5 Best Yakatabune River Cruises in Tokyo for Lunch & Dinner

One of the most memorable things that we did in Tokyo was riding the Yakatabune, a Japanese houseboat where you can enjoy lunch or dinner and traditional performances. The cruise gave a different perspective of the megacity from the water and let us experience local warmth and hospitality. Book the most popular Tokyo Yakatabune Cruise here — get up to 5% discount when you use our promo code TRAVLISTS.

In a nutshell

• What is Yakatabune? This is a traditional Japanese houseboat where you can enjoy both sightseeing and a delicious local meal on water. Taking the Yakatabune dinner cruise is recommended for couples who want to have a romantic experience in Japan, as well as friends and families who want to see the city from the Sumida River in Tokyo.
• Price. Yakatabune sightseeing cruises without meals typically cost around $45 per person, while the lunch or dinner houseboat experience averages around $70-100. Click here to see the most affordable and popular option on Klook. For GetYourGuide users, click here.
• Yakatabune Cruise + Tokyo Tower. Want to visit Tokyo Tower as well? Our team recommends booking this Yakatabune Cruise with Tokyo Tower admission to save money — enjoy an extra 3-5% discount with our promo code TRAVLISTS.

Quick Book

Best Traditional Japanese Houseboat Experiences in Tokyo

Like the Seine River cruise in Paris, the Han River cruise in Seoul, and the Chao Phraya River cruise in Bangkok, you can cruise along the scenic Sumida River in Tokyo aboard the Yakatabune. This is a traditional Japanese houseboat that offers a delightful 3-in-1 experience: sightseeing from the water, cultural performance, and an authentic Japanese meal. Our team found this to be a relaxing way to spend the afternoon or evening in the city, and we do recommend it to families, couples, and friends who are looking for a more local and intimate activity.

But what’s so special about it, you ask? The Yakatabune, also referred to as Pleasure Boat, was originally made in the Heian Period (794-1185) as a private vessel where the wealthy lords could entertain their guests. These boats were designed to be luxurious and homey inside, which is why it was typically called a “houseboat”. Today’s Yakatabune cruises resemble the same style, and tourists can now ride them to enjoy the unique Pleasure Boat experience.

If you are thinking about riding a Yakatabune in Tokyo, below you will find the best options that you can book at a discounted price:

1. Yakatabune Lunch & Dinner Cruise in Tokyo Bay

Our first option is a Yakatabune that offers a nice 2-hour lunch or dinner cruise experience. The lunchtime houseboat departs from Shinkiba Sanbashi in Tokyo at noon, giving you a nice view of the city during the day. The dinner cruise, on the other hand, departs at around 4pm. It offers a romantic and captivating sunset houseboat experience with a view of the city lit up towards the end. In either lunch or dinner Yakatabune cruise, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine with drinks (typically Monjayaki or savory Japanese pancakes with sake). Our team at Travlists likes the low tables, which lets passengers experience a traditional way of floor seating dining.

• PRICE: Book here starting at $66.15
• INCLUSIONS: 2-hour cruise & Monjayaki lunch or dinner course with sake
• HOURS: This daytime Yakatabune experience is available for booking at 12:00 PM & 04:00 PM (both sailings follow a 2-hour course)
• BEST REVIEW: “We enjoyed a Japanese feast on a [Yakatabune,] which cruised from [the] Sumida River to Tokyo Bay in Tokyo. [The inside] of the boat was clean and new, and the restrooms were spotless. The cruise was very smooth, and I did not get seasick, which I normally do. We were able to take great pictures of the Sky Tree, Rainbow Bridge, and other spectacular views in Tokyo. The food was wonderful. We were very satisfied to enjoy Japanese cuisine such as sushi, eel, tempura, and Japanese soba noodles all at once. When we ordered Japanese sake, the waiter was kind enough to pour more SAKE even though it was already overflowing from my glass. I have never experienced anything like this before! In the future, I would like to bring my family back to this Edomae Kisen for another SAKE performance and a great Japanese cuisine,” reads a review on Klook.

2. Yakatabune Dinner Cruise & Cultural Show on Tokyo Bay

Having been booked more than 2k+ times, this option is the most popular traditional houseboat experience in Tokyo. Unlike the first option above, this Yakatabune offers the complete experience: sightseeing, dinner, and entertainment. Many travelers who booked this activity loved the route of the river cruise — it passes by Tokyo Tower, the Japanese Statue of Liberty, and the Fuji TV Network Building, where Pokémon was filmed. The Sukiyaki or hot pot dinner also delights, along with the cultural show that features a senior Japanese artist.

• PRICE: Book here starting at $102.75
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: 90-minute cruise, Beef Japanese Sukiyaki dinner, drinks, and multilingual staff (English, Japanese, & Chinese)
• HOURS: Departures available from 4:50pm and 7:20pm
• BEST REVIEW: “[This] was a wonderful experience! I took my three children (11, 8, and 8 years old)… we chose [the] beef hot pot… the food was delicious! [The] boat was really cool [with a] very traditional feel. [The] performance was great – folk singer and koto player…” a review for this Yakatabune dinner cruise on Klook reads.

3. Yakatabune Sightseeing River Cruise

Looking for a budget-friendly Japanese houseboat experience? This one is for you! Designed for those who are only interested in cruising along the river and enjoying the views, this Yakatabune offers a scenic noon or afternoon ride with a cultural performance. This is great if you are only looking to get the sightseeing experience with a bit of cultural entertainment.

• PRICE: Book here starting at $45.15
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1-hour Yakatabune cruise, cultural performance, & refreshments
• HOURS: Departures available at 1pm or 2:10pm
• BEST REVIEW: “We totally recommend this experience. Easy to find the pier at Etchujima… [This was one of the] highlights of our trip to Tokyo. The [English-speaking] guide was lovely and very helpful.”

4. Yakatabune Cruise & Tokyo Tower Bundle

Hit two birds with one stone with this money-saving bundle! This Yakatabune River Cruise with Tokyo Tower admission bundle provides a sightseeing experience from the water and up high. Get to enjoy the chill river cruise with Sukiyaki dinner and traditional instrumental performance, as well as the stunning views from the iconic tower of Tokyo City. If you plan to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or a special occasion while traveling in Tokyo, this is the Japanese houseboat experience to book.

• PRICE: Book here starting at $109.7 — use Klook promo code TRAVLISTS to get a 3-5% discount
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: 90-minute cruise, Beef Japanese Sukiyaki dinner, drinks, multilingual staff on board (English, Japanese, & Chinese), & an open-dated admission ticket to Tokyo Tower (valid for 6 months)
• HOURS: Departs at 5pm or 7pm
• BEST REVIEW: “Very happy [and] interactive experience. We booked [the 5pm] flight, which was just the time when the sunset transitioned to the moonrise… Miss Karen’s trilingual service was so strong that she took care of the guests at each table… [The] folk song teacher’s singing was very immersive, the interactive arrangement of the three songs was gradual, and everyone had a lot of fun. I bought a ticket for Tokyo Tower, [and] now I’m taking the Oedo Line to see the night view.”

5. Yakatabune Houseboat with Selection of Meals (2.5 Hours)

For a longer sightseeing experience (up to 150 minutes), we recommend this Yakatabune Lunch or Dinner Cruise on KKDay. It not only offers an extended ride, but also flexibility in terms of meals (you can choose from a variety of menus featuring tempura or sashimi). Prices for this Japanese houseboat are also a little bit cheaper, starting at around $90. Check rates ➜

• PRICE: Book here starting at $90.2
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: 2.5-hour lunch or dinner cruise and meals
• HOURS: The dinner cruise departs at 6:30pm during the weekdays and 5:30 or 6pm on weekends
• BEST REVIEW: “[The boat] was set up with separate tables… [everything] looked very nice, [and the] food was really tasty and fresh…”

Private & Luxury Yakatabune Cruises in Tokyo

Looking for a private Japanese boathouse experience? Charter or rent a private Yakatabune cruise and enjoy a more intimate time with your loved ones or significant other. Here are the best options to book:

• Private Yakatabune Cruise for 4-15 people (from $471.9)
• Luxury Yakatabune Cruise for 2-3 people (from $1665.5)

Let us know about your trip

Share with us your Yakatabune experience in Tokyo and which option you booked to help other travelers!