Pleasure Boat / Water Cruise Spots in Hokkaido Area

Area

Hokkaido
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
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  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

Experience / Training / Vehicle

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...
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...
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...
Underwater Observation Boat New Shakotan-go

4.0

70 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Shakotangunshakotanchou Bikunichou Funama 1979-2

From the windows of the Underwater Observation Boat New Shakotan-go you can see the beautifully transparent waters known as the Shakotan Blue. It takes about 40 minutes to go around the scenic spots and witness the spectacular scenery of the sea around Shakotan. Boat departures take place every day from late April through to late October (canceled if heavy rain, inquire beforehand) and depart at regular intervals of about one hour. From Sapporo to Shakotan Bikuni takes about 2.5 hours by highway bus. From Yoichi Station takes about 48 minutes by regular bus.

Great tour with beautiful views, some underwater action and the feeding of a flock of seagulls. Money well spent. The tour guide only speaks Japanese but that doesnt take away from the experience...
Shiretoko Sightseeing Cruiser Dolphin

4.5

42 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido Utoro-e 52

Experience the intense excitement of Shiretoko on “Dolphin”, Shiretoko’s sightseeing cruiser, unlike you could on a larger vessel. The cruiser is in operation from the end of April to the beginning of October. On board the cruiser there are sofa seats and men and women toilets. It is approximately a five minute walk from “Shari Bus Utoro Onsen” bus stop on the bus from JR Shiretoko Shari Station.

14:10の便に乗りました。時間がありましたが、何処かへ行くまでもなかったので早めに受付をしました。 13:45に集合し駐車場で説明を受け、先着6名まで船首に乗れると言うので、折角だから挙手。シートがないので少しすわりにくいですが、景色は最高。キャプテンの説明を聞きながら、1:30で知床半島の先端まて。帰りも熊を探しながら戻りましたが、残念ながらお目にかかれませんでした。
Akan Sightseeing Cruise

4.5

30 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Kushiroshi Akanchouakankonsen 1-5-20

The Akan Sightseeing Cruise travels around Lake Akan, famous for its marimo (ball shaped green algae), from May to November. As well as the pleasure cruiser, you can also choose to ride in a motor boat, or a Japanese houseboat. The pleasure cruise takes about 85 minutes which includes a 15 minute stop so you check out the unusual looking marimo. Cruises depart from the Marimo-no-sato Pier and the Koun-no-mori Pier.

This is not exactly the most active way to spend 75 minutes but we enjoyed taking some great photos of the lake and blue skies while onboard. The highlight for me at least was stopping for 15...
Onuma Yusen

4.0

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Kamedagunnanaechou Onumachou 1023-1

Onuma Yusen is a pleasure boat on which you can relax and enjoy the Onuma Quasi-National Park, which includes three lakes and Mt. Komagatake and is one of Japan’s Top Three New Views. The Island Circuit route runs regularly from May to October, and you can relax while going round the islands on Onuma Lake and Konuma Lake which requires about 30 minutes. There are also motor boats, rowing boats, and pedal boats, and winter activities such as snow mobiles on the ice, 4-wheel buggies and snowshoe tours can also be enjoyed in the winter.

もしかすると違う業者かもしれませんが、大沼公園駅近くの観光案内所でワカサギ釣り体験を案内していただき訪問しました。アクティビティー価格は周辺の業者さんの価格に比べて全てに於いてかなり割高ですが手軽なので利用しました。訪問時は無風だったので湖上でのんびり釣りを行う事が出来ました。１.５時間で３０匹程度釣り上げる事が出来ましたが、お土産の唐揚げには２皿分の代金請求があったため１皿分調理をお願いし...
Bekkai Town Sightseeing Boats

4.0

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Notsuke-gun Betsukaicho Odaito Minatocho 232 Betsukaicho Odaito Fishing Port Community Center

The Betsukai town sightseeing boat is a tourist boat that connects the Notsuke Peninsula between the Shiretoko Peninsula and Nemuro Peninsula in Hokkaido, and Odaito, a port town on the other side. It is Japan's largest sand peninsula, famous for its desolate appearance. It is also known as the flower peninsula. There are many courses to be enjoyed such as the Todowara forest course, Kunigo Island Course, a nature watching course searching for wildlife in the Nemuro Straits, a seal watching course for a limited-time, and shell fish gathering course. The cruises operate from mid-May to the end of October.

天気も良く約２０頭のアザラシを見れました。でも風が強かったからか船が近づくと波で泳いでいるだけで、アマモの上で休んでいるのはいませんでした。全身を見たかったけど、頭だけ出してこちらの船の方を見てる姿も可愛かったです。
Toyako Onsen Pleasure Cruise

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Abutaguntouyakochou Touyakonsen 29

Lake Toya and Nakajima Island is a crater lake formed through volcanic activity about 100,000 years ago. Cruise schedules change between summer and winter; during the summer cruises depart every 30 minutes and in winter they depart every one hour. You can enjoy the abundance of nature from the lunch cruises which depart three times a day, the summer fireworks cruise, and the Nakajima Island cruise.
Abashiri Nature Cruise: Whale, Dolphin, and Sea Bird Watching

4.5

3 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Abashirishi Minamisanjouhigashi 4

This cruise is operated by the Abashiri City Tourist Association, which is located at Roadside Station Ryuhyo-Kaido Abashiri. Its whale, dolphin, and sea bird watching tours run from April to October. Under the skillful guidance of Captain Maeda, there's a high chance you'll encounter whales and dolphins while getting to see the ecology of the thriving Okhotsk Sea up close. The animals you can see change from month to month, and you might even encounter unexpected animals like killer whales. A cruise lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

With a blue sky and a flat sea we went on our hunt for whales. On the 3,5 hour trip we saw several orcas after half an hour but after that only dolphins from a distance. I know that the staff can’t...
Drift Ice Breaker Garinko-go II

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Mombetsushi Kaiyoukouen 1

The world’s first drift ice-breaker cruise ship Garinko, began in 1987, was replaced with Garinko 2 in 1997, has a total length of 35 meters and can carry up to 195 passengers. In summer it is also acts as a fishing boat and proves to be a powerful force throughout the year. Because it’s the northernmost sea in Japan this is where you’ll find ice-breakers. You can reach the Garinko by a connecting bus in about twelve minutes from Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport. It takes about three hours by intercity bus from JR Asahikawa Station. They also have plenty of events going on all through the year.
Lake Toya Central Motorboat

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Abuta-gun Toyako Cho Toyako Onsen 33

Come easily enjoy motorboating in the crystal-clear Lake Toya, located within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Their motorboats, the Stealth 3M, can be used without a license, and are known for easily allowing their users to go tripping across the lake. Large groups can also reserve motorboats and depending on chosen course you can land on Benten Island, Kannon Island, or Oshima Island. The goddess Benzaiten on Benten Island is said to answer prayers regarding to matchmaking.
Salt Valley 408

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otaru-shi Shioya 1-27-23

The boats and rafts on this exploration tour glide through secluded area of the coast, the blue cave. Customers can explore the aqua blue cave located between Shioya and Otamoi. This playground, originally known by the nickname of Nukedooshi, is in a secluded area that is only reachable by small boats and sea kayaks. One of the characteristics of the tour is that it is less susceptible to the wind than the alternative route from Otaru Port. In addition to being able to enjoy the comfort of a pleasure boat, customers also have the choice of feeling closer to the sea in a towed raft. The raft is an active adventure ride with the surrounding scenery and the sea spray from the waves, so if customers don't want to get wet or who have weak legs., it is recommended that they ride in the pleasure boat.
Otaru Bay Cruise

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otaru-shi Minatomachi 4-2

This sightseeing boat provides a splendid view of Otaru from the sea surrounded on three sides by mountains. Customers can enjoy the sea view of Otaru with its ever-changing unique and varied landscape. Seen from the sea, Otaru has a completely different atmosphere to the city's warehouse-lined canals. The emerald luster of the sea is another superb view that cannot be seen from the land. There are two sightseeing courses available. The Shukutsu route is convenient for visitors who would also like to make a trip to the Otaru Aquarium and Nishin Goten (herring castles), and the Otamoi route, which offers views of the scenery created by the cliffs of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park.
Shiretoko Nature Cruise Evergreen

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Menashigunrausuchou Honchou 27-1 'Road Station Shiretoko/Ruu' Back Street

Enjoy bird watching throughout the year as well as whale and dolphin watching in summer (May to October) and drift-ice watching during the winter (January to April) on the sightseeing cruise ship, Evergreen. Cruises depart from Rausu fishing port in Shiretoko. Informative guides talk about the life and characteristics of the animals, and in winter you can see Alaska pollock fishing up close.
Sightseeing Cruise Hamanasu

Travel / Tourism

372-1 Rausu Honcho, Higashinomiya-gun, Hokkaido (waiting center)

Sightseeing Cruise Hamanasu is located about 90 minutes by bus from the Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport. The Hamanasu sightseeing cruises operate under a ‘slow watching principle’ with cruises departing from the Hamanasu boarding area located close to their Hamanasu office in Rausu. The relaxed pace of the cruises enable passengers to observe at close quarters without threatening the sea life. In addition to the popular whale watching, you can also see the drift ice up close in winter. Cruises usually last for about two and a half to three hours. Drift ice watching is from January to the end of March.
Gojira-iwa Sightseeing (Rausu Office)

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Menashigunrausuchou Honchou 30-2

Gojiraiwa Sightseeing conducts tours of the Shiretoko Peninsula, covering Utoro in the west to Rausu in the east. They offer a variety of tours throughout the year. They also have connections with many local hotels providing overnight tours at guest houses and pensions.
Bay Cruise Bluemoon

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Hakodateshi Suehirochou 14-17

The “Blue Moon” sightseeing pleasure cruise operates from the end of March until the end of December. It is the first cruise in Hakodate to be recommended as part of the Hakodate waterfront development. There is a bay cruise (duration is approximately 30 minutes) and a night cruise which operates during specific periods (duration is approximately one hour). It is located approximately 25 minutes from the Hakodate Airport by car, and about 20 minutes on foot from JR Hakodate Station.
854 Cruise

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Kamisogunshiriuchichou Kotanishi 99-8

854CRUISE (Yago Cruise) explores the Yago coastal area. The highpoint of the cruise, the blue grotto, was only given approval for access by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, after one year of negotiations. To be enveloped in the shimmering color of the deep blue water cave is truly a mesmerizing experience. Depending on the timing, visitors may encounter wild birds, dolphins or other creatures. The small tour boat, Yoshitsune, allows for a close dynamic experience with nature that is almost a tangible experience. (reservations required)
KANEMORI BAY CRUISE

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Hakodateshi Toyokawachou 11-5 BAY Hakodate inner diving

Located a five-minute walk from the Jujigai tram station, this cruise from Bay Hakodate is a 15-minute tour of Hakodate Bay. High speed boats depart from the Uchibori area by the bay. The inside of the ship is equipped with comfortable sofa seats. A seat next to the cockpit is popular with children, letting them enjoy the breeze and the power of the boat on the water. The unique opportunity to experience passing under Shichizai Bridge is a highlight. Seeing Goryokaku Tower, Hakodate Mountain, and the large ferry that connects Aomori and Hakodate from the water is also great. This all-weather pleasure boat began operating in May of 2017. It's also recommended for romantic sunsets.

Travel / Tourism Experience / Training / Vehicle Pleasure Boat / Water Cruise Pleasure Boat / Water Cruise

Hokkaido Areas

Not just a prefecture but an island of its own, Hokkaido is the most northerly prefecture and island of the Japanese archipelago. Arriving in Hokkaido, which is rural and bursting with breathtaking nature, means entering a world where vast national parks, towering mountains, and natural hot springs can be found at every turn. Come December, these natural splendors freeze over and morph into a winter wonderland.