shibamata and Chiba Prefecture which has been operating since the early Edo period, the Yagiri no Watashi is the only such traditional ferry still in operation in Tokyo. In summer, the ferry operates daily; in winter, the ferry only operates on weekends, holidays, and the day of Koshin, the 57th of the sexagenary cycle.

あの有名な歌にある矢切の渡し！！実際に見てみると、寂しい感じですが、昔もそうだったんでしょう。なんか哀愁ある感じでした
Kinugawa River Boat Cruise

4.0

121 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kinugawaonsenohara 1414

On the Kinugawa River Boat Cruise visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery traveling downstream in a boat skillfully oared by the boatman. The boating experience is in operation daily between mid-April to late November. The rare and oddly shaped rocks and scenery throughout the seasons are magnificent and the cruise thrilling. If there are seats available visitors can board the boat without prior reservations.

It was a pleasant and relaxing boat ride down the river. Despite not able to understand the boatmans introduction of the scenery along the river. We had truly enjoy the scenery.
Lake Biwa Cruise Michigan

4.0

104 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Otsushi Hamaotsu 5-1-1

A pleasure cruise ship which operates out of Otsu Port in Hamaotsu, Otsu City. The cruise began operating in 1982. The ship is modeled after an American Mississippi riverboat; inside, touches like chandeliers and luxurious carpets engender an atmosphere that is out of the ordinary. The ship has two restaurants, a bar, VIP room, and sky deck offering sweeping views of Lake Biwa. The ship offers three types of cruises as well as seasonal event cruises. The ship can also be rented out and using for weddings and other special events.

We happened upon this paddle boat cruise so decided to take it. Being from the US, the idea of cruising on a paddle boat named Michigan would be novel. The cruise took 80 minutes, cost 2780 yen...
Hakone Lake Ashi pleasure cruises

4.0

35 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Ashigarashimogunhakonemachi Motohakone 45-3

Board a pleasure cruise traveling Lake Ashi in Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo County, Kanagawa Prefecture. There’s a scheduled route which connects the four harbors of Hakone Sekisho-ato Port, Motohakone Port, Hakone-en Port, and Kojiri Port, as well as a round trip routes which leave from and return to each of the four. The round trip routes take anywhere from 30 to 70 minutes depending on the harbor. A 70 minute tour route circling Lake Ashi departs only from Kojiri Port. Cruise-goers can enjoy traveling across the lake’s waters while gazing at the mountains of Hakone and Mt. Fuji. Together with a trip on the Hakone Pirate Ship, which also sets sail on Lake Ashi, taking one of these pleasure cruises is a staple of any visit to Hakone.

If you ever go on a tour and there is a boat option. take it! It gives you another perspective of the area you are seeing, a different place to sit, and an opportunity to stretch your legs. We...
Sanin Kaigan National Park Uradome Coast Island Cruise

4.5

62 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tottori Pref. Iwamiguniwamichou Otani 2182

A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour along the Uradome Coast—one of San’in Coast’s leading scenic spots. You can see the beautifully grand seas, with a 25- meter-deep visibility, an awe-inspiring cave mouth and cliff walls, as well as areas around odd rock formations. And you simply must not missing hearing the friendly Captain’s guidance provided directly to you.

Clear weather made the trip enjoyable. Close up view of stones. Clear water allows one to see the seaweed and life under water. No English translation.