Looking for something different to do in the capital? Leave the crowds behind and set sail down the Sumida River or scud across Tokyo Bay, letting the fresh breeze blow away the cobwebs. Tokyo cruises operate throughout the year, but are especially recommended in the summer months.
Boarding a traditional yakatabune or another type of boat is a great way to escape the sticky heat, plus — if you time things right — they can offer front-row seats to some of Tokyo's best fireworks festivals. Read on for a round-up of the best Tokyo cruises.
What is a yakatabune?
A yakatabune is a traditional Japanese boat that dates back to the Heian period (which was from 791-1185). Typically small, low-slung and privately-owned, yakatabune have a longstanding reputation as party boats, or "pleasure boats", ferrying merrymakers around bays and along rivers while they eat, drink and enjoy the passing scenery.
Identifiable by their festive red lanterns, these roofed boats are a common sight around Tokyo Bay, as well as on the Sumida River, especially on hot summer nights. Some can be booked for the exclusive use of a private group, while others offer space onboard a shared cruise. You'll also spot yakatabune boats in other parts of Japan, notably Kyoto, where they cruise around Arashiyama.
Best Tokyo cruises
1. Private Tokyo Bay cruise with kaiseki multi-course dining
Start with this intimate, traditional Japanese cruise experience in a private yakatabune, a traditional Japanese pleasure boat. The boat features elegant counter seating that accommodates two to 10 guests. You’ll depart from Harumi Wharf and gently roam the river to soak up the stunning views of Tokyo Bay, Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge.
The highlight of this cruise is the opulent kaiseki multi-course meal, prepared right in front of you by skilled chefs. Guests can enjoy luxurious selections like Japanese spiny lobster, unagi freshwater eel, wagyu beef and Edo-style sushi. The meal includes beers and wine, making this a perfect choice for a romantic night out.
Cruise Tokyo Bay on this luxury dinner cruise.
2. The Cruise Club Tokyo: Night cruise with a luxurious French meal
Sail on the Lady Crystal ship, affectionately known as “the Grande Dame of Tokyo,” for a lavish French dining experience with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay. This 120-guest-capacity ship features three floors, including a dining room, private deck, private rooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
There, chefs prepare beautifully plated French fares on par with the city’s upscale restaurants. The route takes you around the Odaiba area, extending to the East Passage near Tokyo DisneySea and for the most enchanting experience, opt for the dinner cruise to enjoy Tokyo’s glitzy nighttime views, including a spectacular sail under the Rainbow Bridge.
3. Funayado-Tsurishin Yakatabune: A traditional Sumida River journey
The journey of the Funayado-Tsurishin Yakatanube takes you down the Sumida River, seeing the sights of Tokyo from a unique vantage point. You’ll sail under the Harumibashi, Kachidokibashi, Tsukudabashi and Tsukijiohashi and glide under the magnificent Rainbow Bridge.
The route then brings you around Odaiba, a vibrant waterfront area known for its lights and futuristic architecture. As you meander through these picturesque waterways, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal featuring a tempura assortment and seasonal sashimi.
The winter season features specialties like fugu and chanko nabe — a hearty stew eaten by sumo wrestlers. Daytime and nighttime cruises last for 2.5 hours and start from ¥12,000.
4. Amitatsu Yakatabune: A cruise back in time
It feels like you’re cruising back in time to Edo-Period Tokyo inside Amitatsu’s yakatabune. Departing from Azumabashi in Asakusa, this traditional dinner boat cruises along the Sumida River towards Tokyo Bay, offering views of Odaiba and Tokyo Skytree.
The tatami-matted floors and low tables enhance the historical ambiance and set the scene for a lavish Japanese multi-course meal featuring freshly fried tempura, sashimi and seasonal ingredients. Especially popular in summer for fireworks and in spring for cherry blossoms, this 2.5-hour journey also includes an nomihodai all-you-can-drink option with wine, sake and beer.
5. Funasei Yakatabune: A traditional pleasure boat experience
The experience of the Funasei Yakatabune pleasure boat cruise begins in the waiting area, made dramatic with mist, lighting, Japanese lanterns and traditional wooden beams. The boat’s chosen course carries along the Sumida River, where you can enjoy stunning views of Tokyo Skytree.
If you can tear your eyes away from the majestic Skytree for long enough, you’ll also see that your meal is an exquisite spread of Japanese cuisine: appetizers of sashimi, mains of rice and udon, and traditional desserts. The tempura is made fresh on board and the menu changes seasonally, so you’ll have plenty to try throughout this 2.5-hour cruise, including an all-you-can-drink option.
6. Symphony Tokyo Bay Cruise: A romantic escape from the city
The Symphony is a well-known name in the Tokyo dinner cruise game. The luxurious cruise ship sails around Tokyo Bay and is the perfect venue for anniversaries, birthdays and engagements. Day or night, it takes you on a dazzling route, offering panoramic views of Tokyo Tower, Odaiba and Tokyo Skytree.
Guests can choose a luxurious full-course lunch or dinner meal from several cuisines: elegant French cuisine with seasonal ingredients, casual Italian, or traditional Japanese. For Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, the cruise ship even has its own sushi counter.
At night, Tokyo’s lights create a mesmerizing, almost magical spectacle. The cruise departs from Hinode Pier, passing through the Rainbow Bridge and heading to Odaiba and you can catch glimpses of Haneda Airport and Tokyo DisneySea from the ship.
If you want something different than the usual dinner dates, this is a perfectly romantic date night in Tokyo — especially if you opt for the sunset cruise.
7. Harumiya Yakatabune: Dinner, music and dinner and geishas
Enjoy an exquisite kaiseki meal and stunning views of Tokyo Bay on the Harumiya Yakatabune, made even more memorable with geisha, Japanese entertainers and the gentle ocean breeze. All of Harumiya’s boats feature horigotatsu — Japanese low tables with sunken floors — and a sky deck where you can admire the allure of Tokyo at nighttime.
The Odaiba and Skytree course takes you on a dramatic sightseeing journey to emblematic landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge. Entertainment options are available only for private charter boats, making it perfect for groups, and the meals are driven by seasonality, with sashimi sourced directly from Tsukiji Market and fresh, crispy tempura.
8. Tokyo Nouryousen Cruise: Summer party on the bay
A popular summer cruise in Tokyo, the Tokyo Nouryousen Cruise leaves from Takeshiba Terminal (near JR Hamamatsucho Station) and takes guests around Tokyo Bay, returning to port in just under two hours. Dinner is a simple bento box, but drinks are unlimited, and there are often music and dance events onboard.
Simple izakaya food like karaage and yakisoba are also available and you can even get a discount if you wear a yukata on designated days. This special summer cruise only operates between July and September, so grab your sunglasses and jump aboard!
Tokyo cruises FAQs
How much does a cruise in Tokyo cost?
The price for a yakatabune cruise in Tokyo ranges from approximately ¥10,000 to over ¥30,000. It largely depends on what kind of meal plan you select. The average cost is around ¥13,000 to ¥15,000 per person.
How long is a Tokyo dinner cruise?
It depends on the operator, but most Tokyo Bay and river cruises take around 2 to 2.5 hours.
How far in advance should I book a Tokyo cruise?
It depends on the season, but it's usually a good idea to book a Tokyo cruise about a month in advance.
Explore other food experiences in Tokyo — including the wildly popular bar-hopping tours.
