6 reasons to take a boat trip in Tokyo

Make one boat tour in Tokyo It was one of the best experiences on this trip to Japan. In addition to listening to traditional music and seeing the city’s beautiful illuminated landscapes at night, we were able to try Japanese cuisine. We filled the buchinho with delicious Sukiaki!

This activity is ideal for couples, being a very romantic trip in Tokyo, especially because they put several lights on the top floor of the boat. However, it’s cool for families or small groups too.

Furthermore, this boat tour in Tokyo is carried out on a traditional type of vessel called Yakatabune and which is closely linked to the nobility of Japan.

In this article I will tell you about Japanese curiosities and customs, share our experience and tell you why you need to add this boat trip in Tokyo to your Japan itinerary!

Boat trip in Tokyo with traditional music

I recommend the boat trip in Tokyo for couples at night who want to escape the busy neighborhoods of the city and are looking for different and unique experiences in Japan. For families it can also be a great opportunity, but I think the little ones can enjoy it more during the day. These are two very different experiences!

As I mentioned above, this activity is carried out on a type of traditional Japanese vessel that includes dinner, traditional music and exclusive views of Tokyo Bay. Understand a little more about the history and curiosities!

tokyo boat trip at night — Tokyo Boat Trip with Traditional Music

What is Yakatabune?

The Yakatabune is a type of private Japanese boat that has been used since the 8th century as a form of entertainment for the
aristocracy. These boats are still used on cherry blossom tours and fireworks festivals.

Because it is linked to wealth, many Japanese companies rent Yakatabune for employee parties. It’s a way to connect with culture, interaction between people and also splurge on fine multi-course dining on a traditional boat! Normally on this occasion, sake is available hehe

The Yakatabune are the only boats that can make the journey in Tokyo Bay. Some tours are well located on the canals, passing by attractions such as Tokyo Skytree, while others operate further south in the bay itself, close to Rainbow Bridge.

During the route there is some type of performance, such as traditional music, with dinner. Dishes can vary a lot, such as sukiaki, king crab, sushi… it largely depends on the menu agreed in advance.

travel tokyo by night boat ride — Yatakabune Boat and Rainbow Bridge

What is Shamisen?

The Shamisen is a three-stringed Japanese musical instrument, originating in China, and popularly played by geishas and in kabuki theater. It has a very characteristic sound and can be played alone or accompanied by voice and clapping.

On this boat trip in Tokyo with traditional music there were two musicians who played shamisen and also created a very pleasant and fun atmosphere.

shamisen japanese instrument — Artists playing shamisen on the boat tour in Tokyo

I reported the entire boat trip experience in Tokyo in the video below about what to do in Tokyo, click to watch

How much does this tour cost?

Prices for a boat trip in Tokyo with traditional music may change depending on the date, as prices vary depending on demand and high season. Furthermore, there is the issue of the menu.

We did this tour at the end of September, it lasted 90 minutes and included the Sukiaki on the menu. This dish is cooked on a portable stove on the table in front of you, prepared with beef, vegetables, tofu and noodles, tossed in a delicious sweet and savory sauce. It is a popular dish for gatherings with friends and family and served with rice and vegetables. Non-alcoholic drink available.

The cost per person was 100 euros (around R$530). I thought it was worth it as it includes a show, dinner, unlimited drinks and the tour itself, which is a spectacle in itself!

>> Book here Yakatabune Dinner Cruise and Traditional Japanese Show <<

sukiaki boat tour tokyo yakatabune — Sukiaki served during a boat trip in Tokyo

Why take a boat trip in Tokyo?

Here are some reasons to live this experience:

1 – Tokyo is the most populous city in the world, with 37 million inhabitants living there. When we visit the city it’s a rush everywhere, lots of people and crowded attractions and many are linked to technology. We wanted to try a very different activity that showed another side of Tokyo, a traditional side that still lives on!

2 – It’s a tour that you won’t find in other countries, not to mention it’s a unique opportunity to listen to traditional music and try local cuisine. Oh, and of course, the views of the buildings in Tokyo at night are a sight to behold.

3 – Try delicious local food during the tour! The sukiaki was wonderful!!

what to do in tokyo at night boat yakatabune — What to do in Tokyo at night: boat trip!

4 – The service from the crew was perfect, everything was well organized, organized and attentive.

5 – It’s not often that you can hear musicians playing this traditional instrument! The shamisen is seen in private shows, and if it is played by geishas, the value is much higher.

6 – The price of this tour includes the artists’ presentation, delicious dinner, unlimited drinks and the tour itself, which is a spectacle in itself with the night lights of the buildings in the Japanese capital!

attractions tokyo at night boat yakatabune — View of Odaiba and Rainbow Bridge

What was the route of the yakatabune boat?

The starting point was at Etchūjima Pier, a ferry port on the southeast side of Tokyo. The boat passes several islands and bridges until arriving in Odaiba. The Fuji Television Building is located here, one of the most futuristic buildings in the area!

Here you make a 15-minute stop to admire the Rainbow Bridge, the suspension bridge that crosses Tokyo Bay. It has this name because it is sometimes illuminated in different colors.

Food is served upon arrival, so you’ll probably finish your meal by the time you reach Rainbow Bridge.

tokyo at night statue of liberty — Futuristic Fuji Television building and Statue of Liberty

How was our boat trip in Tokyo

As we booked through the GetYourGuide app, it was possible to follow the instructions on how to get to Etchūjima Pier, using Google Maps, as both are interconnected.

We arrived about 20 minutes early, we were able to enjoy the view and the tranquility of the place. Our host soon arrived and directed us to the correct boat. There were many Japanese company groups giving a private tour.

The yakatabune is covered with tatami inside, so we went in without shoes. The environment was very comfortable and the service was great, everyone was very lively, attentive and friendly!

As soon as we arrived, they turned on the portable stove and in 12 to 15 minutes it was ready! Simply delicious!

The musicians spoke little English and were very fun, always trying to communicate with us using a translator. They even risked several words in Portuguese. That day there were only one other German couple with us on the boat.

rainbow bridge tokyo at night — Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo

After about 50 minutes we arrived close to Rainbow Bridge, where the boat was stopped for some time and the staff set up several tables and chairs with lights on the upper deck. This part was a surprise, I simply loved it! What an incredible view of Tokyo!

We were able to take lots of photos and they also helped us take some. On the other side of the bridge is Odaiba, a district with shopping malls and restaurants. In this area, the Gundam robot is located in front of the store. Gundam BaseO Miraikan National Museum of Science and InnovationLegoland, Odaiba Marine Park and Teamlabs.

From the boat we could only see the Fuji Television Building, one of the most futuristic buildings in the area, and the Statue of Liberty built to celebrate Japan’s relationship with France. There are 2 more in Shimoda and Osaka.

The return was via the same route passing by Tokyo Tower.

romantic tokyo boat tour — Boat trip in Tokyo: a very romantic activity!

We found this experience in GetYourGuide, a platform that brings together activities with locations around the world and also sells tickets and tours! It’s a German company that I trust and always use on my trips. Now she has become a sponsor of the blog and our YouTube channel and we are very happy to share the best experiences with you!

Book Tokyo Boat Trip here >>

I hope you enjoyed this Boat Trip in Tokyo article! Leave your comment if you have any further questions and check out our other articles about this beautiful country!