Tokyo on water: best cruises, boat rides and water sports in Tokyo

Centuries ago in Japan, yakatabune were the pleasure boats of wealthy merchants, aristocrats and military leaders, and they were lavishly decorated, often with tatami mats and low tables for dining. Nowadays, these traditional wooden longboats are seeing a revival as private entertainment vessels for groups to enjoy Tokyo’s night scenery over food and drinks.

However, this doesn’t mean yakatabune are off limits to casual tourists. Yakatabune Amitatsu, which has been in business for over a century, also caters to couples and smaller groups on one of their eight ships, all equipped with a sky deck. Make a booking for the Odaiba-Skytree Cruise, which takes you from Tokyo’s heritage centre, Asakusa, to the modern pleasure island Odaiba. The two-and-a-half-hour cruise comes with a bar and a Japanese dinner that includes tempura and sashimi, and there’s a vegetarian option, too (pre-book during reservation).

In spring, Amitatsu also offers a special sakura tour that takes you to some of Tokyo’s most picturesque riverbanks, all flanked by cherry blossoms.

The Yokohama cityscape is picturesque, but you’re really here for the ‘Blade Runner’-esque vista in the neighbouring city of Kawasaki. The Keihin Factory Zone, to be specific, is made up of massive industrial units, power plants, warehouses and cranes set along canals – and come nightfall, the steely industrial zone is all lit-up, creating post-apocalyptic scenery that looks like it’s lifted straight off a sci-fi flick. It’s a mesmerising sight, especially with the vista reflected in the water.

The 90-minute night cruise departs from Osanbashi Pier, located between Yokohama’s Minatomirai waterfront and Chinatown. It’s a small group on a small boat that’s all the better for navigating through the narrow canals.

A boat ride into the past, Funaasobi Mizuha introduces you to the city’s history through the four main rivers in Tokyo: Nihonbashi, Kamejima, Sumida and Kanda. During the 90-minute tour, you’ll discover the ancient stone walls of the old Edo Castle, historic bridges and railway-related heritage sites, plus ancient waterways excavated about 400 years ago, which go to explain how and why Tokyo is really a city of water.

It’s an illuminating journey that reveals a side of Tokyo few visitors get to appreciate. There’s a knowledgeable English-speaking guide on board and you can bring along food and drinks for a little picnic on the boat. Each reservation comes with a small souvenir and guide to Tokyo’s waterways.

This is not your standard tourist tootle out-and-back, but a relaxing sightseeing cruise that gives you a brand new perspective on the city. There are multiple sessions from morning to night, taking you out to Tokyo Bay for spectacular views of the iconic Rainbow Bridge, the bustling man-made island Odaiba – which is known for its shopping malls and amusements – and Haneda Airport.

You might just want to enjoy the cruise, but you can turn it into a waterborne meal at one of the boat’s restaurants; options range from French and Italian to Japanese cuisines and there’s even an international buffet. Otherwise, there’s a bar if you want to drink in the view with, well, an actual drink. Park yourself on the open deck and watch the buildings parade past like an architectural catwalk show.

Every major city seems to have its own gimmicky duck bus, including Tokyo, except here it’s reimagined as the ‘Hippo of Tokyo’ (Tokyo no Kaba). Popular with kids, the journey starts on land in Odaiba and hits the water with a huge splash, with an enthusiastic tour guide narrating as you go. The bus-boat takes a leisurely journey through Tokyo Bay, passing Odaiba Beach, the Rainbow Bridge and the futuristic architecture of the Fuji Television headquarters.

Tours run during daylight hours but adults will appreciate the sunset on the last tour of the day. It might be a trip catering to children, but we’re all kids again when the bus-boat splashes into the water.