90 Minutes on Tokyo Bay by Yakatabune Boat | Sukiyaki, Shamisen Music, and a Fountain Show with Tokyo Tower

Boarding a Red-Lantern Yakatabune from Etchujima

The cruise lasts 90 minutes. The boat's exterior is hung with red lanterns, and the interior features traditional tatami-mat flooring—a vessel that carries the atmosphere of old Edo even before you step aboard.

Yakatabune boats were once used by nobles in the Heian period, and by the Edo period, samurai and merchants used them to entertain important guests. In this experience, you'll actually board one of these boats, remove your shoes, and take in the views of Tokyo Bay from a tatami-mat seating area.

The tour is offered in Chinese, English, and Japanese, and is a group tour enjoyed by couples, families, groups of friends, and even office parties.

First, Gather Around a Warm Pot of Sukiyaki

The standard meal is sukiyaki, with beef as the default option. If you'd prefer pork, or a vegetarian version with vegetables simmered in a sweet soy-based broth, you'll need to contact them at least 3 days in advance. If you have any allergies, note them in the remarks field when placing your order.

Soft drinks are included and unlimited. Trays are set out on the tatami seating, and through the steam rising from the pot, you can glimpse Tokyo's night skyline drifting past outside the windows.

Children aged 3 and up are charged the adult rate, and infants under 3 are currently not permitted to join. Families considering this experience should confirm this point in advance.

The Sound of Shamisen Fills the Boat

As the meal progresses, a professional musician begins a live shamisen performance. The sound of the three strings fills the tatami-mat interior, wrapping the space in the atmosphere of old Japan.

The traditional performing arts on display vary depending on the day's arrangements. If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary aboard, you can request a song in your honor.

As you listen to the music, the Tokyo skyline gradually shifts outside the window. The boat continues on toward Odaiba.

Off Odaiba: The Roughly 10-Minute Tokyo Water Symphony

The highlight of the cruise is the fountain show known as the "Tokyo Water Symphony," viewed near Odaiba. Water jets, music, and lighting combine to bathe the bay in color. The show lasts about 10 minutes.

Head out to the deck for an unobstructed view, or watch calmly from inside the cabin. During cherry blossom season or the autumn foliage months, the surrounding scenery itself becomes a highlight.

Note that the fountain show may be canceled or rescheduled due to strong winds, heavy rain, or other operational reasons. Please check the schedule on-site on the day of your visit.

After Disembarking: Up to the Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

After the cruise ends, you can head over to the Tokyo Tower observation deck. Take the elevator up to 150 meters above ground for a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo.

Tokyo Tower tickets are handed out by your guide on board, and they're valid for 6 months. You can head straight there the same day, or use them another time.

Having seen Tokyo from the water, you now take it in again from 150 meters up. Experiencing the same city from two contrasting perspectives—sea and sky—is what makes this plan unique.

Things to Check Before Booking

• The tour runs 90 minutes as a group experience
• Available in Japanese, English, and Chinese
• The standard meal is beef sukiyaki; pork or vegetarian options require notice at least 3 days in advance
• Note any allergies in the remarks field when ordering
• Children aged 3 and up are charged the adult rate; infants under 3 cannot join
• The fountain show may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather or operational reasons
• Tokyo Tower tickets are handed out by your guide on board and are valid for 6 months
• Since the boat interior is tatami-mat flooring, shoes that are easy to slip on and off are convenient
• Contact customer service for private charter inquiries
• Check cancellation/change policies as well as the latest prices and departure times

Changes to the meal require notice at least 3 days in advance. Prices, departure times, and plan details may vary by season, so be sure to check the latest information before booking.

In Summary

This is a 90-minute cruise around Tokyo Bay aboard a yakatabune boat departing from Etchujima in Koto Ward, Tokyo. Step aboard a boat hung with red lanterns, gather around sukiyaki on the tatami-mat seating, and take in the night skyline while listening to live shamisen music. Soft drinks are included and unlimited.

As you approach Odaiba, enjoy about 10 minutes of the Tokyo Water Symphony, where water jets, music, and lighting come together. After disembarking, head to Tokyo Tower to wrap up the experience with a 360-degree view of Tokyo from 150 meters above ground. Tickets are handed out on board and are valid for 6 months.

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